Nothing Is Wrong—But Something Feels Off
You’ve noticed you’re not quite yourself.
Maybe you’ve been more forgetful than usual. Or distracted. Or bone-tired, all the time.
You can’t put your finger on it. There’s no obvious crisis. So you tell yourself: nothing must be wrong. You push through it—because that’s what you do. Your plate is full, and there’s always something else demanding your attention.
But when you don’t feel like yourself, a quiet discomfort lingers. Even if it’s subtle—even if it doesn’t make sense—it still matters. And sometimes that uneasy feeling is your body’s way of telling you something important.
When You Feel “Off” But Don’t Know Why
How many times have you brushed off that feeling?
How often do you find yourself saying “I’m just tired” or “It’s probably nothing,” even as that off-ness keeps showing up?
For many women, this “off” feeling shows up during periods of transition — when life looks fine on the outside, but something internally is shifting.
Our bodies often sense more than our minds can process right away. Feeling “off” can be a sign that something in your life deserves attention. When that feeling returns again and again—or becomes your norm—it may be time to pause and listen.
This is where curiosity comes in.
Let Awareness Be Your Guide
There are clues all around you: in your body, your environment, your relationships, and responsibilities.
Start by asking:
What’s been weighing on me lately?
Have there been changes—big or small—that I haven’t fully acknowledged?
Noticing when and where you feel off can be a powerful place to start. What patterns are showing up? What’s worth writing down or remembering?
Writing as a Way to Listen
Setting aside time to write—freely, without editing—can bring clarity.
Writing helps ground you. It gives unspoken thoughts a chance to surface.
Try jotting down:
When the feelings tend to appear
How often they show up
Where you feel them in your body
There’s no pressure to figure anything out. The goal is simply to notice.
What Small Shifts Might Help?
As you write and reflect, you might start to form gentle theories about what’s contributing to how you feel. From there, small changes can go a long way.
That might look like:
Prioritizing rest if you’re depleted
Re-establishing structure if life feels chaotic
Checking in with a doctor to rule out physical causes
Start small. Stay curious. And notice what changes—and what doesn’t.
When to Reach Out for Support
Sometimes reflection and small shifts help you reconnect with yourself. Other times, the feeling lingers—and you realize you don’t want to carry it alone.
This is often when women begin therapy—not because something is ‘wrong,’ but because something is shifting.
Therapy offers a dedicated space to explore what’s happening beneath the surface, with care and curiosity. You get time set aside to slow down, speak openly, and hear yourself think—without needing to make it all make sense right away.
If You’re Feeling “Off” and Don’t Know Why, Therapy Can Help
You don’t have to keep pushing through.
If you’re feeling off, unsettled, or unsure what’s wrong—therapy is a place to start making sense of it.
Schedule a free phone consult to see if we’re a good fit.
Learn more about how therapy for life transitions can support you.
You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to ask questions.
You’re allowed to feel off—and still reach out for support.
Written by Carminda Passino, LCSW