It’s a normal human emotion.
Feelingsad for no specific reasondoesn’t necessarily mean you havedepression.
However, it does suggest you could be experiencing something more complex than sadness alone.
Paperkites / Getty Images
Paperkites / Getty Images
Could My Sadness Be Depression?
Your sadness could bedepression, but keep in mind that depression is much more complicated than just feeling sad.
Other Factors to Consider
Beyond depression, there are various possible causes of sadness.
The recommended amount of sleep for adults is seven to eight hours.
High Stress Levels
Experiencing high or chronic stress can impact your mood.
We often think of “stressed-out” people as being irritable or angry.
There arefour stagesof grief, and sadness can be felt in each oneeven in the long-term recovery phase.
Therefore, hormonal fluctuations could be the reason behind your sadness.
Other times, it’s a bit harder and you need some help.
Below are some suggestions for working through your sadness.
Talk to Loved Ones
Discuss your feelings with your loved ones.
Just expressing your sadness can make you feel better.
Listen to Music
Listening to music may help you cope with your emotions.
A playlist of sad songs may be cathartic and help you get your feelings out.
Alternatively, listening to upbeat, happy songs may help shift your mood.
However, it’s not good to feel sad most or all of the time.
The following are tips for coping with sadness and keeping it from becoming overwhelming.
Exercise
Getting regular exercise is not only healthy physically, but it can also support yourmental health.
Research shows that meditation leads to increased happiness, perhaps by encouraging you to live in the moment.
Prioritize Sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to sadness, depression, and stress.
Having a purpose and taking steps to achieve it can give you a sense of direction and accomplishment.
Summary
It can be confusing and defeating to experience sadness with no specific cause.
Often, thereisa cause; it’s just a bit harder to identify.
There are many ways to cope with sadness in the short and long term.
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