Do You Also Feel Like Something Is Missing in Your Life?

Do you feel like something is missing in your life? You are not alone. From time to time, so do I. A recent session with my therapist revealed that this isn't new: humans have always been dissatisfied with their lives. She said we are only experiencing it more frequently today because of factors like social media comparison, increased capitalism, and the belief that one can have it all. These factors have come to define civilized life, and we cannot control most of them. However, we can control our reactions to them to minimize life dissatisfaction. Let's take a look at what my therapist told me about feeling something is missing. 

Why I Feel Something Is Missing in My Life

When I was younger, I often wondered why thoughts like "Is this all there is? There's gotta be more to life," came into my mind. It took me a fair amount of time to understand that depression was a leading cause of my chronic dissatisfaction with life. Only recently have I learned that feeling like something is missing in your life is also a trait that comes with the territory of being human. 

I think being dissatisfied is a common human experience for several reasons. In my case, it's the evolutionary cause, or as my therapist put it, "We are hardwired to want more to ensure survival."

She explained that this is why, after achieving a goal, instead of savoring it, I overlook it and quickly move on to something else. Current social norms also dictate that we should keep achieving big goals and brag about them online.

She told me that if you cannot be satisfied with what you have while working towards a better future, you will always feel like something is missing. Sure, depression will always be a cause. However, measures like blocking people who bother me and distancing myself from rigid societal expectations will significantly reduce the void in my life. 

How You Can Deal with the Feeling that Something Is Missing

It's okay if you don't know why you feel this way or what you need to make your life "complete." What matters most is knowing that you are experiencing a void in your life -- because you can deal with this feeling only after identifying it. Once you identify it, don't beat yourself up because it is only human to feel like something is missing in your life. 

If you are experiencing dissatisfaction frequently, consult a mental health professional to learn how to reduce its impact. Otherwise, the next time you feel like something is missing in your life, feel it, accept it, and move on.