SADNESS

Symptoms

Experiencing sadness is usually associated with many unpleasant feelings. Often, the reasons for sadness are situations we would rather not go through, so it seems natural to try to avoid or ignore it. Meanwhile, joy is the natural counterbalance to sadness, and it is something greatly desired today. It is good to feel happy and full of energy.

It is also impossible to ignore the strong interaction between emotion and the body. Our posture (collapsed chest, drooping arms, etc.), tone of voice, and facial expressions are all expressions of experienced sadness. Reading the signals of flowing emotions can be difficult; it may be easier to notice the symptoms coming from the body. That is why it is worth taking a closer look at your emotions when:

• strange, hard-to-identify aches and pains appear,
• our posture starts to be different from normal,
• movements slow down and we avoid activity,
• there is a loss of appetite or excessive appetite,
• crying spells occur more often than usual, or there is an inability to cry, along with fear that if we allow ourselves to cry, we will not be able to stop,
• there is a lack of energy, a prolonged feeling of fatigue without any clear reason, etc.

Causes

Sadness is a common and typical response of the body to difficult situations and illness. This emotional state may be caused by stress at work, leading to overload. Another reason for sadness may be problems in a relationship or toxic relationships with other people. Feelings of sadness do not appear for no reason. They can be a stimulus to take action and information for a person that their lifestyle is not satisfying and their needs are not being met.

When a person does not know what causes their sadness, it is a good idea to reflect on that feeling when they notice it beginning to arise. Due to lack of time, some problems are pushed into the subconscious and make themselves known at the least expected moment.

Treatment

A temporary low mood and sadness that comes and goes are natural experiences for every person. Sadness resulting from a specific event, such as the loss of a loved one, a separation, etc., is an appropriate response of the body and should not be a cause for concern. However, when this condition drags on over time, when we are unable to recover, or when it seems to have appeared for no clear reason, it is worth seeking advice from a specialist. When it is difficult to regain balance using methods that were effective until recently, and there is a feeling that a depressed mood will actually stay with us forever or continue indefinitely, a visit to a psychologist may be helpful. Sadness is not the same as depression, but under the influence of strong emotions, it can be difficult to have a clear view of the situation. Therefore, talking with a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist can help rule out illness, make it easier to regain balance, and look at the mechanisms that accompany sadness.