Sadness is one of many facets on the complex scale of human emotions. Although it is considered an unpleasant feeling, it is only a temporary downward shift in mood and may be replaced by one of many positive emotions such as hope, euphoria and pride. When sadness persists and disrupts daily functioning, it may need to be treated as depression.
Symptoms
Being sad can make the world around you seem as though it has been shrouded in darkness. You may physically feel as though your heart has fallen deep into your abdomen or that you have a "lump" in your throat caused by choking back tears. Some people want to be alone when they are sad while others seek a shoulder to cry on. Discussing the source of your sadness, whether you are talking to another person or writing in a journal, may alleviate some of the pain.
Universal Signs
Although crying can be a sign of sadness, not all people cry every time they are sad and not all tears are a sign of sadness. Overwhelming emotions of all sorts, including sheer happiness, can cause crying. In an attempt to confirm Charles Darwin's assessment that facial expressions are similar across cultures, an article in Discover Magazine found some universal visible signs of sadness in all people. These included drooping eyelids, the rising or drawing together of the inner corners of the brows and pulling down of the corners of the lips, sometimes pushing the lower lip into a pout.
Common Causes
Loss and separation, changes, conflicts in relationships and disappointments are all common causes of sadness, according to the Nemours Foundation. Examples of loss and separation are divorce, the loss of a job or the death of a beloved friend, relative or pet. Examples of changes that may cause sadness are moving to a new town or transitioning to a new school. Relationships can be indirect causes of sadness as close attachments to others heighten emotional distress when arguments arise. Finally, disappointments such as not getting a desired position or promotion, losing a big game or not being invited to a friend's wedding may cause sadness.
Depression
While feelings of sadness are transitory, depression is a long-term condition that may require treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, common symptoms of depression include a constant sad, anxious or "empty" mood as well as feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, helplessness, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, trouble concentrating and sleeping, irritability and suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. Not all people with depression experience all symptoms,however, and not all symptoms are felt with the same severity.
Getting Help
If you believe that you are experiencing depression rather than sadness, you don't have to suffer. Some medications can help combat physical causes of depression and different forms of therapy can help alter your perspective or aid you in changing habits that lead to depressing thoughts. Your doctor can help you find an appropriate treatment, but if you don't want to discuss your feelings with your doctor you may also find help from a free mental health or suicide hotline from the phone book or Internet.
