Words And Phrases Unhappy People Use More Often

Everyone has bad days sometimes. Work was a slog, someone cut you off in traffic, and you're probably hangry on top of everything else. You may even slip into a bad mood without knowing why you feel so frustrated and gloomy. This is totally normal, and at times like these, getting rest, replenishing yourself with a good meal, or spending some quality time with your favorite folks can help you bounce back. However, true burnout and unhappiness are on another level.

"Depression is one of the commonly occurring mental health problems, characterized by a constant feeling of sadness, and is very different from temporarily feeling low," psychologist Dr. Mark Winwood explained to Cosmopolitan. "People living with depression often experience intense feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, and poor energy and concentration, all of which can have a severe impact on day-to-day life. "

Of course, not every unhappy person has clinical depression, but there's still a marked difference between discontent unhappiness and the occasional low mood. However, it can be tough to tell whether someone is just having a rough week or needs extra support. While some people wear their unhappiness like a badge, others hide or dismiss it. If you're trying to figure out whether a friend or loved one is okay — or perhaps analyze subconscious tells from your own psyche — there are certain words and phrases that can reveal ongoing unhappiness.

When someone is already feeling down, it can make the world around them look pretty bleak. It's like the opposite of wearing rose-colored glasses, tinting everything with a pessimistic hue. "Unhappiness tends to be associated with a more chronic emotional state that can encompass feelings of sadness, hurt, hopelessness, or even anger," psychologist Hannah Yang told Parade. Dr. Yang added that getting stuck in these feelings "tends to then skew the person's day-to-day perceptions and worldview so that the person's focus is on what's going wrong in their life, what's wrong with the world, or anything else deemed to be negative."

This pessimistic focus can leak through in the language someone uses, so look out for people around you who always comment on the worst aspects of a situation or their own perceived failings. Phrases like "It's all my fault" or "I can't do it" may indicate low self-esteem and discontent. Unhappy people may also feel like victims of the events in their lives, saying things like "I knew this would (or could) happen" or "Why does this always happen to me?"

Negativity can also leak through when people dismiss their own value. Unhappy people may compare themselves unfavorably to their peers, complaining about a lack of money, status, or professional advancement. Feeling like you're not good enough is a glaring red flag that you're unhappy in your own life, and pitting yourself against the idealized and overly filtered fake reality of social media certainly doesn't help matters. It's an impossible benchmark. But remember, comparing yourself to the so-called perfect lives on the internet isn't healthy, and there are ways to stop. If social media is bringing you down or making you feel lesser, consider cleaning out your friends list or limiting your time online — and encourage unhappy friends to do the same.

We've all put off an unappealing task for later, but someone who consistently avoids tedious or unpleasant items on their to-do list could be grappling with deeper issues. While some people try to equate procrastination with laziness, it's actually often tied to depression, which can cause someone to lose interest in their hobbies and responsibilities.

As such, avoidant phrases like "I'll do it later" or "I can't deal with that right now" could indicate internal struggles. Watch for patterns of procrastination, especially if they spread to tasks that the person would usually enjoy or easily handle. Also, keep an ear out for words that reveal waning motivation. Sentiments like "I just don't care anymore" can be major red flags of unhappiness.

If you catch yourself using these phrases too often in your own daily life, bear in mind that putting off duties will only add to your mounting stress. Consider employing tricks like the 2-minute to-do list to resist procrastination, which helps you clear the decks of quick, simple tasks instead of letting them pile up. And don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it — while it may seem contradictory, the idea of "I'll just do it myself" can also be a warning sign of unhappiness as your subconscious tries to isolate itself. Fight back by reaching out for support when you're feeling overwhelmed.

If we were going to nominate the most loaded statements in the English language, we'd have to include the sentence "I'm fine." This phrase suggests that you're just hitting the lowest possible bar of well-being. It tracks, then, that this phrase is often used as a smokescreen when things are not, in fact, okay. Quick, off-the-cuff responses like "I'm fine" can be a way to fake happiness, brush past concerns without considering them too deeply, and keep people at arm's length. Similarly, waving off worries with phrases like "Don't worry about it" or "I don't want to bother anyone" could indicate that there's something wrong that the speaker is trying to hide.

Citing exhaustion is also a potential cover for unhappiness. We all get worn down sometimes, but if someone is constantly dismissing concerns with phrases like "I'm just tired," they may be speaking emotionally rather than physically. Note that the symptoms of depression overlap with symptoms of physical exhaustion, including irritability, slowed thinking, and lack of energy. So, if someone claims to be constantly tired, they may be grappling with unhappiness, as well.

It can be tough to accept that someone around you is struggling, or even to admit unhappiness to yourself, but don't ignore the signs. When you or a loved one is consistently pessimistic, procrastinating, or glossing over their own struggles, they may be dealing with chronic unhappiness that requires extra support and understanding.

If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.