Why Do We Remain Sad? Can we Overcome Sadness?

Tariq Mahmood Awan

Psychologist Paul Eckman pinpointed six elemental emotions during the 1970s, universally experienced in all human cultures. The emotions he recognized were happiness, Sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, and anger. He later extended his basic emotions to incorporate pride, shame, embarrassment, and excitement.

Sadness is a complex and universal emotion that can be experienced and expressed differently depending on factors such as human physiology, culture, faith, economy, relations and failures. Human physiology is the elemental factor that determines the moods of our Sadness. It is associated with changes in the brain and body that affect mood, cognition, behaviour and health. Sadness activates brain regions involved in emotional processing, memory, empathy and reward, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex and ventral striatum. Sadness also alters the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, that regulate mood and motivation. Sadness can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and digestion. Sadness can also influence the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections and inflammation. It can be expressed through facial expressions, body language, vocal tone and tears.

Please, subscribe the official website of republicpolicy.com

Sadness relates to the culture we live in. It is influenced by cultural norms and values that shape how people perceive, comprehend and cope with Sadness. Different cultures may have different words, concepts and categories for Sadness, such as melancholy, grief, sorrow or depression. Other cultures may also have different expectations and rules for expressing Sadness, such as who can show Sadness, when to show Sadness, how much to show and how to show Sadness. Some cultures may encourage or discourage the expression of Sadness, depending on whether it is seen as a sign of weakness or strength, a source of shame or honour, a problem or a solution. Some cultures may also have specific rituals or practices for dealing with Sadness, such as mourning ceremonies, religious prayers or artistic expressions.

Faith also determines the weight of Sadness. It can be related to faith in various ways, depending on one’s beliefs and spirituality. For some people, faith can be a source of comfort and hope when they feel sad, as they may trust in a higher power or a greater purpose to help them overcome their difficulties. For others, faith can be a source of conflict and doubt when they feel sad, as they may question their beliefs or feel abandoned or punished by their deity or destiny. Faith can also provide a framework or guidance for coping with Sadness, as some religions or spiritual traditions may offer teachings or practices that can help people understand, accept or transform their Sadness. For example, some faiths may emphasize the value of suffering to purify the soul or attain salvation. Others may advocate the detachment from worldly desires or attachments as a way of reducing suffering.

Sadness can be affected by economic factors that impact one’s material well-being and social status. Economic inequality, poverty, unemployment, debt and financial insecurity can cause or worsen Sadness by creating stress, anxiety, anger and hopelessness. Economic crises, recessions and depressions can also increase the prevalence and severity of Sadness among individuals and populations by reducing opportunities and resources for fulfilling one’s needs and aspirations. Economic factors can also influence how people cope with Sadness, as they may limit or enable one’s access to mental health care, social support or other forms of assistance. Economic factors can also shape one’s attitudes and values toward Sadness, as some societies may associate Sadness with failure or weakness. In contrast, others may view it as a natural or inevitable part of life.

Please, subscribe the monthly magazines of republicpolicy.com

Relations are also significant in the emotion of sadness. Sadness can be influenced by one’s relationships with others who can provide emotional support or cause emotional distress. Positive relationships with family members, friends, partners or colleagues can help prevent or alleviate Sadness by offering love, care, empathy and validation. Negative relationships with abusive, neglectful or unfaithful partners or family members can trigger or exacerbate Sadness by causing pain, betrayal, resentment and guilt. Losing a loved one through death, divorce, or separation can also induce intense Sadness that may last for a long time. The quality and quantity of one’s social interactions can also affect one’s level of Sadness by enhancing or diminishing one’s sense of belonging and self-worth. Loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing or worsening Sadness by creating feelings of emptiness and alienation.

Failures beget sadness. Accordingly, sadness can be caused by failures that challenge one’s goals, expectations or self-esteem. Failures can occur in various domains of life, such as education, work, sports, hobbies, health or personal growth. Failures can make people feel sad by generating disappointment, regret, frustration or shame. Failures can also undermine one’s confidence, motivation or optimism for future endeavours. How people cope with failures depends on their personality, mindset and coping skills. Some people may view failures as learning opportunities that can help them improve and grow. Others may view failures as personal flaws that reflect their inadequacy and incompetence. Hence, failures are the most significant reason to become sad.

To overcome the emotion of sadness during these challenging times in Pakistan, one may adopt some healthy coping strategies that can help them express, understand and transform their sadness. Crying it out is critical for overcoming the emotion of sorrow. Crying can have a relaxing effect on the body and the mind by releasing endorphins and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Crying can also communicate pain to others and elicit support. However, crying may not be helpful if one’s culture views it as shameful or weak, like that in Pakistan. Exercising can release endorphins and other chemicals to improve mood, energy and calmness. Exercising can also distract from ruminating on sadness and a sense of achievement and purpose. Even mild activities such as gardening and walking can have a positive effect.

Please, subscribe the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com

Smiling has always been so special. Smiling, especially a genuine smile involving the eyes, can positively affect mood by activating brain regions associated with reward and empathy. Smiling can also make one appear more attractive and friendly to others, increasing social support and self-esteem. If sadness is severe, persistent or interfering with one’s daily functioning, it may be a sign of depression or another mental health condition that requires professional treatment. Professional help can include psychotherapy, medication or both, depending on the individual’s diagnosis and preference. Lastly, pursuing idealism and faith can overcome the emotion of sadness. Then, sadness is a reality, and one may be courageous enough to absorb the pangs.