Feeling low? A top psychiatrist reveals 10 reasons why you might be feeling gloomy

There is nothing wrong in feeling sad, but don’t you think it’s better if you know the reason behind it? Read on to know more about the triggers behind your sadness.
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There is always a reason behind feeling low. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 15:57 pm IST
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There are days when you don’t feel like getting out of bed or doing anything; all you feel is sad and gloomy. The worst part is that sometimes you don’t even know why you’re feeling this way.

Did you know? Our minds and bodies have a big role to play, when it comes to our emotions. In fact, a change in season can also trigger sadness at times. 

These are some of the most common things you mid experience when you’re feeling low:

  • You feel low on energy
  • Your head feels heavy
  • You feel irritated
  • You feel like crying 
  • You find it hard to concentrate
  • You suffer from severe body ache 
  • You either lose appetite or binge eat
  • You might also get the feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness 

But the point is that you can’t deal with it until and unless you are aware of the cause. 

So, here are ten common triggers that are making you sad
1. Brain chemicals

Some of us have brains that are more resilient to stress. A change in neurotransmitters is one of the primary reasons for depression, and the sadness that results from it.

2. Weather

“Less sunshine does make us more gloomy! On the other hand, sunshine can effectively increase our cognitive wheels and creatively solve our problems. A group of people suffer from seasonal affective disorder, in which winter blues can turn into full blown depression, and are associated with changes in sleep, appetite, and sexual activity and so on,” says Dr Rahul Khemani, consultant psychiatrist in Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai.

3. Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin is not just important to regulate your overall health, but also your emotions. Vitamin D and B12 have been linked to depression.

feeling sad
Don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin B12. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
4. Hormones

Levels of certain hormones, especially those produced in the thyroid gland, influence depression.

5. Expectations

Depression or feeling sad is not about what has happened to you, but is also about how you perceive and assign meaning to life events. We work hard in life, very hard, do the right things, but the external rewards don’t come our way. Life naturally isn’t fair; periods of struggle, suffering, and loss are inevitable. If we expect fair or special treatment all the time or expect things to never change, we are bound to be disappointed. It is important that we remind ourselves that hard times are a part of life, and that despite these hard times, focusing on the good parts is important.

6. Childhood adverse events

Any childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, loss of a parent, makes our brains cognitively less flexible, less resilient and disconnected. This makes us vulnerable to depression

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7. Stress

Financial stress, loneliness, constant fighting with loved ones, being bullied, long commutes, academic or job demands, or unemployment can drag on, triggering a cascade of effects across many areas of our lives. Chronic stress robs our ability to bounce back and depletes our mental resources.

feeling sad
If this winter feels gloomier than usual, then you could be a victim of SAD. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
8. Negative rumination

Brooding about life’s disappointments or trying to find a reason why things aren’t going your way, can also trigger sadness.

9. Inner critic

If your inner voice is constantly judging and criticizing your actions, decisions, behaviors and so on, it can impact your self-worth.

10. Loneliness

We are social animals, and loneliness is chronically stressful and depressing. Feeling left out, rejected, or excluded makes us sad.

But even after working on these things doesn’t change anything for you, then seek help from an expert at the earliest.

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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