Sadness

Why am I feeling sad?

Sadness is a normal human emotion.  Sadness often accompanies a loss.  So if you have lost a relationship, a loved one, your health, a job, etc. and you feel sad, then KNOW that  you are not alone.

What should you do when you are feeling sad?

1)  Set aside some time to reflect on why you are feeling sad.  Did you experience a job loss?  Did you lose a good friend to cancer?  Did you fail at something?  Was there an unhappy event?  

You may find that it is easy to figure out the cause of your sadness.  But then again, there are those times that it can take a while to figure out everything that went into making you feel sad. Know that pinpointing the cause of your sadness does not always have to come easy. Keep on reflecting on what is driving your sadness. 

 

 

2)  After reflecting on why you are sad, think about whether or not this sadness is telling you that you need to do something.  It may be that you need to respond in a different manner to a particular person or situation.  Remember not to simply trust in what your heart is telling you.  Seek out the counsel of friends and the Bible if you are unsure of what you should do next.  

You may need to change something in your life.  If that is the case, don't be afraid to make that change.  Most people fear change, do not let that fear stop you from doing what you need to do!

3)  Don't try to be strong or brave by suppressing your feeling of sadness.  Suppressing those feelings will only lead to a worse situation.   It is much better to deal with your sadness now than after it has dug in and magnified itself.

 Suppressing your feelings is kind of like slapping a band-aid over a wound that has not been cleaned.  The germs (feelings) will fester and the end result will not be pretty.  

4)  If you feel like crying, then cry.  Don't hold the tears back.  After you have had a good cry, notice that often things do not seem so bleak.  

A good cry can often bring a sense of relief .  After a good cry, you may be able to look at the situation optimistically.  Allowing time to be sad and cry can often lead to a happier mood - one where the happiness is realized.

 

5)  Be certain that the sadness you are feeling is not depression.  If you suspect that you are experiencing depression, get help right away.  Do not allow yourself to flounder under the bondage of depression.  

Do you know the signs of depression?

If not, here are some symptoms that a depressed person may be experiencing.

• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• fatigue and decreased energy
• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• preoccupation with problems and failures can be a sign of depressed feelings
• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• irritability, restlessness
• Self-criticism, self-blame, self-loathing is often a signs of depression
• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• withdrawal from people
• overeating or appetite loss
• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
• thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Are you feeling sad today?  If so then know that you are not alone.  Try some of the tips above and feel free to post anything else that you do. 

Are you or a friend of yours exhibiting signs of depression?  If so, then I beg of you to get help for yourself or your friend.  Depression is very serious and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.