Appearances can be deceiving, especially when it comes to people. Some folks may seem like they have it all together on the outside, but inside, they’re dealing with a storm of emotions.
This internal turmoil can manifest in various ways, and it’s often subtle. But if you look closely, there are certain traits that these individuals tend to display.
In the following article titled “People who look great but inwardly are in turmoil tend to display these 8 traits”, we’ll delve into these telltale signs. Understanding them could help you better empathize with others around you, or even recognize if you’re dealing with inner turmoil yourself.
Remember, no one’s perfect. And it’s okay not to be okay.
1) Perfectionism
One trait often exhibited by those who appear flawless on the outside, but are battling inner turmoil, is perfectionism.
Perfectionists set incredibly high standards for themselves, striving for flawlessness in every area of life. On the surface, this might seem like a good thing. After all, who doesn’t want to strive to be the best they can be?
The issue arises when these standards become unattainable, leading to constant feelings of inadequacy. Perfectionists tend to be their own worst critics, and any deviation from perfection can cause them significant distress.
This perpetual cycle of striving for perfection and falling short can create a great deal of internal struggle. They may appear to have it all together, but beneath the surface, they’re often grappling with feelings of self-doubt and defeat.
Remember, it’s okay not to be perfect. Striving for improvement is commendable, but don’t let it become a source of self-inflicted stress. Everyone makes mistakes – it’s how we learn and grow.
2) Overcompensation in social situations
I’ve noticed this trait in myself at times. When I’m dealing with inner turmoil, I tend to overcompensate in social situations.
You know those days when you’re not feeling your best, but you still put on a brave face for the world? Maybe you smile a bit more, laugh a bit louder, or try to be the life of the party. It’s almost like you’re trying to convince yourself and others that everything is fine.
I recall one instance where I was dealing with a personal issue. On the outside, I was the epitome of joy and excitement at a friend’s party. I was cracking jokes, engaging in lively conversations, and even led a few party games. But inside, I was battling an emotional storm.
Sometimes, people who look great but are inwardly in turmoil tend to be the most vibrant ones in a room – not because they genuinely feel that way, but because they’re trying to hide their inner struggles.
Remember, it’s perfectly okay to share when you’re not feeling your best. You don’t always have to put on a show for others. We all have our off days, and that’s completely normal.
3) Difficulty sleeping
While sleep problems are common among adults, they can be particularly prevalent among those experiencing internal turmoil. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or even excessive sleeping, disturbed sleep patterns can be a sign of underlying emotional struggles.
According to the American Psychological Association, approximately half of adults lie awake at night due to stress. This can create a vicious cycle, with increased stress levels leading to sleep problems, which in turn can exacerbate stress and anxiety.
So when someone who appears to have it all together complains frequently about their sleep, it could be an indication of some inner turmoil. It’s important to remember that everyone has a few restless nights from time to time, but consistent sleep issues might be a sign of something deeper.
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4) Overly self-critical
Individuals coping with inner turmoil often tend to be overly self-critical. They may appear confident and successful on the outside, but inwardly, they’re constantly judging themselves, setting unreasonably high standards and berating themselves when they fall short.
It’s as if they have a harsh inner critic constantly scrutinizing their every move, pointing out their flaws, and magnifying their mistakes. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness.
While it’s healthy to reflect on our actions and strive for improvement, being overly self-critical can be harmful. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and has room for growth. We should focus on learning from our missteps rather than beating ourselves up over them.
5) Hiding true feelings
One of the most heartbreaking traits of those dealing with inner turmoil is their tendency to hide their true feelings. They often wear a metaphorical mask, presenting a picture-perfect exterior to the world while concealing their real emotions.
It’s like they’ve built a fortress around their hearts, not letting anyone see their vulnerability. They might be feeling fear, sadness, or anxiety, but they choose to show strength, happiness, and confidence instead.
This can be incredibly isolating and lonely. It’s important for us to remember that it’s okay to share our true feelings with others. We all have our struggles and vulnerabilities, and sharing them can bring us closer to others. It takes courage to be vulnerable, but it’s an essential part of being human and forming deep, meaningful connections.
6) Constant busyness
There was a time when my schedule was packed from morning to night. Meetings, projects, social events – you name it. On the surface, I seemed highly productive, successful even. But behind this façade of busyness, I was fighting an internal battle.
Staying constantly busy can be a way to avoid dealing with inner turmoil. It’s an escape mechanism. When you’re always on the go, you don’t have time to confront your feelings or thoughts.
But in the long run, it’s not a sustainable solution. It only masks the turmoil temporarily and could even amplify it. It’s crucial to find time for introspection, for addressing and processing our feelings rather than sidestepping them. Slowing down isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-care and respect for our mental health.
7) Sudden changes in behavior
Sudden and unexplained changes in behavior can be a sign of inner turmoil. This could be anything from increased irritability and mood swings to withdrawal from social activities they once enjoyed.
These changes may not be noticeable at first, especially if the person is good at hiding their struggles. But over time, these shifts can become more apparent.
It’s important to note that everyone has off days and mood fluctuations. But if these changes become persistent and impact the person’s life significantly, it could be a sign of internal conflict.
Understanding this can help us be more empathetic and supportive towards those who might be dealing with hidden struggles. It’s always good to check in on our loved ones, even those who seem to have it all together.
8) Neglecting self-care
People battling inner turmoil often neglect their self-care. They might be so focused on maintaining the external image of having it all together that they forget to tend to their own needs.
This could manifest in various ways like skipping meals, not getting enough exercise, or even neglecting personal hygiene.
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the foundation of our physical and emotional health. And when it starts to slip, it might be a sign that something is amiss underneath the surface.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And it’s the first step towards addressing and resolving any internal turmoil you might be facing.
Reflective conclusion: The power of empathy
The complexity of human emotions often hides beneath the surface. What we see on the outside doesn’t always align with what’s happening on the inside.
Remember, everyone is fighting battles we know nothing about. That cheerful colleague, the successful entrepreneur, or the friendly neighbor – they might be dealing with inner turmoil despite their outward appearance.
It’s this understanding that underscores the importance of empathy. It’s a powerful tool that helps us connect with others on a deeper level, to understand and share their feelings.
As psychiatrist Carl Jung once said, “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.” So, let’s strive to be more understanding, more patient, and more empathetic.
Let this realization guide us in our interactions with others. Because sometimes, all a person needs is someone who listens, someone who understands. And that could make all the difference in their world.
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