Sadness, like happiness, is a basic emotion. Sadness can get a bad rap, though. It’s not uncommon for people to assume they are doing something “wrong” if they feel sad. But, when you allow yourself to be sad, you are giving yourself permission to slow down, feel your emotions, and explore your thoughts. You are giving yourself the power to work through something, and in turn, enhance your mental health.
Sadness is Useful
If you are feeling sad, there is chance something has happened/changed in your life. Sadness is a part of life’s ups and downs. We all experience it at times.
When you allow yourself to be sad, you can make a conscious decision to slow down and evaluate your life. When you take a step back and really look at your life and how you’re living, you may see things differently. You may see a need to rest. You may process your thoughts and feelings and work through the situation and move into a better place than before.
Recognizing sadness for what it is, a basic human emotion that we all experience, can help you to understand and work through what you’re feeling. Allowing yourself these feelings, and allowing yourself the time to work through them is part of caring for, and improving, your mental health.
Sadness is Not Depression
Sadness, unlike depression, will lessen in time. It’s a temporary feeling that, even in extreme sadness, can be coupled with lighter emotions. When you’re sad, you may still be able to enjoy watching your children dance. When you’re sad, you can still enjoy going out with a friend for coffee.
Whereas sadness is an emotion that will fade, depression is a mental disorder. Depression lasts longer and can impair the functioning of your daily life. When you are depressed, you may experience a loss of interest in what used to bring you joy.
Therapy for Women in Washington, PA
Understanding and working through sadness is a part of healthy mental health. You can allow yourself to be sad. Sometimes it helps to talk to a friend or family member about what you’re feeling. Sometimes it can help to talk to a therapist.
If you’ve been struggling with sadness and/or depression, talk therapy can help. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will start to feel better. Our offices in Washington, PA is warm and inviting. It’s a place where we can sit, grab a drink, relax and just talk.
If you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org.
