Why Is Life So Hard? How to Manage Feelings of Overwhelm

Life’s challenges can feel like an unending series of hurdles, each one more daunting than the last. From financial struggles to emotional turmoil, the weight of these obstacles can make daily life seem overwhelming.

If you’ve been feeling weighed down by life’s twists and turns and aren’t sure why, you’re in the right place. We’ll explore the various difficulties we all face, from the pressure of societal expectations to the complexities of relationships, and explore why these issues can feel so burdensome.

Explore why life is so hard sometimes, and call us if feelings of overwhelm are impacting your mental health.

Life's problems come in all shapes and sizes, covering everything from money problems to emotional struggles that can make life feel like an uphill battle. Let's explore these difficulties and understand why they can place a weight on daily life:

The Weight of Financial Struggles

Everyone can agree on the fact that these days, almost everything comes with a price tag. We require financial resources for our most basic needs — food, shelter, healthcare, and education, and life can often seem like a struggle as a result of the constant search for financial security and stability. The pressure to make ends meet, save for the future, and provide for our loved ones can be overwhelming.

Plus, economic inequality still exists, trapping many people in a never-ending cycle of poverty. Life can be undoubtedly difficult due to the ongoing battle to close the income gap, which can also cause tension, anxiety, and a sense of injustice.

Navigating the Maze of Relationships

Relationships are the heart and soul of human existence. They offer companionship, love, and support, but they can also be a source of profound pain and struggle. Broken friendships, failed romantic relationships, and family conflicts can shake the very foundations of our lives.

The tricky dynamics of human connections often come with misunderstandings, disagreements, and heartbreaks. It can be exhausting to deal with the ups, downs, and complexities of relationships. And when things go wrong, life can feel like a storm of emotions.

The Burden of Societal Expectations

Society has an obvious idea of what pleasure and success should look like. It constantly barrages us with unjustified expectations of our accomplishments, persona, and identity. We may experience emotional exhaustion from trying to live up to these societal benchmarks, or believe that we’re falling short of a certain societal standard.

Social media's all-pervasive effect makes this problem even worse. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness when we compare our lives with edited, filtered, and frequently exaggerated representations of the lifestyles of others, often leading to mental health struggles, especially among teens. 

The Impatience for Quick Rewards

In an era of instant gratification, we’ve grown accustomed to immediate results and quick fixes. Life, however, often demands time, effort, and persistence. The gap between our expectations and reality can lead to frustration and disillusionment.

Nowadays, overnight success stories are celebrated, and millionaires are younger than ever. Still, the countless hours of dedication and hard work behind those stories often go unnoticed. This disconnect between our expectations and the reality of the effort required can make life appear exceedingly complex.

The Veil of Ignorance

Being unprepared and caught off guard by life's challenges can result from ignorance of how to handle them. Life skills like budgeting, coping with difficult emotions, and making important decisions aren't effectively taught or covered in our educational systems.

We may feel like we are wandering in the dark, unable to deal with the difficulties of life because we lack information and direction. Ignorance may certainly add another degree of complication to an already difficult existence.

The Relentless Critique

In a society where ideas are openly exchanged, criticism can be harsh. Negative feedback, whether it comes from the opinions of others or our own inner critic, can undermine our self-esteem and make life seem like a hard road. The dread of being judged or mocked can stifle our personal growth and confidence.

The Pursuit of External Validation

Many of us have a tendency to base our sense of satisfaction and worth on things outside of ourselves, including the affirmation and approval we receive from others or the acclaim we receive from society. This outside endorsement serves as a benchmark by which we evaluate our feelings of self and worth. 

The problem with relying on outside validation is that it might leave our mental stability and sense of self-worth on shaky ground. It's like trying to build a house on shifting sands. The erratic attitudes, opinions, and responses of those around us start to influence our feelings of worth and mood.

Life can feel challenging when external sources of affirmation disappoint us or fall short of our expectations.

Life is full of different seasons, each providing its own unique hardships and blessings. And as the seasons change, so do our lives. Let's see what struggles we face at every stage of our life:

How Is Life Hard During Teenage Years?

Teenage years are a difficult time in a person's life. It is a time when the transition from childhood to early adulthood takes place, marked by dramatic physical and emotional changes.

The need to fit in and define one's identity is one of the distinguishing characteristics of puberty. Teenagers often grapple with questions about who they are, what they believe in, and where they belong in the world. This search for self-identity can cause internal conflict as individuals attempt to balance their uniqueness with social standards and peer influences. 

Another powerful element at play during this period is peer pressure. Teenagers can be greatly influenced by their desire to follow the rules and habits of their peer group. Fear of being different or rejected might cause young adults to make decisions based on external validation rather than their own values.

For teenagers, independence becomes a top priority. They want autonomy and the ability to make decisions of their own. This newfound freedom, though, often comes with a unique set of difficulties. It might be challenging to strike the right balance between needing parental and mentor advice and support while also accepting new responsibilities.

Navigating the issues of teenage years can be one of life's most difficult times. Nevertheless, these difficulties also present chances for improvement, self-awareness, and the gaining of essential skills for life. Adolescence is a transformative period, and with the proper guidance and support, teenagers can emerge from it stronger, more self-assured, and better prepared for the challenges of adulthood.

How Is Life Hard During Your Twenties?

Your twenties are just as important as your teen years. You’re driven to further your education, pursue your professional goals, and realize your personal desires. It's a period when pressing life decisions must be made, and financial obligations begin to take on greater importance.

The desire to learn new things and improve your abilities is one of the characteristics of the early twenties. Many people decide to continue their education, whether it is by earning a degree, going after specialized training, or picking up new skills. During this time, career goals take center stage. It becomes more and more critical to obtain a rewarding job, advance in your profession, and ensure financial stability. Your future financial security and general life pleasure can be strongly impacted by the choices you make during this time.

Simultaneously, personal goals and aspirations come into focus. During your early to late twenties, you start concentrating on creating meaningful relationships, starting a family, and just settling down. 

Now, for some people, especially people who did not have enough direction and support in their childhood and teenage years, this stage can lead to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. The fear of making the wrong choices or failing to meet societal expectations can add to the pressure and stress experienced during this phase. Fortunately, you still have time. You can work on yourself – explore your interests, learn from your past, and chase after opportunities. 

How Is Life Hard During Your Forties?

Midlife, again, comes with its own set of troubles. It's a period when you might reflect on your decisions in life, professional endeavors, and personal development. During this stage, some people may feel particularly burdened by their obligations to raise a family, manage a career, and care for aging parents. These stresses can trigger a midlife crisis and force you to reevaluate your course in life, and you will come to think, "why is life testing me so hard lately?" 

How Is Life Hard During Old Age?

As we grow older, we inevitably face the challenges of aging. The possibility of developing health problems increases, and the likelihood of losing our loved ones rises. It can be emotionally and spiritually hard to deal with our mortality, grief, and physical limits.

Still, it's important to understand that struggles in life are not limited to certain times of the year. Problems can emerge at any stage of life, and they often appear when we least expect them. 

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Life may always have its share of challenges, but such struggles do not last forever. Life is dynamic, transforming, and developing continuously. Just as there are difficult times, there are also times of happiness, growth, and fulfillment. The challenges we face in life can help us learn important lessons that will help us become more resilient and evolved.

Living through a difficult life involves more than just surviving; it also involves thriving despite the difficulties. Let's look at how to handle challenges in life with dignity and strength.

• Accepting Life's Tough Moments: The first step in dealing with a tough life is realizing that challenges are a normal part of being human. It doesn't mean giving up; it means recognizing the situation as it is. It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes, as long as you acknowledge and understand those feelings.

• Asking for Help: Don't try to handle all your problems by yourself. Talk to friends, family, or experts who can support you. Sharing your worries and getting advice can ease your burden and show you the way forward.

• Being Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with kindness. Understand that it's natural to make mistakes, and you deserve love and care, even when life is hard. Being gentle with yourself can help you avoid feeling guilty or blaming yourself.

• Making Small Steps: Life's challenges can feel huge and unbeatable. Break your big goals into smaller, doable steps; this approach makes the path ahead seem less scary and more manageable.

• Staying Present and Grateful: Pay attention to the here and now to reduce worries about the future. Also, focus on the positive aspects of your life to boost your overall mood and outlook.

• Learning from Tough Times: See difficult moments as chances to learn and grow, and think about what you've gained from past struggles and how they've shaped you.

• Building Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from tough times. Strengthen this skill by learning how to solve problems, creating a support network, and keeping a positive attitude.

• Taking Care of Yourself: When life is hard, it's vital to look after your physical and mental well-being. Do things that make you happy, relaxed, and healthy. Caring for yourself will help you face life's challenges.

• Reevaluating Your Priorities: Use difficult times as a reason to think about your goals and what's most important to you. Are there changes you want to make to live a life that aligns better with your values? Hard times can lead to valuable self-reflection.

• Getting Professional Help: If you find it challenging to cope on your own, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals like therapists or counselors. They can offer valuable advice and support tailored to your specific needs.

Navigating life’s many challenges can often feel like an insurmountable task, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. This article has explored the myriad reasons why life can feel so difficult, from financial pressures to societal expectations. If you’ve been experiencing persistent sadness or potential depression, know that help is available. You don’t have to face these feelings of overwhelm by yourself; support is just a call away.

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Do you have more questions about feelings of overwhelm? Reach out.

CALL US: 844-620-3343

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The Edge Treatment Center has a dedicated team of mental health professionals and a range of proven therapies to support your mental health. If you require professional support, don’t hesitate to call us today. We’re here to help you navigate life’s challenges and find a path to well-being.

We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

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