Why Do I Do What I Do?

Ever acted in a way you couldn't explain? It's a common experience, and thankfully, mental health researchers can offer insight into the reasons behind our actions. Continue reading to reveal more about why you might behave in certain ways and what it unsuspectedly could reveal about your mental health.

Why Do I Loathe Myself?
Numerous individuals grapple with negative self-perceptions and feelings. Self-loathing can restrict your potential and worsen mental health issues like mood disorders and anxiety. Signs of self-loathing include rigid thinking patterns, where everything is viewed as either good or bad without any nuances, poor self-esteem, a reluctance to accept compliments, among other symptoms. Additionally, you might experience constant emotions of sadness, hollowness, despair, or find difficulty in deriving joy from activities you previously enjoyed, a symptom known as anhedonia.

Why do thoughts of death constantly occupy my mind?

Healthcare specialists from Mayo Clinic emphasize that recognizing signs of suicidal ideation and the need for medical intervention can avert catastrophic outcomes. If one finds themselves or a loved one regularly grappling with such thoughts, it is crucial to seek help without delay. When death becomes a repeating thought, it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional or a psychiatrist to discuss possible treatments.

In case suicidal thoughts are present, immediate assistance is needed. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is accessible all day, every day via 988.

Why Am I Here?

Throughout the ages, humans have contemplated the purpose of life, yet no definitive answers have been found. Scholars from Stanford University's School of Philosophy suggest that the inquiry about existence touches upon deep issues of metaphysics, language, and philosophical logic. Although the meaning of life varies depending on the individual, it can aid in developing personal beliefs, influencing actions, and establishing perceptions about the future.

What Could Be the Reason for My Lack of Friends?

If you're constantly plagued by a deep-seated fear of being scrutinized or criticized by others, you might be suffering from a social anxiety disorder. Common symptoms include strong feelings of fear, timidity, and anxiety in situations that involve social interaction or public performances. You might find yourself anxious over how others might perceive your looks, actions, or the way you speak. It could be challenging to form friendships when you're uneasy, and a large number of individuals dealing with social anxiety disorders struggle to stay composed around unfamiliar faces.

Why Do I Engage In Harmful Acts Towards Myself?
Have you ever intentionally done something even though you were aware of the potential negative consequences that could arise from it? Self-damaging actions refer to carrying out activities that will undoubtedly inflict harm, whether it's emotional or physical damage. This can encompass behaviors such as suicide attempts, overeating, obsessive behaviors like gambling, reckless or impulsive sexual behavior, substance and alcohol abuse, self-harm, and other damaging activities. Difficulty in controlling emotions might be a sign of numerous mental health issues, such as mood or anxiety disorders.

Why is it that I converse with myself?
It's not uncommon for individuals to engage in self dialogue. This could be due to introspective pondering, weighing of choices, or a tactic to combat solitude by manifesting a sense of company through external self-conversation. Such self-conversation aids in numerous ways. For instance, you might mentally remind yourself about something crucial you must not forget, provide yourself with some motivational words to triumph over obstacles, or vow to give yourself a treat upon the completion of a significant task. Your inner dialogue is a pivotal aspect of your cognitive awareness.

Why Do I Have a Tendency to Shy Away from Others? 

The subject of emotional closeness is intimidating for a great deal of people. It could be that you're afraid of providing somebody the ability to profoundly upset you, unsure about how to foster and maintain healthy emotional bonds, or lack the capability to sufficiently convey your feelings and wants to those who matter to you. Misunderstandings could be at the heart of the problem for some, while others might have developed a pattern of attachment in their early years that makes it challenging to form or depend on relationships. You could observe yourself habitually distancing from others or undermining relationships when they become exceptionally serious.

Why am I causing pain to those I care about? 

The immensely intricate functioning of our brains sometimes leads to unexpected outcomes, with some people causing pain to those they love without completely understanding the reason. There are instances when we act out towards those we hold dear with the underlying hope that they would offer us the emotional support, love, or understanding we seek. At times, we tend to lash out most at those we're closest to because their proximity offers a sense of security. It's easier to express what we're feeling openly when we're comfortable in our relationships, and this can sometimes inadvertently lead to hurting those we love.

Why am I Constantly Anxious?

Anxiety is a common emotion that usually comes and goes. However, for some, these feelings of worry and fear can become overwhelming and persistent. The function of anxiety is to act as your body's warning system for forthcoming danger, signaling you through physical responses like a racing heart, allowing you to respond more effectively. Nonetheless, those who suffer from anxiety disorders may find their bodies and minds persistently perceiving threats, causing their stress responses to remain fixed in a state of high alert or 'fight or flight'.

Why am I struggling to handle my anger? 

If you find yourself consistently unable to manage your anger, it may be time to think about therapy that focuses on anger management. It's a proven method of learning the skills needed to regulate your emotions. One of the most successful strategies involves examining what triggers your anger, as it's usually a learned response. For instance, if you were brought up in a home with a lot of disputes, you might have carried those patterns into your adult life with your own family. Keep in mind that feeling angry is a normal human emotion that we all experience occasionally.

Why do I constantly feel melancholy?

It's quite normal for individuals to encounter feelings of melancholy, but these emotions should not dominate or hinder your efficiency in various life aspects. As per the American Psychiatric Association, depression is a widespread but severe mental health disorder that can detrimentally influences how individuals perceive, think and behave. Mood disorders such as depression can result in physical and emotional complications, and present challenges to your capacity to perform effectively in areas like work, education, home, relationships or other facets of life.

What Leads to My Persistent Sleep Difficulties?

Changes in the patterns and quality of your sleep are usually due to sleep disorders. Should you struggle to fall or stay asleep, it would be advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider for a possible sleep disorder evaluation. Continued lack of sleep, the Mayo Clinic points out, can have a significant impact on your safety, quality of life, and overall health.

Recognize the Signs That You Need Help

Understanding the need for professional help is crucial if you're wrestling with mental health symptoms that may suggest you have a mental health disorder, especially when these symptoms lead to disruptions in daily routines and hinder your performance of everyday activities. You should, therefore, consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and guidance on treatment.

"Mental health is fundamentally about the overall wellbeing of your cognition, emotional control, and behavior. Occasionally, individuals may experience notable disturbances in these areas of mental health. An individual may be grappling with a mental disorder when noticeable shifts or patterns in cognition, emotion or behavior lead to distress or obstruct their normal ability to function." - Mayo Clinic.

Therapy's Role in Uncovering and Modifying Your Actions

A majority of people are often puzzled by their own actions, unaware of why they behave the way they do. This is where therapy, facilitated by a mental health expert, proves to be beneficial. Online therapy services such as ReachLink for adults, and TeenCounseling for children aged 12 to 19, provide accessible and effective treatment options, often at a lesser expense and with reduced wait times. Therapy can help examine your mindset and behavioral tendencies, assist you in transforming these into more healthful habits, and foster your coping mechanisms and communication skills.

The American Psychological Association's mental health specialists report that online therapy can be just as beneficial as conventional in-person counseling, often being more cost-effective and having fewer wait times. The convenience of home-based treatment led many patients to attend more sessions, and the additional physical separation made sharing personal details with a therapist less daunting. The length and success of therapy results improve as the number of attended sessions increases.

What it’s all about…



Several individuals operate impulsively, however, comprehending the reasoning behind certain common human actions can prove beneficial. The knowledge shared in this article might provide a perspective on why you behave in certain ways, and how therapeutic interventions can assist you in identifying and modifying detrimental behaviors.