40 Signs You Aren't Meeting Your Needs, According to Psychology

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We’ve all been there—feeling a bit off, like something’s missing, but we can’t quite put our finger on it. Maybe it’s the restless nights, the nagging sense of dissatisfaction that persists despite the hustle and bustle of the day, or the way we keep running onemptyno matter how much we try to recharge.

It’s easy to brush these feelings aside, telling ourselves we’re just stressed or busy. But what if these are signs that we’re not meeting our own needs?

According toAbraham Maslow, an American psychologist, all of us have needs that range in hierarchy from:

It’s important to be aware of your physical, emotional, and psychological needs in order to live a healthy, balanced life, saysElizabeth Hughes, LPCC, a therapist at ADHDAdvisor.

Furthermore, failing to meet your needs can result in significant dysfunction and a decline in overall health, saysHelene D’Jay, MS, LPC, Executive Director of Young Adult Services, Newport Healthcare Connecticut.

Let’s dive in and take a look at some signs that could be telling you it’s time to refocus on what you truly need.

At a GlanceAre you living your best life or does it feel like something’s missing? If your needs aren’t being met, you may feel lonely, disconnected, stressed, anxious, or demotivated. It’s important to identify the missing piece so you can feel happier and more fulfilled.

At a Glance

Are you living your best life or does it feel like something’s missing? If your needs aren’t being met, you may feel lonely, disconnected, stressed, anxious, or demotivated. It’s important to identify the missing piece so you can feel happier and more fulfilled.

40 Signs You Aren’t Meeting Your Needs

Below, we explore some signs that you aren’t meeting yourneedsacross the various dimensions.

Physical Needs

Not meeting your basic physical needs can affect not only your mental and emotional state but also your health.Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

Safety Needs

Feeling safe and secure is a fundamental human need. If these needs aren’t being met, you might experience some of the following signs:

Research shows that any threat to our safety needs, whether it’s our personal security, financial stability, or our health, affects our nervous system and is linked to a higher risk of mental health conditions such asanxiety,depression,phobias, andpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Emotional Needs

Not having your emotional needs met can make you feel deeply unhappy. As human beings, we require connection,belonging, and a sense of community, says D’Jay.

Here are some signs that can indicate you’re not feeling emotionally fulfilled:

When emotional needs, such as love, security, and validation are unmet, it can manifest into psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and emotional instability.—HELENE D’JAY, MS, LPC

When emotional needs, such as love, security, and validation are unmet, it can manifest into psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and emotional instability.

—HELENE D’JAY, MS, LPC

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Esteem Needs

When your esteem needs aren’t being met, it can affect your confidence and overall sense of self-worth. These are some common signs:

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Spiritual Needs

When your spiritual needs aren’t being met, it can leave you feeling adrift and unmotivated. Here are some signs that you’re seeking more:

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How to Identify What’s Missing

Finding what’s missing in your life can be a deeply personal journey, but here are some steps you can take to help you explore and discover what you might need:

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Keep in Mind

Recognizing when your needs aren’t being met is an important first step toward living a happier and more fulfilled life. By paying attention to the signs and taking proactive steps to address them, you can work toward the life you want for yourself. Remember, it’s okay to seek help from friends, family, or professionals along this journey. Your needs are valid, and it’s important to prioritize them.

“Meeting our fundamental needs is critical for sustaining our overall health and well-being. Properly addressing these needs allows us to function at optimal levels, achieve our personal and professional goals, and cultivate healthy relationships,” says D’Jay.

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14 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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