In our society, there is a tendency to view sadness as an adverse emotion. It is not commonly embraced and often, only positive sentiments are encouraged. Yet, sadness is one of the fundamental pillars of human emotion, alongside anger, fear, and happiness. The human experience does not exclude the negative emotions, it encompasses the full range of emotions. It is imperative to acknowledge that sadness is a natural aspect of life. In fact, embracing and expressing sadness can be beneficial to our well-being.
Sadness can play a critical role in identifying our individual needs. However, due to societal attitudes towards this emotion, it is commonly camouflaged as anger. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the root cause of the anger, it is essential to take a step and uncover the underlying factors that may have contributed to it. If the reaction of anger was caused by sadness, we need to ask ourselves what caused that emotion of sadness. Asking the question, “What does it mean for me when (insert an action, words, or behavior that elicited sadness)?” can be an invaluable tool to gain insight into our thought pattern and allow us to get a better understanding of ourselves.
It is also important to recognize the significance of acknowledging the sadness of others and being present to experience it with them. Many have a habit of trying to find a silver lining to the person’s situation in order to lift their spirits. This may have the opposite effect of what you were trying to achieve, as it may lead the person to feel that their sadness is not valid or that it is unwelcomed. By being present and experiencing their emotions with them, we demonstrate our compassion and empathy, which can contribute to a sense of support and connection. By creating a safe and supportive environment for others, we can foster a profound sense of community and empathy not only within our own circle of friends and family, but also within our society.
By acknowledging our own sadness, we demonstrate to ourselves and those around us that sadness is a natural part of the human experience. Being a good role model for your children or the next generation involves showing and accepting sadness as a valid emotion. To be human, is to embrace all of the emotions, the good and sad. It can contribute to a greater sense of self and can personal and interpersonal growth. The next time you find yourself struggling with the emotion of sadness, just remember, it is okay to be sad.
References:
Beaumont, Atalanta. “Why It's Good to Feel Sad.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 2 Sept. 2016, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/handy-hints-humans/201609/why-its-good-feel-sad.
Pawleski, Suzie Pileggi, and James Pawelski. “Why Allowing Ourselves to Be Sad Is Important for Well-Being.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-together/202302/why-allowing-ourselves-to-be-sad-is-important-for-well-being.