Sadness is considered to be one of the basic human emotions and it is a natural response to
situations involving psychological, emotional, and/or physical pain. Sad feelings often quickly
diminish after individuals resolve or come to terms with upsetting experiences.
Sadness affects everyone at some point, and is discernible at both the behavioral and
physiological levels. Behaviors such as crying, sobbing, and temporary social solation are
characteristic of sadness. Feeling sad can also trigger specific observable reactions in the brain
and peripheral nervous system.
Though sadness is often linked with unfavorable circumstances, it is not always perceived in a
negative light. Many people enjoy watching sad movies or listening to sad music because crying
can be emotionally soothing. And while sadness can lead to withdrawal from other people or a
loss of interest in certain activities, it can also prompt pleasure-seeking behaviors. In fact,
positive personality traits such as alertness, thoughtfulness, and resilience can be fostered
through sad experiences.
Sadness Is Not Depression
Depression is not merely an acute form of sadness; there are significant differences between the
two states. Primary among these is that depression is a diagnosable mental health condition while
sadness is not.
Individuals who feel sad are often able to identify the cause of their sadness, however many
people experiencing depression report difficulty pinpointing the reason they are depressed. While
a sad person may maintain hope for the future and may consciously decide to change an unhappy
mood, a person experiencing depression may see life as hopeless, and may not be able to cope or
overcome symptoms of depression using conscious choice.
Most people will experience feelings of sadness at various points in their lives. Unlike
depression, sadness typically does not interfere with a person’s overall social functioning. A
period of sadness may last no more than a minute, however feelings of depression can go on for
months or even years without relief. Depression affects approximately 350 million people
worldwide–with women twice as likely to develop the condition as men.
Sadness and Mental Health
Sadness is a common emotion. In some cases, it can also be a symptom of certain mental health
conditions such as depression, anxiety, antisocial personality, anorexia, and bulimia. If left
unaddressed, negative feelings may cause an affected person to withdraw into social isolation—a
behavior pattern that is closely associated with several mental health issues. Even if an individual
is able to recognize the long-term emotional and psychological dangers, intense sadness may
demotivate him or her from seeking needed help.
Therapy for Sadness
Talk therapies are particularly effective in helping people overcome feelings of sadness, as
troubling situations are thoroughly explored and the individual is given the opportunity to
express his or her point of view. After opening up, many affected individuals release much
emotional stress, clear their thinking, and are better able to resolve the conflict in question.
Other strategies for resolving sadness can include talking with a loved one, proper nutrition,
physical exercise, breathing exercises, or listening to positive music. Many of the mental health
conditions which are associated with sadness can also be effectively treated with psychotherapy.
Finding a qualified local therapist can help a person gain a positive outlook and develop useful
coping skills for sadness and other emotions.
References:
1. Ekman, P. (1999). Basic Emotions. Handbook of Cognition and Emotion, 45-57.
Retrieved from https://www.paulekman.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Basic-
Emotions.pdf
2. Goldberg, J. (2012). Is it depression or just the blues? Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/depression/is-it-depression-or-the-blues
