What happens when someone feels sad?

A person with depression may not enjoy things they once loved and may feel like nothing can make them happy.

Concentration or focus becomes harder. Making any kind of decisions, reading, or watching television can seem taxing with depression because people can't think clearly or follow what's happening.

Everything feels hopeless, and there's no way to feel better. Depression may make a person feel that there's no way to ever feel good again.

Self-esteem is often absent. People with depression may feel like they are worthless or a failure at everything. They may dwell on negative events and experiences and be unable to see positive qualities in themselves.

Energy levels are low to nonexistent. Some people feel like they can't get out of bed, or feel exhausted all the time even when getting enough sleep. They may feel that they are too tired to do simple daily tasks.

Food may not seem appetizing. Some people with depression feel like they don't want to eat anything, and have to force themselves to eat. This can result in weight loss.

Food may be used as a comfort or coping tool. Although some people with depression don't want to eat, others overeat and crave unhealthy or comfort foods. This can lead to weight gain.

Many people mistakenly believe that depression is a choice, or that they need to have a positive attitude. Friends and loved ones often get frustrated or don't understand why a person can't "snap out of it." They may even say that the person has nothing to be depressed about.

Depression is a real mental illness. Those who have depression cannot simply decide to stop feeling depressed. Unlike typical sadness or worry, depression feels all-consuming and hopeless.

How to express the feelings of sadness?

Sharing feelings effectively often begins with two simple words: “I feel…” The mistake that people often make when they are trying to share a feeling is to say, "I feel that... "  The word that indicates that what will follow is going to be a thought, not a feeling. 

Thoughts are fine to share. At the same time, thoughts convey dry information, not the juice of what you are experiencing within. Feelings have a stronger impact on bonding.

So while sharing thoughts does build a sense of connection, the connection is less intense than when you look inside yourself and share the feelings that you discover there: hopeful, discouraged, pleased, wary, frustrated, delighted, etc. 

How to avoid being sad?

Learn how to stop ruminating

Ruminating is when you repeatedly think about a negative thought. You might replay a conversation or think about a bad memory to the point of obsession.

Ruminating causes more negative thoughts and emotions to arise, so the more you do it, the worse you'll feel. Ruminating too much can eventually lead to depression. Try the following to stop ruminating:

Work to solve the problems you're ruminating over. For example, if you can't stop thinking about how much you need a job, make a job search to-do list and start tackling the items one by one. Practice positive self-reflection. If you spend a lot of time thinking about your negative traits, interrupt your thoughts with self-praise.

Tell yourself, "I did a great job on that project," or "I tried my best during that conversation

Many people report bouts of sadness at some point in their lives. Sadness, which can be everything from feeling “blue” to having clinical depression, can affect how you feel, think and behave.ving some sadness is normal, but being constantly sad may cause other emotional and physical problems.

It can be managed by altering your thought processes, trying lifestyle changes or seeking help from a mental health professional. Practice positive self-reflection.

If you spend a lot of time thinking about your negative traits, interrupt your thoughts with self-praise. Tell yourself, "I did a great job on that project," or "I tried my best during that conversation."

Learn to forgive

Holding grudges and thinking about yourself in a negative light can exacerbate feelings of sadness. Being able to forgive and let go may allow you to begin to feel happy.

The act of forgiveness will remove negative attitudes and create space for positive attitudes. It will also decrease stress, which can make feelings of sadness worse, and increase peace and calm in your life.

Scientists are currently studying ways in which a person can learn forgiveness, but have suggested that therapy and accepting restitution or apologies can help a person forgive others

Manage your stress level

Stress can contribute significantly to sadness. Avoiding stressful situations whenever possible may help you begin to overcome feelings of sadness.

Organizing your day and allowing time to relax will help you relieve and avoid unnecessary stress

Step back from any stressful situation if you can. If you cannot, try taking a deep breath and not reacting immediately to avoid having your feelings and tension rise unnecessarily.