How do I deal with feeling like I'm not living authentically?

Feeling like you're not living authentically suggests a disconnect between who you really are and how you're showing up in the world. This often develops when you've learned that your true thoughts, feelings, or personality aren't safe or acceptable to express, leading you to develop a false self that you present to gain approval and avoid rejection. You might find yourself saying yes when you mean no, expressing opinions you don't really hold, or suppressing parts of your personality that others might not appreciate. This inauthenticity can stem from childhood experiences where love felt conditional on being a certain way, or from environments where being different or expressing your true self led to criticism, rejection, or punishment. Social pressure and cultural expectations can also push you away from authenticity by creating narrow definitions of what's acceptable or successful. You might feel pressure to pursue careers, Interpersonal relationship, or lifestyles that look good to others but don't align with your actual values or desires. The managing fear of judgment or rejection can make authenticity feel risky - you might worry that if people see the real you, they'll discover you're not as impressive, likeable, or worthy as they thought. Living inauthentically is exhausting because it requires constant monitoring and adjustment of your behavior to match what you think others want. It can also lead to Major depressive disorder, Anxiety disorder, and a sense of emptiness because you're not honoring your true self or pursuing what actually matters to you. Reconnecting with authenticity is a gradual process that starts with identifying your actual values, interests, and desires separate from others' expectations. Practice expressing your true thoughts and feelings in small, safe ways and notice that most people actually appreciate honesty and authenticity more than performance. Consider working with a therapist to explore what caused you to disconnect from your authentic self and develop skills for living more genuinely. Remember that the right people will appreciate and accept your true self, and those Interpersonal relationship will be much more fulfilling than connections based on pretense.