How to be Sad: Everything I'Ve Learned About Getting Happier, by Being Sad, Better

Sadness is a normal emotion that we all experience, but we don't always know how to handle it. Positive psychology has become more accepted, but rates of depression have continued to rise. We should learn the art of sadness and how to handle it, as studies show that we could all benefit from it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 04 March 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

In today's society, where reality TV shows often culminate in tearful finales, it's important to acknowledge that feeling sad is still considered taboo. However, it's crucial to recognize that sadness is a natural human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives, often in devastating ways. If we don't know how to be sad, it can be isolating for those who are going through it and confusing for those who are trying to support others during difficult times.

While most of us intellectually understand that sadness is a normal part of life, we may not always be adept at allowing for it in practice. Sadness is inevitable, so it's worth learning how to navigate it effectively. It's time to start addressing our problems and openly discussing them. While positive psychology has gained more acceptance in mainstream culture, the rates of depression have continued to rise. We're so focused on being happy that we often neglect the benefits of learning the art of sadness and how to handle it.

During her research for two previous books on happiness, Helen Russell discovered that many of us are terrified of sadness. We have become so afraid of negative emotions that we fail to recognize them. This fear prevents us from fully experiencing and processing our emotions, which can lead to emotional repression and further mental health issues.

To overcome this fear and embrace sadness, it's important to create a safe and supportive environment. This can involve seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. It can also involve practicing self-care, such as engaging in activities that bring us joy, practicing mindfulness, and getting enough sleep.

It's also important to acknowledge that sadness is a natural and valid emotion that deserves to be expressed and explored. Rather than trying to suppress or ignore our sadness, we can learn to embrace it as a part of our human experience. By doing so, we can gain deeper insights into ourselves and our relationships with others.

In conclusion, sadness is a normal human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It's important to learn how to be sad effectively and to create a safe and supportive environment to express and explore our emotions. By doing so, we can improve our mental health and well-being and build stronger relationships with others.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 145 x 228 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008384562