WAHAT #8: Why So Sad?

A dynamic, colorful depiction of the pervasive sadness in the world, created by ChatGPT-4o

You may have noticed more sadness than usual all around you. You may also think this perception is just how you’re seeing things and people. Or maybe it’s just you.

You’d be wrong, at least according to Google’s Gemini AI tool. Here’s part of Gemini’s response to the prompt, “Why do more people seem sadder than usual these days?”

“Studies and reports from organizations like the CDC and WHO indicate a rise in the prevalence of depression and anxiety, particularly among adolescents and young adults, in recent years. For example, some reports show that depression prevalence increased significantly from 2013-2014 to 2021-2023, especially in younger age groups.”

But Why?

So, why are so many of us experiencing varying yet significant levels of anxiety, depression, and sadness? How many triggers would you like?

• Personal or familial economic insecurity.

• Social inequality.

• Lack of community.

• Increased social isolation.

• Workplace stress (or the lack of work).

• The state of the world (because we’re still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges of climate change and ethnic and geopolitical conflicts across this fragile globe of ours).

  
  

Is There Any Good News About Sadness?

Yes. Yes, there is.

Thankfully, the same social media technologies that increase sadness and isolation for some people also make help more easily available and affordable to more people. And healthcare providers are (finally) getting better at diagnosing and treating clinical depression and not just throwing antidepressant drugs at the problem.

And we’re learning more about the links that connect our physical, mental, and spiritual selves. Walking and spending time in nature are now recognized as effective ways to reduce stress and sadness. As are developing better sleep and healthier eating habits. And more people are more willing to admit they’re sad or depressed and to seek help.

None of us individually can do much about large-scale triggers like politics or the economy. But there are little things we all can do to help ourselves be less sad. I’m not a certified or licensed professional. But I do have some small suggestions.

Dortch’s Recommendations for Making Ourselves Less Sad

• Own your sadness. You can’t fix what you don’t own. Denial or trying to “just ignore it” are all but guaranteed to make you sadder longer (and cause more people to sense “something wrong” or even avoid your company). 

• Talk about it. Among your family, friends, and loved ones, be selective, but pick at least one person and say at least one thing about your sadness to them. You will likely learn quickly that they empathize, understand, and even share your sadness. They may also have people and resources to suggest. Heck, start by talking with yourself about it via a diary or journal. If nothing else, you’ll be able to refine how you talk with others about it.

• Remember that “sad” isn’t all that you are. Episodes of sadness and depression don’t last forever. Remind yourself that you haven’t completely given up happiness, laughter, love, and other things that are powerful antidotes to your sadness.

• Remember that it’s not “just you.” Much of what’s going on in the world today provides ample fuel for sadness and depression for many, many more people than you. Sad, but true.

• Do at least one thing you love and enjoy every single day. That way, each day will include at least one experience or memory you can use as an “escape hatch” when an episode of sadness or depression occurs. (Feel free to start with “WAHAT #6: What Are You Laughing At?”)

Sadness is a fact of life. Some even have genetic predispositions or family histories that lean toward sadness. But for most of us, it’s not permanent, and not insurmountable. Accept it, and make that acceptance part of your strategy and tactics for getting and keeping yourself focused on being healthy – and happy.

Some Final Thoughts from Facebook (!)

This is a verbatim quote from a post I first saw on Facebook. It was posted by Sandra Wilson of Normal (!!), Illinois, and attributed to the ever-thoughtful John Pavlovitz. I find the thoughts worth repeating here.

“Grieving over America right now means your faculties are intact, your mind is fully right, your heart is working properly. It means you still have a soul doing what a soul is supposed to do: keep you deeply human in these profoundly inhumane times.”

Now What? Your Serve...

I am naively optimistic enough to believe there is value in trying to look at what I do, how I do it, and why I do it. Writing about things like those in this piece is part of that process. So to echo my  ABCs of human motivation, the achievement of writing and sharing these posts delivers the benefit of helping me crystallize some thoughts and feelings, and tighten up some of the internal connections linking my body, mind, and spirit.

This collection of thoughts and feelings also offers the promise of connection with others. That's where you come in. 

Your reactions eagerly sought and warmly welcomed. Feel free to leave your thoughts wherever you’re reading this if comments are supported, or to email me directly at medortch@dortchonit.com. I hope this begins some interesting conversational threads, excerpts and summaries of which I will gladly and gratefully share (anonymously or with attribution as you prefer) in future outings, several of which are already in various stages of construction.

Thanks for reading. Thanks again in advance if you share your reactions with me, share this post with others, or both. And please stay connected so we can continue and extend this emerging, evolving conversation.

We All Hunger and Thirst (WAHAT) is a series of pieces I’m writing and publishing to share things I’ve learned and foster connections and conversations about various elements of life and the world. Send your suggestions and reactions to me directly at medortch@dortchonit.com, and feel free to share what you’ve read with others. Thanks!