What 'I Don't Feel Good' Means For A Person With Depression
“I don’t feel good” can mean a lot of things. For a child, it can mean, “Please don’t make me go to school today.” For someone else, it might mean, “I’m sick” or “I have a headache.” For others, “I don’t feel good” can mean, “I need help” or “I need a break.” When you have a depressive disorder, “I don’t feel good” can cover a multitude of problems and shouldn’tbe ignored. Reaching out for support when you need it can help you figure out what is going on and create a treatment plan. Your health and wellness are crucial.
What ‘I Don’t Feel Good’ Means For Someone With Depression
“I don’t feel good” can have a lot of different meanings, depending on whom it’s coming from and what the situation and circumstances are. When someone living with depression utters this phrase, it may signal that they need help. If someone tells you they don’t feel well, and you know they have depression, it’s vital to ask for clarification about what they mean. While they could just be feeling physically sick, this phrase could also be a sign of a larger problem or a cry for help. Staying sensitive to the situation can help you make a logical decision and get the individual who’s feeling unwell support if they need it.
The Symptoms Of Depression
Symptoms of depression cover a large array of mental and medical processes. The illness can manifest through mood changes, apathy, irritability, anger, prolonged sadness, guilt, shame, or hopelessness. Physically, depression can show up in the form of difficulty sleeping, dizziness, muscle aches, feelings of exhaustion, and tension, as well as unexplained changes in weight, including both weight loss and gain. Depression looks different for everyone living with it.
Depression’s Ebbs And Flows
Although many would surmise that depression is a chronic state of “I don’t feel good,” this isn’t necessarily the case. Depression can come with immense ebbs and flows. One minute you might feel relatively normal, and the next you may feel sick, weighed down by pain, uncertainty, or apathy. “I don’t feel good,” then, should absolutely be listened to, rather than being discounted. Not feeling good can indicate that depressive symptoms are flaring up or worsening. This article discusses how depression impacts those who struggle with it daily.
One of the hallmarks of depression is the tendency to move back and forth between feelings. Although Bipolar Disorder is characterized by more intense highs and lows, most people with depression can attest to experiencing a wide range of feelings – many of them overwhelming – on any given day. Depressive symptoms can include irritability, anger, and fear, which can manifest as lashing out, withdrawing from others, or constantly walking on eggshells, all of which can fall under the umbrella of simply not feeling well.
Why Saying “I Don’t Feel Good” Is Important In Depression
Though it is a common enough phrase, “I don’t feel good” is an important phrase in the life of someone with depression. This phrase can help you set boundaries with friends or family when you don’t feel like imparting a long story or history of your condition. It also helps you get the social support that’s so important when you’re struggling with a mental health diagnosis. Revealing you don’t feel well can be a way of indicating you aren’t up for a night of partying, without having to divulge your depressive symptoms. Saying you don’t feel well can give your employer an idea of your condition – not feeling well enough to work – without having to give an exact, distinct response as to what it is that doesn’t feel well.
“I don’t feel good” is an important phrase to have when you’re living with depression. Depression symptoms can leap up unexpectedly and make carrying out everyday tasks difficult. Everyone needs a break from time to time— even those without a mood disorder. Recognizing that you don’t feel well and need some space and support to process your emotions, rest, or even visit with your therapist is a healthy thing, and can be one of your most powerful tools in making sure you are giving yourself space and energy to heal. This phrase can simply mean that you need time to reconnect with yourself, your goals, and your needs.“I don’t feel good” in depression can be a sign of many things, but perhaps the most important one is this: it often means “I need help and support.”
The Light In The Dark
Although depression can be a difficult disorder to live with, it is not one experienced entirely in isolation; depression affects approximately 300 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Of the people who receive treatment, approximately 80% notice a significant improvement in symptoms. This is a powerful example of how seeking help and support can be life changing. While you may feel emotions like hopelessness when you’re in the midst of depressive symptoms, there are safe, effective treatment options to help you manage your symptoms. “I don’t feel good” does not have to be a constant refrain. You don't have to go through this alone, and plenty of resources are available to you.
Depression treatment can vary in terms of duration and technique. Therapy and medication are common options. Some people find their depression is most effectively treated through various medical and therapeutic modalities, while others feel more comfortable relying primarily on pharmaceutical intervention. Still, others combine different forms of treatment, as well as enlisting the help of lifestyle changes, such as improving dietary habits, engaging in regular exercise, seeking social support, and taking on mindfulness practices in order to re-center themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment; instead, it is tailored to each patient’s unique goals and needs.
Regardless of the exact treatment protocol, the fact remains: depression is treatable. For many, the most difficult part of treatment is actually getting out of the door and getting to a therapist in order to begin a solid, consistent treatment regimen. This is, perhaps, one of the most insidious parts of depression: it can render you helpless in the face of your own illness and can make seeking help extremely difficult. Many people feel as though depression is indicative of a personal flaw or failure, rather than seeing it for what it is: a legitimate, serious illness.
What Causes Depression
There is no single cause of depression. Just as depression itself is multifaceted in its symptoms, it is multifaceted and unique in its sources. Researchers are evaluating the possible causes of depression, and although they have continually identified risk factors, there is still no definitive reason for depression.
It is highly unlikely you’ve done something that has led to your development of depression. Blaming yourself is not only unproductive but it also is not backed up by research. Instead, understanding your background and environment can lend insight into why you have developed depression. Working through your genetic history and background can often also be a key to healing your depression and moving forward with your life.
Online Therapy With BetterHelp
Because the complexities of depression include how it starts, where it comes from, and whether you are particularly susceptible, the ins and outs of depression are often successfully navigated and worked through with the help of a mental health professional. Therapists act as guides through your own story and history, stepping in now and again to highlight a thought, idea, or memory that might be partially responsible for some of what you are feeling. You can connect with a licensed therapist online through BetterHelp, a virtual counseling platform.
Depression can make it difficult to leave the house or even to get out of bed in the morning. Online therapy lets you get care from the comfort of your bed or home to make getting support easier and more convenient. You can connect with your therapist in a way that feels most comfortable to you.
The Effectiveness Of Online Therapy
Therapy has many purposes that can help with your past, present, and future. As online therapy grows in popularity, you may find yourself curious if it works just as effectively as traditional, face-to-face options. One study showed that internet-delivered therapy was significantly efficacious in reducing adult depression symptom severity, regardless of gender, financial status, or health status. For those who had never received psychotherapy treatment before, it was even more particularly effective.
The Takeaway
Depression can feel overwhelming, and the reasons for it are complex and drastically different from person to person. Despite this, there is hope: depression is one of the most treatable mood disorders. With time, determination, and support, your depression, and corresponding “I don’t feel good” can be the exception, not the rule. Online therapy may help you move through this process more effectively so that you can get back to living a productive, healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I not feel well?
When someone says they don’t feel well — it can mean a variety of things. When someone with depression feels overwhelmed or tired, they may say they don’t feel well so that they don’t have to explain themselves to others. People don’t feel good for a variety of reasons. In some cases, people feel ill or debilitated in relation to physical symptoms. Other times, they feel this way because of mental health disorders like depression that are flaring up.
How do you say I don’t feel well?
When it comes to managing your health and wellness, the best way to say I don’t feel well — is to just say it. Saying I don’t feel well can cover a number of issues, from mental to physical health and beyond. This gives you and the person you’re speaking to a clear idea that something is upsetting or hurting you and that you need time to recuperate or seek help.
Is it not feeling good or not feeling well?
It really doesn’t matter how you say it. The important thing is to tell someone if you’re not feeling well or good, despite the reason.
What does I don't feel good mean?
“I don’t feel good” is usually an indicator that someone is feeling unwell and would like to excuse themselves from an obligation, conversation, etc. People aren’t always able to communicate exactly what is causing them not to feel good. When someone tells you they “don’t feel good,” be sure to follow up with them to make sure they’re okay and got the support they needed.
Why do I feel unwell all the time?
If you find that you’re not feeling well more often lately, it could be a sign of something bigger. Ask yourself what’s been happening in your life lately. Have things become more demanding at work? Are you feeling overwhelmed about the kids? It’s important to get to the bottom of what’s causing you to feel unwell. Start by contacting a licensed medical provider to rule out serious medical or mental health issues.
Can stress and anxiety make you sick?
If your body is constantly in a state of feeling anxious or sick, it could cause serious damage in the long run. Unchecked mental health issues can show up as somatic symptoms in the body. Indicators of potential mental or medical health issues are frequent headaches and unexplained aches and pains. Get help from a licensed medical professional if you’ve been feeling like this for longer than a few days.
Can stress make you dizzy?
Yes, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed — it can make you dizzy. Some people who go through frequent bouts of anxiety and panic attacks experience dizziness along with other symptoms like fainting or blackouts. If stress has been making you dizzy lately, talk to a medical professional or therapist to learn more.
What does it mean when you just don’t feel good?
When you just don’t feel good most of the time, it means there’s some physical or mental problem preventing you from feeling well. If you’re healthy in every way, including physically, emotionally, and mentally, you will have a sense of well-being most of the time.
Why don’t I feel good when I wake up?
The problem might be what is called sleep inertia. This happens because your cerebrum needs time to restore its blood flow to normal levels.Another reason might be if you have one of the many medical conditions that disrupt your sleep. For example, sleep apnea disrupts airflow, and you might wake up with a morning headache, dry mouth and throat, and not enough sleep. You might feel bad in the morning if you don’t practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding screen time before bed and establishing a nighttime routine. Also, people who grind their teeth while they sleep can wake up with jaw pain and a headache. Drinking alcohol before you go to bed disrupts your sleep cycle and can prevent you from getting restorative sleep. These are just a few of the medical problems and habits that can make you feel bad when you wake up.
How do you know if something is wrong with your body?
Knowing certain physical signs and symptoms to watch for can help alert you if it’s time to see a medical professional. Some of these include:
- Chest pain
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden weight loss without trying
- Sudden feelings of confusion
- A fever that won’t go away or keeps coming back
- Shortness of breath
- Leg swelling
- Severe abdominal pain
- Long-lasting and unexplained fatigue
- Pelvic pain
- Excessive urination
However, it’s important to remember that these signs are just warning signals. If you experience any of these signs, it’s crucial that you talk to a doctor about them. They can examine you, run any necessary tests, make a diagnosis, and offer the most powerful treatments for your condition.
Is malaise a sign or symptom?
Malaise is defined as a general feeling of uneasiness, discomfort, or illness with no particular or known cause. Malaise can be a symptom of many different medical problems, including:
- Bronchitis or pneumonia
- Acute viral syndrome
- Influenza
- Tuberculosis
- AIDS
- Congestive heart failure
- COPD
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Adrenal gland dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Cancer
- Anemia
- Side effect of some medications
What does it mean when you can’t feel your body?
Not being able to feel your body is known asdepersonalization-derealization disorder. It means the cognitive processing of your body signals has been disrupted in some way so that you have no awareness of the information that would normally come from your body to your mind. This disorder often happens to people who have been in an extremely stressful situation, such as being emotionally abused or neglected as a child or experiencing physical abuse, domestic violence, or witnessing violence.
What to say when you don't feel good?
A lot of people have been led to believe that they shouldn’t say ‘I don’t feel well’ when they are in physical or emotional pain to avoid sounding 'weak’ or dramatic. But especiallyfor those struggling with mental illness, this belief can be incredibly damaging and disempowering.
When people are living with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, it can be hard or even impossible to explain exactly what is wrong – not to mention the stigma and discrimination that those with mental health conditions continue to face every day. And since mental health problems sometimes don’t cause noticeable physical symptoms, many people wind up struggling in silence out of fear of being judged.
If you have a mental health condition and don’t feel well enough to go to work, school, or carry out your daily tasks, do not feel obliged to give people a detailed explanation of what you’re going through. Just like you’d say ‘I don’t feel well’ if you had a stomach bug without going into any details of how you spent the night throwing up, a simple ‘I don’t feel well’ also suffices when you’re hurting emotionally.
How do I feel better instantly?
Most people feel down from time to time. While there’s not always a way to feel better right away, you can do things to help. Whether you feel unwell because of stress, anxiety, or simply because you’re struggling with a low mood, here are a few tips to seize control of the situation and feel a little bit better:
- Take a break
- Get some sleep
- Go for a wellness walk or do your favorite physical activity
- Talk to friends, family, or co-workers who lift you up
- Treat yourself to a delicious meal without worrying if it’s healthy or not
- Mediate or do a quick body scan to check in with yourself
- Text your online therapist
- Dance to your favorite songs
- Watch your favorite movie or TV show
- Journal
- Play with your pet
Why do I feel sick but not sick?
Malaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being whose exact cause is hard to identify. Symptoms include pain and achiness, fatigue, headaches, mental uneasiness, and discomfort. Often, malaise is the first sign of emotional or medical conditions. If your malaise is so severe that it keeps you from performing your daily activities or you experience other symptoms, talk to your doctor to rule out mental health issues or serious illness.
Why do I feel so rundown?
You may feel rundown because of chronic stress. Feeling fatigued, lethargic, and unmotivated are all signs that you may need to take a break and allow your body to rest and recover.
Is it anxiety or am I sick?
A licensed clinical psychologist or any other type of mental health professional can help you fully understand any symptoms you may be experiencing and determine whether you’re experiencing anxiety or medical problems.
What are the 3 types of fatigue?
The three most common types of fatigue include physical fatigue, mental or emotional fatigue, and social fatigue. An online licensed psychologist can help you combat these and other types of fatigue and teach you useful coping strategies to improve your mental and physical health.
Why am I always tired and have no energy or motivation?
Feeling tired and unmotivated can be a sign of depression. Symptoms of depression other than having a low mood include:
- Getting too much or too little sleep
- Feeling sick, fatigued, or experiencing unexplained chronic pain
- Weight changes
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Low sex drive
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating