11 Ways To Figure Out Why You Feel Like “What’s wrong with me”

There are many reasons why we might ask ourselves, “What’s wrong with me?” It could be because we’re feeling down, stressed, or anxious. It could also be because we’re going through a difficult time in our lives, such as a breakup, job loss, or the death of a loved one.

Sometimes, we ask ourselves this question because we’re simply overthinking things. We might be comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we don’t measure up. Or, we might be dwelling on our mistakes and regrets.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that everyone asks themselves, “What’s wrong with me?” occasionally. It’s a normal part of being human.

When you find yourself in a state of self-doubt or questioning like ” What’s wrong with me?” it’s essential to remember that these feelings are a natural part of the human experience, and you can always try something to feel better about yourself. Try to acknowledge and accept your emotions without judgment. It’s okay to feel this way from time to time.

RELATED: 6 Ways to Live Life Without Regrets

Common Reasons for Suffering, “what’s wrong with me”

The root cause of suffering makes you feel what’s wrong with me. Psychiatrists’ offices are filled with people carrying this wrong belief, often stemming from Trauma or negative childhood experiences.

Sometimes, we inferred this idea because we were mistreated as children, and we didn’t get our physical or emotional needs met. Perhaps we were called selfish because we “asked for too much,” or we were forced to believe we couldn’t have what we wanted because we didn’t “earn it.”

Our young minds are impressionable, and we may draw the wrong conclusions about ourselves when hurt or mistreated. This can lead to a pattern of self-abandonment, where we deny our needs and desires to please others.

We may suppress our emotions, especially the ones that feel forbidden, like anger or sadness. We may also people-please and try to be the “good little boy or girl” to earn love and acceptance.

All of this disconnects us from our Authenticity. We may live our whole lives according to how others tell us we should be, but we’re never delighted.

Some of us might develop symptoms like depression, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety, or even illness in the body as a coping mechanism. 

RELATED: Emotional Regulation: Skills, Exercises, And Amazing Strategies

Why You May Feel Like, “What’s wrong with me?”

Let’s begin by evaluating the potential causes first; then, we can discuss how to handle the feeling that, “What’s wrong with me?”. There are several possible causes for why you feel that “what’s wrong with me,” ranging from temporary setbacks to dealing with a prolonged medical or mental condition. See if any of the items on the list below speak to you.

1. Thoughts Can Be Wrong

Thoughts can be wrong, especially when we feel, “What’s wrong with me?”. Our minds are susceptible to negative biases, and we may start to believe things about ourselves that aren’t true.

Here are some examples to release negative emotions that we might have when we feel like something is not right with us:

• “I’m not good enough.”
• “I’m a failure.”
• “No one loves me.”
• “I’m worthless.”
• “I’m a burden to others.”

These thoughts are often based on past experiences but don’t necessarily reflect reality. For example, if we were made fun of as a child, we might start to believe that we’re not good enough. But this is just a thought, which doesn’t mean it’s true.

Remember that our thoughts are not facts. Just because we think, “What’s wrong with me?” doesn’t mean it’s true. We can challenge our negative thoughts and develop more realistic and positive beliefs about ourselves.

2. Feeling Stuck

Feeling stuck is a common experience when you feel like, “What’s wrong with me?”. You may feel trapped in your negative thoughts and feelings and have difficulty moving forward.

Here are some reasons why we might feel stuck when we feel like what is wrong with us:

• We may be afraid to change. Change can be scary, even if it’s for the better. We may be afraid of the unknown, or we may be worried about losing what we have.
• We may need to learn how to change. Even if we want to change, we may need to figure out where to start. We may feel helpless.
• We may be surrounded by people who are negative or unsupportive. The people we spend time with can impact our mood and outlook. Feeling optimistic about ourselves and our future can be challenging if negative or unsupportive people surround us.

These thoughts can be disturbing, but we will soon see how you can cope.

3. Change What Needs To Be Changed In Yourself

The process of change can be both empowering and challenging. It’s empowering because it means we’re taking control of our lives and working to improve. This can boost our self-image as we start to see ourselves as capable of transformation. However, it’s also challenging because change is rarely easy. It involves breaking old habits, stepping out of our comfort zones, and facing resistance within ourselves and sometimes external factors. 

4. Mental health issues

Dealing with mental health issues can be extremely exhausting, where the walls seem to whisper self-doubt at every turn. I’ve struggled with anxiety, and it’s incredible how it can warp your self-image. It’s like a persistent voice telling you you’re too anxious, worried, or simply too much. It can make you feel as though something is fundamentally wrong with you.

Anxiety, depression, or any other mental challenge can lead us to see ourselves as weak, broken, or inadequate. We may focus on our perceived shortcomings and use them to prove our worthlessness.

5. Experiencing Physical Illness

Experiencing physical illness can have a profound impact on our self-image. When I was diagnosed with a chronic physical illness, it felt like a seismic shift in my life. Suddenly, my body didn’t feel like my own anymore. The symptoms, medications, and limitations constantly reminded me of the memory, “What’s wrong with me?”. It was as if my body had betrayed me and began eroding my self-image. 

One of the most significant ways physical illness can affect our self-image is by altering our self-perception. We may view ourselves through the lens of our illness, focusing on our limitations and discomfort. This can lead to a negative self-impact, as we might feel less capable, less attractive, or simply different from our pre-illness self.

6. Feeling Overwhelmed

Experiencing that overwhelming feeling while believing something is not right with you can be incredibly tough. Let’s paint a picture with a real-life example:

Imagine you’re juggling the demands of daily life – work, family, personal goals – when suddenly, a wave of intense stress washes over you. You might begin to feel you’re not equipped to handle the challenges before you; even simple tasks seem impossible. This feeling of inadequacy creeps in, convincing you that you’re not as capable as others and are fundamentally flawed. It’s as if a constant storm of self-doubt is brewing within you, making it difficult to find calm in the chaos.

7. Lacking Self-esteem

 Constantly doubting your abilities and feeling unworthy of praise or recognition. You might be in a social gathering, but instead of engaging in conversations, you’re preoccupied with thoughts that others are judging you negatively. 

Many factors can contribute to low self-esteem, such as:

• Negative childhood experiences
• Criticism from others
• Bullying
• Perfectionism
• Unrealistic expectations
• Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety

8. Personal Relationship Issues

When you’re already grappling with the nagging feeling that something might be wrong with you, personal relationship issues can feel like a magnifying glass of your insecurities. For instance, imagine you’re constantly second-guessing your actions and words around friends or loved ones. You might worry that they’re silently judging you, secretly dislike you, or you’re not good enough to maintain these relationships. This heightened self-doubt could lead to avoiding social gatherings or sharing your thoughts and feelings, further isolating you from those who care about you.

These personal relationship issues can lead to emotional withdrawal, sadness, and an ongoing cycle of anxiety and self-criticism. The key is to recognize that these feelings often reflect your internal struggles and may not necessarily reflect reality. 

9. Experiencing Trauma 

Imagine you’ve experienced a traumatic event, such as an accident or a deeply distressing loss. As time passes, you may notice troubling symptoms like recurring nightmares, intrusive thoughts about the event, or overwhelming anxiety.

These experiences can leave you questioning your sanity and deepening the belief that there’s something inherently flawed within you. It’s like you’re stuck in a maze of confusion, constantly battling these symptoms that make you feel like you’re losing control.

Understanding that these symptoms do not reflect your worth or character is vital. They’re a typical response to Trauma and the mind’s processing of what you’ve been through.

10. Problems at Work

Picture yourself at your job, where you’ve been dealing with persistent issues like constant self-doubt, anxiety, and a gnawing feeling that you’re not good enough. You might find it challenging to concentrate on your tasks, fearing that your colleagues are judging your performance or secretly talking about your supposed inadequacies. These feelings can make your workplace seem like a battlefield of self-criticism, and each day becomes a test of your self-worth.

As a result, the effects of these workplace problems can be profound. You may experience heightened stress, leading to sleepless nights and a relentless cycle of negative self-talk. This, in turn, can affect your overall well-being and seep into your personal life, causing strain on your relationships and leading to isolation.

How to Cope: 11 Ways to Feel Better

Whatever the cause of the feeling that something is not right with you, there are steps you may take to reduce it. The specific cause will determine the coping strategy you apply.

1. Practice Self Care 

Self-care is taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It is essential to make time for self-care so that you can be your best self and live a fulfilling life.

There are many different ways to practice self-care. Here are a few ideas:

Prioritize Your Health: Ensure you sleep well, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly. 

Set Boundaries: Set clear boundaries to protect your time and energy. Learn to say no to commitments that overwhelm you and yes to activities that nourish your well-being.

Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Make room in your schedule for hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Whether painting, playing an instrument, or hiking in nature, these activities can rejuvenate your spirit.

Prioritize Self-Reflection: Regularly assess your goals, values, and aspirations. Self-reflection can help you make choices that align with your authentic self.

Unplug and Disconnect: Taking breaks from screens and technology is essential in the digital age. Unplugging for a while can help reduce stress and increase your focus.

2. Coping With Anxiety

How to cope with anxiety, here are some tips:

• Practice deep breathing exercises and techniques to calm your nervous system.
• Engage in regular physical activity to reduce tension and stress.
• Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive caffeine and sugar.
• Get adequate sleep to support mental and emotional well-being.
• Please take notice of your irrational thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones.
• Set realistic goals and break them into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Establish a daily routine to create a sense of predictability.
• Consider anxiety-reducing supplements or medications if recommended by a healthcare professional.

3. Coping With Depression

Depression is a treatable condition, and time and support make recovery possible. Here are some steps on how to cope with feelings of depression:

• Maintain good personal hygiene and self-care habits.
• Keep a journal to track emotions, triggers, and progress.
• Seek professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist.
• Develop a support system for friends and family members.
• Engage in regular exercise to boost mood and energy.
• Get proper sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Avoid or limit alcohol and recreational drug use.
• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.

4. Schedule a Time to Worry 

Scheduling time to worry is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) technique that can help you reduce your time worrying about things out of your control. Rather than worrying about things throughout the day, you spend a small part worrying about everything troubling you.

To schedule a time to worry, follow these steps:

1. Choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted.
2. Set a timer for 15-30 minutes.
3. During your worry time, write down all of the things that you are worried about.
4. Once the timer goes off, stop worrying and continue your day.

5. Observe Your Body

Observing your body is paying attention to your physical sensations without judgment. It can be a helpful way to increase your body awareness, manage stress, and identify any potential health problems.

Here is how to proceed:

Be present. Bring your full attention to your body and the sensations that you are feeling.

Be consistent. Try to observe your body for a few minutes each day.

Scan your body from head to toe once you are comfortable focusing on your breath. Notice any sensations in each part of your body. This could include sensations of heat, cold, tension, relaxation, pain, or anything else.

Brain fog. Write everything on a to-do list or action plan to clear your mind off the clutter.

Restless. Go for a walk or engage in some activity (such as yoga, high-intensity interval training, or treadmill walking) if you’re restless or unable to sit still.

Tense/unable to relax. Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are all recommended.

6. Make an Action Plan

Here’s a concise action plan for coming out of a negative mindset or circumstances:

• Set clear and realistic goals.
• Break goals into manageable steps.
• Use problem-solving techniques.
• Find inspiration in success stories.
• Work on strengthening your bonds with family, friends, and romantic partners.
• Create passions or hobbies, such as learning to knit or playing a sport or regular exercise, which release endorphins, which make you feel good about yourself.
• Read self-help books about subjects you are interested in.
• Finding a companion who will hold you accountable to keep you moving ahead.

7. Gain a Fresh Perspective

To gain a fresh perspective on persistent self-doubt or frequent irritability, seeking input from an outside source, such as talking to a mental health professional, can be invaluable. A therapist can offer an objective view, assisting you in understanding and managing these emotions.

They can help you distinguish between constructive and unproductive behaviors, guiding you toward a more beneficial path. This becomes particularly crucial when you feel overwhelmed by your internal struggles.

Therapy can also aid in accepting challenging thoughts and emotions. When constantly surrounded by different people, you may feel like, “What’s wrong with me?” is inherently wrong with you.

8. Accept Happiness

Our emotional environment is fundamentally shaped by our ability to accept unhappiness. We frequently assume that we will always be content, yet life inevitably has ups and downs. It’s important to understand that unhappiness is a normal human emotion and neither a flaw nor a weakness.

Practice self-compassion rather than self-criticism. In those times, be kind to yourself. Unhappiness frequently carries insightful information or indicates a need for change. Accept it, find out where it came from, and ask for help when required. You can build resilience and be more adept at navigating life’s unavoidable problems by seeing unhappiness as a temporary aspect of your path.

9. Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques are:

• Valuable tools for reducing stress.
• Promoting a sense of calm.
• Improving your mental health.

Here are some relaxation techniques to try:

Deep breathing. For a count of four, gently inhale through your nose, hold for four, and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat many times.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tend and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Physical tension can be reduced with this technique.

Meditate or Mindfulness. Find a serene area, sit or lie comfortably, and concentrate on breathing, a word, or a soothing image. Be in the moment and put your racing thoughts aside.

Visualization. While your eyes are closed, picture yourself in a serene, lovely setting. Stress and anxiety can be lessened by visualizing a peaceful environment.

Nature Walks. Spending time in nature can be relaxing. Walk in a park or by the beach to clear your mind.

Journaling. Write down your thoughts and feelings to process and release stress and replacement for therapy.

Aromatherapy: Use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus to create a soothing atmosphere.

Nature Walks. Spending time in nature can be so relaxing. Walk in a park or by the beach to clear your mind. 

10. Change that needs to be changed

Changing one aspect of yourself is a personal journey that requires introspection and determination. It begins with identifying the specific trait, habit, or behavior you wish to transform and understanding the underlying reasons for this desire.

Once you have a clear goal, it’s essential to break down the change into manageable steps and set a realistic timeline for achieving it. Seeking support from friends, family, or a mentor can provide valuable encouragement and hold you accountable.

Educating yourself about the change you want to make is crucial. This knowledge equips you with the tools and insights needed for successful transformation. Be patient with yourself during this process, as change often takes time and persistence.

11. Spend Time With Your Loved Ones

It is a priceless and rewarding experience; spending time with your loved ones promotes a sense of connection. These moments, whether they involve family, friends, or a romantic partner, form the fabric of our existence. When we take the time to have meaningful conversations, we open up a space for support, joy, and the sharing of memories.

These encounters can provide consolation in trying times and cause for delight in happy ones. Furthermore, in a world that is occasionally chaotic, the warmth and intimacy of these interactions can offer comfort and a sense of belonging. In essence, spending time with loved ones is a sign of the importance we take on these ties and a reminder to treasure the people in our lives.

Final Thoughts

Finding a beginning point for change can be difficult if you’re struggling with the idea that you have a problem. It is essential to comprehend the underlying reason behind these emotions. If it’s a physical condition, think about seeing a doctor. Concerns about mental health disorders deserve the same attention. Making a plan to lessen stress and improve your life could be the answer if life stressors are the cause. Or consult a psychotherapist.

But if the root reason is difficult to identify, reflection is necessary. Consider your opinions and look for trends. Learn to modify your cognitive processes to achieve desired results.

When these methods are ineffective, getting assistance is crucial. Support is available, and you are not the only one who feels this way. Volunteers with training can point you in the direction of solutions and a better route to let you out of the stance, “What’s wrong with me?”