Tips on Sadness

There are many reasons why someone may be dealing with sadness. Everyone deals with it in their own way, and different methods work for different people. Search for the method or methods that work most effectively and safely for you.

Know When to Get Help

• It's important to understand when you need help. We don't always recognize when there is something seriously wrong. That being said, you should also keep a close eye on friends and family members and know what signs to look for, as well as what steps to take to get them the help they need.

  If you or someone you care about is experiencing sadness for a long period of time, and it can be described as a long-lasting depression that just isn't going away, you may need to seek professional help.

  Depression that someone should be concerned about can be described as a sadness that lasts a long time. Many people feel helpless or that life is hopeless. They often harbor a lot of guilt and blame themselves for what they're going through.

Tips for Dealing With Sadness

• Learn to share your true feelings with your friends and family. Don't allow your feelings to get bottled up inside. This is unhealthy. You don't have to tell everyone everything, but it is nice to have at least one trusted family member with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings. Choose someone who is nonjudgmental and who is a better listener than a speaker, yet doesn't mind speaking up when necessary. You're looking for someone who has a positive insight and who isn't afraid to tell it like it is, but can do so in a non-condescending way.

  Take time out of your schedule to do something for yourself. If you enjoy reading a good book every now and again, make sure that this is part of your week's activity. If you enjoy gardening or going to a movie, make time to do it. You will be surprised at what a little quality time with yourself can do for you and how it can uplift your personality.

Dealing With Grief and Loss

• Sometimes we become sad because we've lost someone we're close to. There are some people who equate divorce with death, stating that losing a marriage is much like losing a loved one to death. But believe it or not, the grieving process can be a healthy part of life. Grieving is also necessary when dealing with loss and is not something to be avoided.

  If you know someone who has experienced a loss of some sort, you should encourage her to talk about her feelings, particularly if this is a child. It's important to remember the person or thing she has lost. Even an unexpected move to another city, for example, can be detrimental to a child. Children and adults both need to talk about bad memories; this is healthy and important.