From a very young age, we were asked to push away sadness. Adults offhandedly said to sad children “There’s no need to get upset. Cheer up!” As we are growing up, society places high value on being strong, and showing sadness is often seen as a weakness. So, we work hard to deny, avoid, and suppress our sadness.
However, sadness doesn’t equate to weakness, and studies have shown that feeling sad from time to time can provide people with important advantages. Besides, suppressing emotions endangers our health and well-being, both physically and mentally.
Here are a few benefits to sadness:
Sadness is Part of Grieving
Sadness is an aspect of grieving. When you are grieving, it’s normal to feel sad. It helps you make sense of the strong feelings that grief can bring.
Sadness Connects Us with Others
Sadness encourages others to treat you with empathy and connect you with the compassion and care you need.
Sadness Increases Our Motivation
Sadness signals us to put more effort and motivation to deal with a challenge. It motivates us to change our unpleasant state.
Sadness Can Teach Us About Ourselves
Sadness shows us what is important to us. It is also a reminder of what we care about.
Sadness Keeps Us Strong
Each time we come out of sadness, we are stronger than before because we choose not to stay there and each time we will spend less and less time there.
Final Word
It’s important to understand and accept sadness is an inevitable and essential part of life and that there are benefits to feeling sad. But a word of caution here – if your mood starts to interrupt your life and how you function, then you may have clinical depression, and it’s important to seek help from a GP.