Why do I feel depressed even when my life is going well?

Feeling depressed when your life appears to be going well can be confusing and frustrating, often leading to additional guilt management or shame about your feelings. This experience is actually more common than you might think, and there are several reasons why Major depressive disorder can occur even during objectively good times. Major depressive disorder is a medical condition that involves changes in brain chemistry, particularly with neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemical imbalances can occur regardless of your external circumstances. Just as someone can develop diabetes or heart disease even when they're taking good care of themselves, Major depressive disorder can develop even when life is going smoothly. Sometimes Major depressive disorder has a delayed reaction to Psychological stress. You might have pushed through difficult periods by staying busy or focusing on goals, only to experience Major depressive disorder once things settle down. This is sometimes called "arrival Major depressive disorder" or "success Major depressive disorder," where achieving a major goal leaves you feeling empty rather than fulfilled. Genetics also play a significant role in Major depressive disorder. If you have a family history of Major depressive disorder or other mental health conditions, you may be more susceptible regardless of your life circumstances. Additionally, certain personality traits like finding identity/perfectionism-how-to-let-go" class="internal-link">need to be perfect or high sensitivity can make you more vulnerable to Major depressive disorder even when things are going well. Sometimes what looks like a "good life" from the outside doesn't align with your internal values or authentic self. You might be successful in ways that don't bring you genuine fulfillment, leading to a sense of emptiness or disconnection from your true desires and needs. Seasonal changes, hormonal fluctuations, medical conditions, or medications can also trigger Major depressive disorder independent of life circumstances. Even positive changes like getting married, having a baby, or starting a new job can sometimes trigger Major depressive disorder due to the Psychological stress management of adjustment. It's important to remember that your feelings are valid regardless of your circumstances. Major depressive disorder doesn't discriminate based on how "good" your life looks to others. Seeking professional help can help you understand the underlying causes and develop effective treatment strategies.