Feeling Like “I Have No Life”: Connections To Mental Health
Have you hit a point in your life where you are dissatisfied with your routines and choices? Does it seem as though life just isn't what it used to be? These emotions don't necessarily mean that you have “no life.” Perhaps you've just lost touch with parts of your life that sparked interest and motivation, or maybe you're in a rough patch.
Many people experience periods of dissatisfaction or feelings of stagnation after experiencing transitions like graduating, changing careers, or relocating. Some individuals experience loneliness or social isolation even while living near friends and family. Whatever your situation, you are not alone, and with the right tools, your life can be fuller and more satisfying.
Experiencing a lack of purpose
You may have the sense that you are lost in your existence, drifting through life with nothing truly important to do, almost as if you lack purpose to drive you. Believe it or not, that's okay. It can often be overwhelming to think that you need to focus your entire life on some big end goal or dream job. Many people experience a sense of purposelessness or drifting at some point in their lives.
Rather than spend your energy trying to determine your life's purpose, try taking small steps. Start by asking yourself a simpler question, such as, "What would be a good use of my time today?" You may envision several activities that you would like to pursue. You can then break these down into smaller, more manageable goals and interests.
Keep in mind that a “good” use of your time does not have to include making money or being productive, popular, or even logical. Allow yourself the space to explore positive interests and passions, and don’t let negative thoughts make you feel guilty.
Enjoy trying new things and discovering which ones bring meaning to your life. Remember, you may have different purposes at different stages of life, so don't worry about changing your mind later on.
Facing fear
Fear can stop people from living the life they desire. Lingering fear from a past experience could be impacting you to this day. Maybe you tried something new and experienced failure, or you lost someone you cared about the last time you took a risk.
Fear can influence people over time in many ways. It can cause people to sit on the sidelines, avoid trying new hobbies or life experiences, or stop doing things they used to enjoy. It can even make people believe their lives don’t matter. It can be difficult to figure out how to overcome these impacts because few people realize that fear itself is the root of the problem. No matter how fear is affecting your feelings of worth and meaning, know that you always have the power to create change and decide on a new path.
Regaining a sense of purpose in your life
There are ways for you to start living life to the fullest again, even if you are currently lacking motivation. Here are a few ideas.
Start volunteering
If you believe you are stuck, you might be focusing too much time and energy on yourself or on problems that are too big to be solved by one person. If you aren't sure how to spend your time more beneficially, try looking for organizations where you can volunteer. Pick a cause that means something to you. If you find fulfillment in helping animals, volunteer at a local animal shelter. If you care about helping children, consider becoming a mentor through a community organization. If you want to help put an end to food or housing insecurity, then reach out to a local nonprofit or other organization focused on those concerns, and find out how you can help.
When choosing somewhere to volunteer, finding a cause that brings you out of your home and your comfort zone and encourages you to be around other people is important. You'll start making connections with other people who have similar interests and passions.
Reconnect with old friends
In addition to making new friends, you might want to prioritize reconnecting with old ones. Sometimes, we lose contact with people simply because we're busy. If you've lost touch with a close friend, give them a call, send a text, or arrange to meet up.
Let go of old friendships when you need to
One thing to keep in mind is that sometimes, holding on to old friendships can keep us from forming new ones. If your old friends have moved on to different stages of life, then it might be time to move on or take a break.
Engage in social activities
Rather than spending time surfing the internet or keeping to yourself, try to branch out and discover social activities. Perhaps try talking with someone you don't know. Practice your conversation skills in low-stakes situations like grocery stores, libraries, or even parks. Most people will be receptive to friendly conversation, but don’t feel bad if some people don’t want to talk. As you find activities you enjoy and practice conversations, you'll eventually feel more comfortable in social situations.
Find a meetup group
Meetup groups, or other support groups, can help you discover more friends who have the same interests. A quick web search might lead you to a group that regularly meets for running, paddle boarding, or hiking. Perhaps you'll find a group that attends plays or even goes out to dinner. Especially if you've just moved to a new place, meetups are a straightforward way to meet new people and become more socially active.
Meditate for better mental health
Meditation can help you get back in touch with who you are as a person. With meditation practice, you can reduce brain fog by enhancing your state of consciousness. When you stimulate your mind in a healthy way, it can positively impact your mental health, leading to greater clarity and balance.. You may find yourself more willing and motivated to engage with life, opening up new possibilities.
Read a book
Nearly two-thirds of American adults have read at least one book in the past year. While there's nothing wrong with watching a little TV or YouTube every now and then, a good book can be educational, entertaining, and inspiring.
Connect with a professional
Many people experience periods of self-doubt or low motivation. These emotions may stem from past trauma or heartache, they might be symptoms of anxiety or depression, or they might have emerged after a transition or life change. Whatever the cause, a sense of purposelessness does not doom you to a life of loneliness or drifting; it just means that you might need to try something new or seek additional help. Treatment or assistance from a mental health professional can help you find greater meaning in your life, relationships, and surroundings. Online therapy services offered by BetterHelp could be beneficial.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
The flexibility and convenience of online therapy if you feel like “I have no life”
Online therapy can be flexible, affordable, and convenient. Because you can arrange your sessions with a therapist around your schedule and lifestyle, you can meet whenever and wherever you’d like, via video chat, phone call, or text message.
Takeaway
Is it ok for mental health to not want to do anything?
It is normal to have moments or periods of time when you don’t feel like doing anything. Pay attention to your body and mind and give yourself permission to rest and recharge when you need it. Taking breaks and allowing yourself to relax can be beneficial for your mental and physical well-being and help you reestablish your motivation.
However, if you find yourself consistently unmotivated or disinterested in activities you used to enjoy, it might be a sign of a larger mental health issue like anxiety or depression. When in doubt, consider whether you’re having additional symptoms. Some symptoms people might present along with demotivation include:
- Abrupt changes in mood
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Chronic fatigue
- Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or body aches
If you’re experiencing any of these in addition to apathy or extreme demotivation for a period of more than two weeks on most days, reach out to a mental health professional for guidance.
Experiencing a lack purpose in life can also isolate you from your friends and loved ones, leaving you feeling lonely and cut off, and unable to participate in social activities.
Everyone hits a patch of demotivation now and then. If you just need a little inspiration for how to snap out of it, here are some suggestions:
Take some time to assess
The best way to get your motivation back might be to check in with yourself to see if there’s an immediate physical or emotional need that might serve as a simple fix. For example, you may feel low and kind of unmotivated because you’re hungry or need some quality sleep. You might be preoccupied or overwhelmed with something that’s impacting other areas of your life.
Practice some self-care
You might not feel like doing anything substantial, but a little self-care might help you reset your frame of mind and regain some of your motivation. Take a walk or spend time in nature. Do something you enjoy or that makes your body feel good, like stretching or yoga. If it seems overwhelming to get out, you might consider taking a soothing shower or bath. Make a cup of tea, light a scented candle, and read a good book. These things can help you relax and renew.
Journal your thoughts and feelings
Take a closer look at the potential causes for your feelings of demotivation by journaling or engaging in mindfulness exercises. As you examine more closely, avoid self-judgment and negative self-talk. Think about how you would speak to a friend going through the same thing and show yourself the same empathy and compassion.
Reach out for support
Calling a friend or loved one might give you the encouragement you need to jump start your motivation. A counselor, or therapist can also help you get to the potential root causes of your lack of motivation and identify unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute.
If your lack of motivation is focused on a specific task or area of your life, you might benefit from the services of a life coach. A life coach helps individuals set and achieve personal and professional goals make positive changes in their lives and improve their overall well-being. Life coaches work with clients to identify their strengths, values, and aspirations to help them create a plan to reach their goals. Common tasks a life coach might help with include:
- Setting and clarifying goals: Life coaches help clients identify their goals, develop a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and create a plan to reach those goals.
- Providing support and accountability: Life coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability to help clients stay focused and motivated.
- Identifying obstacles and challenges: Life coaches help clients identify and overcome obstacles that may be holding them back from reaching their full potential.
- Improving decision-making, and problem-solving skills: Life coaches can help clients cultivate practical skills to navigate personal and professional challenges.
- Enhancing personal and professional relationships: Life coaches can provide strategies and tools to improve communication, set boundaries, and build healthier relationships.
What should I do if I have no life?
“Having no life” often means different things to different people, but if you think you have no life, you may feel isolated and discouraged. It can be a challenging experience, but there are some steps you can take to bring more activity into your life. For example, take time to think about what things interest, motivate, and ignite your passions. Participating in activities that bring you joy and satisfaction can help you fulfilled and provide a sense of purpose.
Try new things, meet new people, and challenge yourself to step outside of your routine. This can help you break out of a rut and find new opportunities for growth and fulfilment.
Also, setting and working towards goals can give you a sense of direction and accomplishment. Begin small and work up to more ambitious endeavors as you gain confidence and momentum.
If you’re feeling isolated or overwhelmed, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about how you feel and what you’d like to change. Additionally, taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health contributes to overall well-being—providing the foundation for change and taking action. Exercise regularly, get plenty of quality sleep, and eat a nutritious diet to care for yourself inside and out.
What is considered a mental health crisis?
Characteristics of a mental health crisis typically vary between people, but the American Psychological Association (APA) cites a clear, abrupt change in behavior as the most common sign. Here are some behaviors you may look for if you suspect someone is having a mental health crisis:
- Difficulty or inability to function in daily life
- Difficulty or inability to care for one’s personal hygiene
- Sudden, intense changes in mood and behavior
- Increasing agitation or anger
- Violent thoughts towards oneself or others
- Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia
- Self-harm
- Withdrawal or isolation from others
- Dramatic changes in sleeping or eating patterns
How do you get mental help fast?
There are several hotline resources available for people who need to speak to a mental health professional quickly in a wide variety of situations. These include:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service, or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): 1-866-488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): 1-800-662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th : 9 AM-9PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST) National Institute of Mental Health
Online therapy platforms can also connect individuals with mental health professionals, often more quickly than finding a therapist using traditional channels such as through a referral from your general practitioner or your insurance company.
- Previous Article
- Next Article