Life is hard. And it is perfectly normal to feel demotivated and depressed when it gets tough.
People may not express that much, but 280 million of them experience depression or negativity toward life, according to the World Health Organization. And that’s the primary cause when someone start hating yourself or with your life.
So, if you are feeling down or thinking, “I hate myself,” you are not alone in this trauma. Many people struggle with it; therefore, it should be addressed, discussed, and cured.
3 Common Reasons Why Do I Hate My Life
When people either hate themselves or their lives, they think they are the problem. They blame themselves for the terrible life and deteriorating joy; which eventually leads them to suicidal thoughts.
But, actually, the reasons can be entirely different than that! Some common causes people to hate their lives are:
1. Unbearable Pain
People in pain always think, “Why is life so hard for me”? And rightfully so!
Physical and emotional pain disrupts your normal life. Chronic diseases and deteriorating emotional health cause people to think negatively. They become hopeless about life and start questioning their self-worth.
Even setbacks in their career, job, or marital life can give them so much intense pain that they don’t hesitate to take their own lives.
Eventually, suicide does not only affect the person who attempts it but imposes serious mental-health implications on people around.
2. Severe Trauma
Past traumas, if left unhealed, can emerge as a serious threat to mental well-being at the later stage of life. Extreme losses like the death of a loved one, natural disasters, bullying, sickness, and sexual abuse make adults hate themselves.
They build up anger and frustration over time. Sometimes, this anger, instead of outpouring, is directed inward, and people start to see themselves as losers.
3. Relationships
Loss of a parent or spouse, cracked friendships, break ups, failed marriages, and abusive partners distort a person’s mind.
If they have been in a relationship and it was toxic to them, they start isolating themselves. It also affects their health and immune system, causing more distress in other areas of life as well. Due to constant anxiety and negativity, self-hatred gets deep-seated in their mind.
Related: Why Can’t I Make Friends?
What To Do When You Hate Your Life? 3 Tips To Stop Hating Yourself
If the feeling of “I hate my life so much” is getting stronger in your mind, you have to make deliberate efforts to combat it. Journaling or meditation would work, but there are some other practices as well that you can integrate into your daily routine to start loving life again.
1. Sleep Peacefully
Sleep deprivation has a strong connection with mood swings, weakening of the immune system, and depression. You can not function properly and think anything constructive without getting a peaceful night’s sleep.
Not sleeping restfully will only damage your emotional, mental, and physical health, as you won’t be able to process feelings properly.
Following are some effective ways you can maintain a good night’s sleep:
- Follow a set schedule to sleep and avoid doomscrolling the internet while you are in bed.
- Always make your room comfortable, clean, and cozy to promote sleep. You can also play green noise before sleeping. It will help your body relax.
- Do physical activity during the day and be exposed to maximum light when the sun is up. Night walks promote restful sleep.
- Avoid late-night snacking. Do not take heavy foods and caffeine before sleeping.
- Avoid day naps, as they can damage your night’s sleep schedule.
Sleeping at a set time allows you to think clearly. When you are clear in your mind, you understand your circumstances better and don’t blame yourself for the misery.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude
Many people who don’t find the answer to their “why do I hate everyone” are often due to the fact that they forget their blessings and achievements. They forget the positive sides of their life and compare themselves to others.
When they forget what they have got, it leads them to hate themselves and others.
If you find yourself stuck in a loop of negative thoughts, hopelessness, or self-hatred, consider using gratitude journal prompts to shift your focus toward the positives. Creating a gratitude list to acknowledge everything good in your life can be a powerful practice. To get started, follow these 6 simple steps to start practicing gratitude meditation today.
“One of the best ways to cultivate gratitude is to establish a daily practice in which you remind yourself of the gifts, grace, benefits, and good things you enjoy.”
Gratitude Works!: A 21-Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity By Robert A. Emmons
The second way is to practice mindfulness. Integrating just 15 minutes of meditation for mindfulness into your routine will give your mind direction. You can also practice yoga to shut down the negative chatter in your mind.
Related: What Is Kundalini Yoga? Origin, Benefits, and Dangers
3. Make Positive Changes in Your Routine
What do you do when you hate your life? You remake it by following a balanced routine. Creating a healthy routine might be difficult for people who are depressed or highly critical of themselves. But, with proper determination, it can be done.
Here are some lesser-known tips you can follow to build a positive daily routine.
- Step into the nature for a while and reconnect.
- Avoid using social media excessively, as it compels your brain to compare your life to others.
- Write down your feelings and goals every day in a notebook. Gratitude journal prompts will also help.
- Repeat affirmations about yourself like I am enough, I am loved, I am doing my best, etc.
- Exercising every day is the most effective strategy to fight against depression and self-hatred. It boosts mental health and improves mood.
These positive changes, when followed daily, can tweak your thinking pattern for good. You will feel less anxiety and stress, so your mind will think more rationally.
Last Words
If you are trapped in the cycle of “Why Do I Hate My Life?” and have suicidal thoughts, these tips might help. However, if the feelings persist despite changing your routine and practicing meditation, it’s important to see a certified therapist to get your mental health checked.
About the Author: Mujahid Khan Jatera
