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Why do I feel empty even when life is good at 23?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 23 years old. And based on appearances, my life must be going fairly well, as I have graduated from college, have a steady job, and happen to be blessed with people who truly care for me.

Even so, I feel a sort of emptiness inside me, and I find myself having a hard time appreciating the good things in my life. Most upsetting about all of this is the fact that I simply do not understand why this is happening to me.

Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Avinash Choudhary

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Avinash Choudhary is a dedicated psychiatry specialist committed to helping individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and other psychiatric concerns. Dr. Avinash Choudhary believes in providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. He focuses on personalized treatment plans, patient education, and long-term recovery, helping individuals build resilience and achieve a better quality of life.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your question; I can understand how you must feel right now.

In light of the information you have presented me here, it is difficult for me to make any provisional diagnosis due to the history being too brief. Nevertheless, based on your description, your condition could be consistent with depression. In my opinion, there is no clear cause of your problem, and from what I see, you are still capable of functioning normally and doing your job.

As far as my suggestions go, at this point in time, I would advise you to try out cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in combination with certain lifestyle changes. These would include regular exercise, social contact, avoidance of isolation, proper sleeping regime, abstinence from alcohol or recreational substances, and coping with stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing techniques.

Of course, it might not be easy, but with time, these symptoms may go away. Of course, if the problem persists, deteriorates, or begins to affect your life, you should consider consulting a mental health specialist.

I hope that I have answered your questions.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 20, 2026
Reviewed At July 20, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Avinash Choudhary is a dedicated psychiatry specialist committed to helping individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and other psychiatric concerns. Dr. Avinash Choudhary believes in providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. He focuses on personalized treatment plans, patient education, and long-term recovery, helping individuals build resilience and achieve a better quality of life.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Avinash Choudhary
Dr. Avinash Choudhary

Psychiatry

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Avinash Choudhary is a dedicated psychiatry specialist committed to helping individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being through compassionate, evidence-based care. He has experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep problems, and other psychiatric concerns. Dr. Avinash Choudhary believes in providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. He focuses on personalized treatment plans, patient education, and long-term recovery, helping individuals build resilience and achieve a better quality of life.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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