When struggling with emotions, thoughts, or an overall sense of distress, it’s natural to question where these feelings come from. Is it a chemical imbalance? The media you consume? Spiritual psychosis? The people you surround yourself with? Your core beliefs? Capitalism? Unresolved trauma? Or are you just being dramatic? The truth is, it’s rarely just one thing. Mental and emotional well-being is influenced by multiple factors, and understanding them can help you navigate your struggles with clarity and self-compassion.

1. Chemical Imbalance: The Biological Factor

The idea of a “chemical imbalance” is often oversimplified, but brain chemistry does play a role in mood regulation. Conditions like depression and anxiety can be linked to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. If your emotions feel persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to external circumstances, seeking professional insight might help determine whether medical intervention, such as therapy or medication, is necessary.

Signs It Might Be a Chemical Imbalance:

• Persistent mood swings, sadness, or anxiety that don’t seem tied to life events
• Unexplained loss of energy or motivation
• Difficulty experiencing pleasure in activities you once enjoyed

2. The Media You Consume: Information Overload

What you expose your mind to daily has a direct impact on your mental state. Doomscrolling, sensationalized news, or even excessive exposure to certain entertainment can create stress, anxiety, and distorted perceptions of reality. On the other hand, engaging with uplifting or thought-provoking content can shape your mindset in a more positive direction.

Signs Media Might Be Affecting You:

• Constant feelings of fear, outrage, or hopelessness after consuming news or social media
• Comparing yourself to unrealistic portrayals of life, beauty, or success
• Difficulty disconnecting from online spaces

3. Spiritual Psychosis: The Search for Meaning Gone Awry

Exploring spirituality can be enlightening, but for some, it can lead to paranoia, detachment from reality, or obsessive thinking. Spiritual psychosis can occur when existential questioning, mystical experiences, or deep spiritual pursuits become overwhelming and disconnect you from daily life.

Signs of Spiritual Psychosis:

• Feeling detached from reality or like you’re receiving hidden messages everywhere
• A belief that everything is a sign, even when it interferes with rational decision-making
• Anxiety or distress caused by spiritual thoughts rather than peace or understanding

4. The People You Spend the Most Time With: Social Influence

You are a reflection of the company you keep. If the people around you are negative, toxic, or reinforcing unhealthy patterns, your emotional state may be suffering as a result. Conversely, a supportive and positive environment can help stabilize your mindset.

Signs Your Social Circle Might Be a Factor:

• You feel drained, judged, or unfulfilled after spending time with certain people
• You find yourself adopting their negativity, anxieties, or unhealthy habits
• Your boundaries are constantly being disrespected

5. Core Beliefs: The Lens Through Which You See the World

Your core beliefs shape your reality. If you hold beliefs that reinforce self-doubt, unworthiness, or pessimism, they will influence how you experience life. Sometimes, the issue isn’t external circumstances but the way you interpret them.

Signs Your Core Beliefs Might Be Holding You Back:

• You assume the worst about yourself or others without questioning why
• You have patterns of self-sabotage or struggle with self-acceptance
• You feel trapped by ideas that were instilled in you but no longer serve you

6. Capitalism: The Structural Pressure

The modern economic system demands constant productivity, financial stress, and competition. Burnout, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy can stem from the pressure to “succeed” in a system that often prioritizes profit over well-being. If you feel like you’re never doing enough, this societal structure might be playing a role.

Signs Capitalism Might Be Weighing on You:

• Constant stress about work, money, or productivity
• Feeling like your worth is tied to your achievements or financial status
• Struggling to find meaning outside of career or consumer-driven goals

7. Unresolved Trauma: The Past’s Influence on the Present

Past experiences shape present emotions. Trauma, even if suppressed, can manifest in anxiety, self-destructive behavior, and difficulty trusting others. Unresolved issues don’t simply disappear; they linger until they are acknowledged and worked through.

Signs Trauma Might Be Affecting You:

• Overreacting to situations in ways that seem out of proportion
• Avoiding certain thoughts, places, or conversations without fully understanding why
• Struggling with emotional regulation or experiencing flashbacks of painful events

8. Or Are You Just Being Dramatic?

A common question people ask themselves is whether they are overreacting. But dismissing your emotions as “just being dramatic” invalidates your experience. If you are feeling something strongly, there is a reason behind it. Instead of questioning whether your emotions are “too much,” try to understand what they are telling you.

A Better Question:
Instead of asking, “Am I just being dramatic?” try asking, “What is this feeling trying to teach me?” Your emotions are signals, not inconveniences.

Final Thought: The Answer Is Rarely Just One Thing

Your mental and emotional state is influenced by multiple factors. The key is self-awareness—understanding what is within your control and what requires external support. Whether it’s biology, environment, beliefs, or past experiences, the important thing is to approach your struggles with curiosity rather than judgment.

Self-exploration is not an easy path, but it is a necessary one. Instead of dismissing your feelings or assigning blame to one source, take the time to investigate, reflect, and seek the support you need to move forward.