Feeling ungrateful

Ask a Therapist Is This Normal?
1

I feel so ungrateful for being depressed, i have a good family, financially stable bc of my parents, pretty good friends around me (but i dont have close ones), so why am i always so…. Down? Its so weird i feel like im a toddler begging for attention bc i literally have things that people wish for. I dont understand my stupid brain.. i rly dont understand why im like this.

2

Dear @gaarawr

Thank you for reaching out to share what you are going through.

Firstly you are not being ungrateful for feeling depressed. I have observed that feeling depressed does not depend on how “good” or “bad” life looks. It is possible to have supportive parents, stability, and friends, and still feel low.

I believe there may be an important need that is not being currently met which is contributing to the depression. Reading your post where you mentioned that you do not have close friendships, it is likely the lack of connection could be one of the factors. Wanting attention is not childish, in fact I see that you want connection and to feel understood, which is a normal and universal human need.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. It would help to talk to someone who’s there to listen without judging such as your school counsellor, or to call the 24/7 national mindline at 1771 for immediate support.

Do reach out soon for support you fully deserve to reduce distress and improve wellbeing. :yellow_heart:

3

Hey OP,

As someone who’s been diagnosed with depression and currently on antidepressants, it doesn’t matter how many times you tell yourself that you “should be grateful” to have more in abundance than others do. It’s a chemical imbalance in your brain that no matter how many times you try to “will” it away, it won’t work. Trust me, I’ve gaslighted myself into thinking that maybe if I try hard enough to be grateful and have better coping mechanisms, I can control my depression. Spoilers: it did not.

So, be kinder to yourself. It’s not easy; sometimes I go back into that spiral of negative thoughts. Talk to someone you trust or seek out free mental health resources that are available. Wishing you well, OP :heart: