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There’s no denying that life can feel trulyoverwhelmingthese days.
If you’re feeling like the challenges you’re facing are too much, you’re certainly not alone.
Why Is Everything So Much Harder For Me?
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You might find yourself pondering why everything feels so hard.
There can be many reasons for this.
First,everyones journey is different.
Just because your peers dont seem to be struggling right now, they may be facing challenges privately.
Alternatively, they may simply be in a different season of life than you.
Theres a myriad of factors that can contribute to life feeling singularly harder for us than for others.
Part of whychange is so hardis because it involves us changing our behavior.
Research shows that changing our behavior isnt a linear process.
Dont let this discourage you.
We all have different circumstances that can increase the intensity of our hardships.
The first isfamilial dysfunction.
Another circumstance that can increase the intensity of life feeling hard isinterpersonal issues.
For example,you may be navigating a break-upor have lost someone you loved.
Alternatively, you may find yourself gridlocked in conflict with your boss.
We needand thrivein community.
Without community, we may suffer from social isolation or loneliness.
Turns out, social isolation and loneliness can even contribute to adverse health outcomes.
Finally, you might be incrisis, suffering from addiction, abuse, poverty, or chronic illness.
These factors cannot be overlooked and inevitably make life feel extraordinarily challenging.
The suppression of civil rights might have you fearing for the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Do not internalize these factors as a personal failure.
It is hard to avoid sickness when navigating chronic illness.
It can feel impossible to get ahead financially when facing the effects of a recession.
What to Do When Life Gets Hard
So, perhaps you know why life is feeling hard.
Now it is time to consider what can help when feeling this way.
Its common to feel full of rage when youre in this headspace.
In fact, it may even feel like youve hit your breaking point and are deeplyangry.
Your anger is trying to tell you something, muses Demeestere.
Rest
While it may feel counterintuitive to some, Demeestere strongly encouragesrestwhen navigating lifes hardships.
When your mind is well-rested, it becomes more clear and creative, shares Demeestere.
Get Support
Additionally, consider seeking out extra support.
While therapy wont take away the hardships youre up against, it will help you navigate them.
You dont have to go it alone.
Member of the LGBTQIA+ community?
Check out the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color online grid.
Do Your Own Investigating
Next up, get to reading.
If youre looking to dig into self-compassion, check outNo Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz.
Check outBig MagicbyElizabeth Gilbertto dive deeper into your creative muscle.
If youre struggling to meet your basic needs, there may be support in your area.
Finding Meaning and Moving Forward
It isnt easy navigating the painful ups and downs of life.
Yet, there can be meaning in the challenges you experience.
Consider how you’re able to use your anger, frustration, and sadness to propel yourself forward.
Imagine what story you want to tell with this current chapter and then write the ending you long for.
American Psychological Association.Stress in America 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis.
American Psychological Association.Stress in America 2023.
2020;28(12):1233-1244. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.08.005
