“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The final phrase is meant to be a cornerstone of the American experience. But for many people today, happiness feels more like a distant idea than a lived reality.
So the real question becomes: Are we truly pursuing happiness—or just surviving?
Understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow developed what is known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a framework that explains what humans require to function well and ultimately thrive.
Maslow proposed that human needs are layered and interconnected:
- Physiological needs – food, sleep, shelter, basic health
- Safety needs – stability, security, predictability
- Love and belonging – relationships, connection, community
- Esteem – confidence, competence, self-respect
- Self-actualization – becoming who you are capable of being
While often shown as a pyramid, the hierarchy is not rigid. When foundational needs are neglected, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and maladaptive coping behaviors frequently emerge.
At Triad Psych, we see daily how unmet needs—especially emotional and psychological ones—undermine people’s ability to live fully and authentically.
Why Is It So Hard to Meet Our Needs Today?
Every meaningful therapeutic journey begins with one deceptively simple question:
Are you getting your needs met?
For many, this question is uncomfortable—even frightening.
We are working harder than ever to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Technology, once expected to reduce our workload, has often done the opposite. Even before artificial intelligence, the pace of life felt overwhelming. Now, tasks that once took months can be completed in days or seconds.
At the same time, social media—designed to foster connection—frequently increases comparison, conflict, and emotional isolation.
The result? Many people feel constantly busy, chronically stressed, and emotionally depleted.
What We Hear in Therapy
When my clinicians and I ask patients—particularly those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use—whether their needs are being met, we often hear:
- “There’s too much to do to even think about that.”
- “I’m under constant stress.”
- “I don’t know what my needs are anymore.”
For many, this question opens the door to a wave of emotions that must be processed carefully and compassionately. But the truth remains:
Every person has needs, whether they acknowledge them or not.
At a psychological level, core needs include:
- Relatedness – meaningful connection with others
- Competence – using your skills effectively and feeling capable
- Autonomy – having agency and freedom without constant interference
When these needs go unmet for long periods, people often experience burnout, emotional numbness, anxiety, or unhealthy coping patterns.
The Cost of Ignoring Your Needs
Many people feel guilt for even acknowledging their needs. But ignoring them—or numbing them with overwork, alcohol, substances, or endless screen time—does not make them disappear.
Unmet needs will eventually assert themselves, often in ways that disrupt relationships, health, and overall functioning.
The hard truth is this:
You cannot care for others, meet responsibilities, or perform at your best without taking time to renew and restore yourself.
And there is nothing selfish or shameful about that.
How Therapy Helps You Move Forward
Effective therapy does not shy away from difficult questions. A skilled therapist creates a safe, supportive environment where needs can be explored honestly and without judgment.
At Triad Psych, a core part of our mission is supporting self-actualization—helping clients move toward meaningful, values-driven lives regardless of diagnosis, background, or current struggle. We explicitly give clients permission to express their needs without guilt.
Through an intentional integration of behavioral and analytical approaches, we help clients learn how to:
- Identify unmet needs
- Meet those needs in healthy, sustainable ways
- Remain responsible parents, partners, professionals, and caregivers
What appears incompatible on the surface often becomes powerful when thoughtfully combined—and this integrative approach is where Triad Psych excels.
This Matters—Because You Matter
If you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what you need anymore, you are not broken. You are human.
Growth begins with awareness—and continues with support.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to take the next step.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, burnout, or simply feel stuck, Triad Psych is here to help you understand your needs and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
👉 Contact Triad Psych today to schedule a consultation
👉 Learn how therapy can help you pursue—not postpone—your happiness
The journey is yours to choose.
If you are ready, we are here to walk it with you.