6 behaviors of people who have lots of money but are secretly miserable (according to psychology)

From the Personal Branding Blog

We often think that having loads of money equates to happiness. But truth be told, it’s not always the case.

A hefty bank account doesn’t necessarily shield you from misery. In fact, some of the wealthiest people can be secretly unhappy.

There are telltale behaviors that give away this hidden distress. And, you’d be surprised to know that they’re not always what you’d expect.

In this article, I’ll outline six such behaviors.

Let’s dive in.

1) Constantly comparing themselves to others

One of the most common behaviors of wealthy individuals who are secretly miserable is their constant comparison to others.

As Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is a thief of joy”. When we’re constantly sizing up our success against others, it’s hard to feel contentment.

This comparison game is particularly prevalent among the affluent. They often measure their worth by the size of their bank account or the number of luxury cars in their garage.

It’s a never-ending race because there’s always someone who has more. And this relentless chase for more can lead to a deep-seated feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

2) Isolating themselves

Surprising as it may sound, some studies suggest that many wealthy individuals feel isolated and alone.

I have seen this firsthand, too.

I remember a close friend of mine, let’s call him Mark. He was one of the most successful people I knew, financially speaking. His business was booming, his bank account expanding.

But behind the scenes, he was struggling.

Over time, the demands of his high-powered career began to alienate him from his friends and family. He was always too busy or too tired to engage in social activities. The more successful he became, the more isolated he felt.

This isolation is a common theme among the wealthy. As far as I can see, it’s often due to a combination of factors such as demanding careers, lack of time for socializing, and fear of being used for their money.

While we may envy their luxury cars and opulent mansions, it’s worth remembering that these trappings of wealth can sometimes come with a hefty price tag of loneliness.

So remember, money alone isn’t enough to bring happiness. It’s important to have a sense of purpose and direction in life, no matter how much money you have in the bank.

3) Not making time for self-care

While wealth can open doors to countless resources, it doesn’t automatically grant the freedom to enjoy them. What do I mean by this?

Well, with financial success often comes a greater sense of obligation—not only to themselves but to staff, stakeholders, and sometimes entire communities. The pressure to meet these demands can leave little room for self-reflection or personal care, creating a scenario where wealth becomes a burden rather than a source of fulfillment.

However, according to mental health experts, including those at Psych Central, neglecting self-care can have serious consequences. A lack of time devoted to mental and physical well-being is linked to increased feelings of hopelessness, strained relationships with loved ones, and worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The irony is stark: while they may have the resources to take vacations, hire personal trainers, or enjoy high-end wellness services, many wealthy individuals simply don’t make time for these things.

They’re caught up in an unending cycle of work and responsibility, which becomes its own form of entrapment.

4) Struggling with trust issues

It’s heartbreaking, but those with significant wealth often face the challenge of not knowing who they can trust.

Suddenly, old friendships might seem to have ulterior motives, and new friendships are approached with skepticism. It can be difficult to discern if people are genuinely interested in them or are more fascinated by their wealth.

This constant questioning of others’ motives can create a barrier to forming meaningful relationships. It can lead to a sense of isolation and mistrust that, over time, can breed unhappiness.

Keep in mind that behind the glitz and glamor of wealth, there may be a person grappling with trust issues and yearning for genuine connection.

5) Overloading their lives

Another sign of hidden misery among wealthy people is their tendency to overload their lives with endless commitments, projects, and responsibilities.

It sounds paradoxical—after all, if you’re rich, shouldn’t you be able to delegate and simplify?

Well, yes. But for many, wealth brings an endless cycle of “yes” to every opportunity or demand that comes their way.

From business ventures to social commitments, this overload can create a life where downtime and reflection are luxuries they rarely experience.

They may feel driven to say yes to everything, fearing that passing up an opportunity could mean missing out or even losing relevance. However, as author Greg McKeown highlights in his book Essentialism, true fulfillment often comes from focusing on fewer things with greater impact, rather than spreading oneself too thin​.

6) Failing to appreciate what they have

Isn’t it amazing how quickly we adjust to our circumstances?

Think back to when you were in college, scraping by with little more than instant noodles and a secondhand couch. Now, fast forward to working life, with a full salary and the ability to buy the things you once dreamed of—yet the thrill wears off, and suddenly, even more never feels quite enough.

For many wealthy individuals, this phenomenon goes into overdrive. Despite their wealth, the habit of constantly looking ahead to “what’s next” often prevents them from truly appreciating what they already have. This relentless pursuit of “more” can lead to chronic dissatisfaction, because as each new goal is reached, the goalposts move again.

Taking stock and practicing gratitude is essential for breaking this cycle. As author Melody Beattie wisely put it, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”

Regularly pausing to reflect on what we have, rather than always pushing for the next thing, can help shift the focus from scarcity to abundance, bringing a sense of contentment that no amount of wealth can buy.

Final thoughts

Wealth may provide comfort and opportunities, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee happiness or fulfillment.

Even the most financially successful people can struggle with issues like isolation, relentless comparisons, and a lack of self-care.

True contentment often lies in balance—finding purpose, practicing gratitude, and nurturing meaningful connections.

So, next time you’re tempted to equate money with happiness, remember: fulfillment comes from within, not from what’s in the bank.

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