When Finding Joy or Purpose in Life Feels Difficult

We understand that many people experience periods in life when joy feels out of reach or purpose seems diminished. These feelings can arise for a variety of reasons—both psychological and physical—and are more common than you might think.

One of the most frequent causes is depression, which can bring persistent sadness, emptiness, and a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Anxiety disorders may also play a role, as ongoing worry or fear can drain your energy and motivation.

Life transitions—such as bereavement, divorce, job loss, or retirement—can impact your sense of purpose. These changes often disrupt routines or social connections, leading to feelings of isolation or uncertainty about your identity. Chronic stress, whether from personal relationships, work pressures, or financial struggles, can further erode your well-being over time.

Physical health also plays an important role. Chronic illnesses, hormonal changes, or neurological conditions may affect your mood and energy. Substance use and certain medications can change the brain’s chemistry, making it even harder to find joy.

We recognize that a lack of meaningful social connections or support from loved ones can leave you feeling disconnected. Sometimes, unmet expectations or a mismatch between your personal values and your current life situation can create deep dissatisfaction. Burnout from overwork or caregiving responsibilities can also lead to emotional exhaustion and a loss of purpose.

We understand that life can sometimes feel overwhelming or even meaningless. Many people encounter times when motivation wanes, activities lose their appeal, or feelings of stress and sadness make daily functioning difficult. Whether these feelings are related to depression, anxiety, burnout, or seem to arise without an obvious cause, you are not alone.

Gold Counseling provides a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment where you can explore these challenges with a licensed professional. Our therapists are dedicated to helping you understand the factors contributing to your sense of overwhelm or lack of purpose. Using evidence-based approaches—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and meaning-centered (existential) therapies—we work collaboratively with you to develop effective coping strategies, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build practical skills for managing stress.

Beyond emotional support, we are committed to helping you reconnect with your personal values and rediscover what brings you fulfillment. Together, we can set realistic and meaningful goals designed to restore your sense of purpose and make daily life feel more manageable and rewarding.

We understand that depression is much more than just feeling tired or lacking motivation. While everyone experiences occasional fatigue or disinterest—perhaps after a poor night’s sleep or a stressful week—these feelings typically resolve on their own with rest and positive experiences. Depression, however, is different. It is a persistent mental health disorder characterized by a low mood or loss of interest in activities, lasting for at least two weeks and significantly impacting daily life.

Our team is here to help you recognize the signs of depression, which may include changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and even thoughts of self-harm. Unlike temporary fatigue or stress, depression doesn’t simply go away with time or willpower. People living with depression often find little or no enjoyment in activities they once loved, and the symptoms can affect physical health, relationships, and the ability to function day-to-day.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these ongoing symptoms, it’s important to seek professional support. At Gold Counseling, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care, including therapy, guidance, and, when appropriate, collaboration with medical providers for medication management. Our goal is to help you regain your sense of well-being and restore balance in your life.

We recognize that lifestyle changes are a vital part of restoring fulfillment and improving mental well-being, especially for those coping with stress, burnout, or a lack of satisfaction in daily life. Our counseling approach encourages clients to adopt healthier habits—such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep routines—which research shows can positively influence brain chemistry and hormone regulation. These changes are closely linked to improved mood and overall well-being.

We also emphasize the importance of social connection. At Gold Counseling, we help clients explore ways to build supportive relationships and engage in meaningful community activities, which can reduce feelings of isolation and foster a stronger sense of belonging.

Mindfulness practices—including meditation, deep breathing, and gentle movement—are integrated into many of our sessions. These techniques can enhance self-awareness, interrupt negative thought patterns, and help clients clarify what truly brings them satisfaction. Our counselors work collaboratively with clients to set realistic goals, prioritize self-care, and rediscover hobbies or passions that bring joy and purpose.

When joy and purpose feel out of reach, Kandace Wilson at Gold Counseling provides the support you need. Through personalized therapy sessions, she helps clients understand the underlying barriers to happiness and guides them in reconnecting with their passions. With her guidance, individuals can regain clarity, find meaning, and move forward with a renewed sense of direction.

Over time, these lifestyle adjustments, supported by the guidance and expertise at Gold Counseling, can lead to improved mental health, increased resilience, and a more rewarding, meaningful life. If feelings of emptiness or dissatisfaction persist, our experienced professionals are here to provide the compassionate support and tailored strategies you need to move forward. For more information, contact us to book an appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Riverdale UT, Kaysville UT, Draper UT, and St. George, UT. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Layton UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Washington City UT, Santa Clara UT, and surrounding areas.