If the title of this blogpost made you think about the gloomy character from the animated film Inside Out, you’re not entirely on the wrong track. Contrary to what some may think, not all depression is useless. Being sad—in the right way—can offer various practical strengths if we can learn to employ them. This blogpost delves into three major ones.

Better appreciation for life

Too often we take for granted things we only appreciate once we lose them. For many people who are caught in bouts of severe sadness, this is true. Once the individual emerges from the melancholy state, their eyes are newly open to what they have been missing—appreciating the “little” things like a good laugh, hearty meal, clement weather, relationships with friends, etc. It’s similar to the way one loses contact with a friend or a coworker, later to realize how much one underappreciated their friendship and companionship.

Solidarity with others’ sadness

For instance, those who have been sad can mourn with others who are mourning. One prime example would be losing someone dear to you. Once you have grieved the loss, you become a new member of a unique group of people who have experienced the same or a similar loss. Now you are able to personally and viscerally understand those who have experienced the same kind of incidents in their lives. For example, a recent widow can be walking through her home and have a sense of her late spouse’s cologne or think she momentarily saw him standing in the hallway. These are all normal experiences for someone like her, because they have had so many memories they have shared throughout their lives.

Being the comfort that you wanted

The third point that we are writing about deals with experiencing sadness and empathizing with others’ sadness. This can help one develop a wonderful support system. One example would be to be rejected by a job recruiter yourself only to become able to better sympathize with others who have had the same rejection. Another example would be to suffer from a chronic malady and then go on to better understand someone who is suffering from the same one. In some times of trial, hearing someone say, “I know exactly how you feel” can be a powerful comfort. Other times, something else could be more appropriate: “I don’t know exactly how you feel, but I am here to listen and help you any way I can.” And since everyone is fighting the tough battle called life, we can all use more of that.

Conclusion

Of course, wallowing in self-pity and sadness is not healthy. But by harnessing the power of sadness—and reflecting and feeling sobering things—one earns great benefits from being sad. For more wisdom on dealing with sorrow, don’t hesitate to contact Mind Enhancement Center.