Are you feeling sad for no obvious reason? Well, sometimes it happens with me too. We all go through such moments once in a while.

Sadness over the loss of a loved one, a specific item, or after a breakup is one thing, and being upset for no apparent reason is another.

However, there are times when sadness is persistent and doesn't go away. It can be a flashback of the past trauma, childhood memories, or maybe a symptom of depression.

This is why it is crucial to recognize what is bothering you and treat it immediately so that it does not harm you.

Are you suffering from depression or, is it just your overthinking? Let us find out!

source: pexels.com

Before we move on to find out the difference between sadness and depression. I want to make it clear to you all that I am not a certified psychologist or a mental health counselor. Nor even I have studied psychology. 

This article has been written with the help of all the external resources and my personal findings.

While sadness and depression are two different things. Sadness is just another symptom of depression that can take a toll on our personal lives if not addressed at the right time.

More symptoms of depression along with sadness:

According to verywellmind.com, here are some of the serious symptoms you need to put concern onto;

• anxiety or feeling anxious
• increased irritability
• chest feeling heavy
• guilty of past things
• change in sleep patterns
• insomnia
• lack of energy
• unexplained pain or digestive issues
• lack of concentration or decision making
• not doing things that make you happy

Tips To Take Care Of Your Mental Health When Feeling Sad/Low

Attachment, either physical or emotional, helps to keep us going. Some may confuse it with love, while others are aware of their limits.

So what is this need of becoming detached from others? Why do we frequently hear from others that they require space or that they wish to withdraw from a particular relationship? 

Usually when the attachment is more from one side or when one person is giving more into a relationship they become emotionally dependent on someone. 

Attachment and caring are a part of love. However, when you see yourself willing to do more for others, it means you are dependent on them. This is why many therapists or motivators ask people to withdraw themselves from others so they do not get hurt.

Here we will learn why, when & how to detach from someone.

Detaching or detachment does not mean you should isolate yourself so that nobody can hurt you. It means to focus on yourself and your needs so that you do not worry about someone else's behavior.

It is the ability to emotionally disconnect from another person. Also, it suggests that you are willing to cut all links from another person emotionally and physically. Although physical space or separation can help us set boundaries and center ourselves, this is not what detaching entails.

Why do you need to detach now?

Detachment is a state of mind that, if cultivated, may be extremely beneficial in one's life. It's fine to form attachments with others, whether they're close friends or family members, but if they're causing you to lose your mind, you should cut ties with them right there.

Let's take an example- Sia has four friends. They all hang out with each other almost every weekend. Sia is happy with them because she gets positive vibes whenever she meets them. However, two of Sia's friends meet alone and do not inform her. They've started hiding things from her now. But Sia is so emotionally attached to them that she can't sleep at night, wondering why her friends are behaving this way.

In this case, Sia is suffering a lot emotionally because she has vested her feelings in them.

Yes, I know you would say that it's okay for Sia to feel this way. Many of us would get hurt knowing that our friends are hiding something from us.

But this is what attachment does to us. It sucks out our happiness and brings us to the point where we have to ask others to give us attention and love.

Why? 

Why do I have to ask others to involve me in their conversations? 

That is why DETACHMENT matters! When you mentally set your boundaries, you are aware that everyone has their own set of behaviors and will do what they believe is right. You will not be bothered.

When should you detach from someone?

You may be wondering the right time to detach from others. Detachment is nothing but putting all focus on ourselves rather than others. It simply means to let go of what other people do or think, no matter how close you are.  

So if you want to know when is the right time to step back from someone emotionally, ask yourself these questions:

• Does your happiness rely on others?

• Are you available for someone every time they ask you?

• Do you spend time worrying about other people's problems?

• Do you have strong emotional reactions to other people's ideas, thoughts, feelings, and judgments?

• Do you put your career, hobbies, activities, or friends on hold because of a relationship?

• Do you wonder what others are doing and thinking?

Conclusion

Have you ever been in a position when you know the other person does not want to talk with you but you still want to?

They're implying that they don't want to be with you by their acts and behaviors, but you're not ready to accept this!

You want them to call you or text you. And when they do not call or respond to your texts, you check them on all the other social media platforms.

Seeing them online on Facebook or Whatsapp makes your heartache Isn't it?

Trust me I know how it feels to feel abandoned, and shattered. It looks like we are the most unworthy human on this planet. We beat ourselves up. We feel guilt and shame and curse our destiny.

source: pixabay

It is the most pathetic thing that we all humans do (except those who love themselves).

Yes, someone who is incubated with self-love will never beg anyone to be in their lives. They won't run or chase someone because they are happy loving themselves. They are full of love and, they give love to everyone around them without expecting others to return them the same. 

Thats' what we all should do! 

We can't change anyone else, but we can change ourselves.

I know you might think that- "It's easy to say so, but hard to give up on someone whom you love so much!"

But my dear, let me tell you- "Someone who is intended to be with you or belongs in your life will always be there. You'll never have to question your place in their lives!"

Do this instead of chasing someone

Conclusion

When you already have what you need, you won't expect others to give it to you. For example, suppose you have a cup of ice cream and the other person does as well. If you get an ice cream craving now, you'll eat it right off your plate. Even if the other person does not provide, you will not be disappointed because you already have all you require.

The same is the case with love. If you love yourself and speak respectfully to yourself, it doesn't matter whether or not the other person talks politely to you. This is how our life works. 

Offer yourself what you want others to give you first, whether it's an emotional or mental need.

Ever find yourself hopeless thinking about your future? 

On the one hand, there are your ambitions, passions, and objectives whereas, on the other hand, there is your current reality, which is where you are right now.

You want to get to the other side, but something is preventing you from doing so. Isn't that so?

Trust me. Every successful person you know has been there.

But the only thing that pushed them forward is that they didn't let their current reality take control over their minds.

There can be many things that are not letting you reach your desired destination. You may not even be aware of them. However, if you figure out what that one item (or a collection of things) is, you can move on to living the life of your dreams.

Here are some beneficial tips that you must follow in order to get back on track and life the life of your dreams:

• Accept your reality- The first thing you have to do is accept where you are. Admit that you are not where you want to be. Jot it down and, your brain will automatically start working out to find solutions. There is no need to compare yourself to others and feel sad. Thus, accepting your current situation will let you move to the next step swiftly.

• Stop feeling guilty- It's okay if you have not reached your final destination. You don't have to beat yourself up or feel guilty about it. What matters the most is you have become responsible and are willing to change your reality. This itself is a big thing for you. So don't pressurize yourself and start working on your future goals.

• Set small goals- Most people make the mistake of setting bigger goals and hustle towards achieving them. For example, some people may set a goal to lose 10 kg in a month or to earn $1000 in a month, which is a big challenge. When they don't achieve their objectives, they either give up or start berating themselves. Instead, start creating smaller goals for yourself that you can actually attain.

• Change your environment- Often you don't realize that environment plays a big role in your success. The daily habits that you do, the people you meet, the information you consume have a lot of impact on your brain. As a result, if you want to achieve your goals and become a better person, you must modify your environment.

• Regain confidence-  Self-confidence is the root of a happy life. If you have confidence and belief that you can do anything, nobody can stop you! It's more than just getting out of bed and going to work; it's about showing up with a plan for the day. Once you have done all the above steps, it is time to kick off and start working towards improving your life. Whether it is related to fitness, money, relationship or, business, remember you have the power to achieve anything.

Bottom Line

 Do you also sometimes feel burdened by an emotion called- "Guilt"? 

And then you start blaming yourself for the things you've done, and you wonder why you've done them.

Well, let me tell you- "Guilt is the result of overthinking a situation or, more specifically, thinking about how others are feeling about the way you have responded to them!"

If you have done something that made you happy and it gave you a sense of peace at that time, you should not feel bad about doing it.

Guilt is nothing but normal human emotion. It isn't even a negative emotion; it indicates that you are moral and ethical and that you are aware that your decisions have consequences. 

Most of the time we are accused of things for which we should not be guilty. This means that we apologize for the things for which no apology is needed.

So why take the blame on yourself when you only think about your mental health and peace of mind?

Hence you don't have to feel sad or upset about the stuff I'm about to mention!

1.  Saying "NO" to others- If you are compassionate about other people's feelings and sometimes you have to say "No" to them, then it's okay to say so. In fact, it's good if you are considering yourself a priority. Many people do the job they don't want to do because they don't know how to say "NO."

Thus, you should never feel guilty about saying "NO" to others for the things you don't want to do. It is as simple as that!

2.  Declining a social call- Does it happen with you too when your phone rings in front of you and you choose to ignore it and ring it over? Well, that happens with me too and with most of the other people too. Sometimes you don't feel like hanging out with your buddies or talk with others over a phone call. 

If you ignore a friend's call, the relationship will not stop, and your friend will not hold it against you. It is important to set aside time for yourself in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle!

3.  Choosing a different path- Sometimes we don't know what life brings to us. We may have decided earlier that we will choose a path and make it our profession, but something else may influence us and, we choose that instead. You should never feel guilty about choosing something that makes you passionate about doing it, no matter what the folks say.

4.  Acting normal in an intense situation- Your feelings are valid and whatever you are feeling in a particular situation is right. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't feel the way people want you to.

If you have ever been sexually harassed or bullied or tortured by someone in your childhood or teenage and you are not able to get that thing out of your mind, it's okay. There may be people around you who would say- "It's not a big thing and that you are just overthinking!" Don't let them make you feel guilty about feeling your emotions. After all, that's your life and only you are responsible for your emotions.

5.  Moving on in life- Sometimes in our life, things don't work the way we want them to work. Either it's our professional life or personal. And when there is nothing we can do to make it better, it's better to move on. If you have decided to move on in life from your past relationship or your toxic work life, don't feel guilty about making that decision. You did what you thought was right.

6.  Spending time with yourself- Some days our mind and body are so exhausted that we don't feel like going out. If you want to relax and spend time with yourself, then do it without taking any guilt on yourself. Allow yourself some time during the day to simply bury yourself in a book or relax in a warm bath. 

7.  Not being productive- Everybody can't be their best version at every moment. We feel obligated to do something positive every second of the day because of social media, but keep in mind that social media is only a snapshot of someone's existence. We all function in different ways and at different times, and we are all efficient in different ways.

Conclusion

In 2020 when the pandemic hit the world, we all got stressed, anxious and upset. We had to stay away from our loved ones and isolate ourselves to protect them.

But gradually, we made it through it, and in December 2020, we all wished for a happy new year. We all thought this coming year would bring back our happiness and everything would get better.

But little did we know that this situation was going to be worse. 

Wait, I am not going to make you feel depressed!

A lot is going on right now, be it the shortage of beds, oxygen, or the poor development of our healthcare system. Our social media feeds are flooded with messages from people who need assistance or news outlets broadcasting disturbing images of dead bodies.

When I see such posts on my Instagram account, I feel gloomy about the situation. That feeling of fear and numbness that I experience, I am sure you guys experience it too.

But as it is said that- "Hope is the only thing that can help us get through the darkest of times." It is the only key that will help us get through this terrible situation.

Although it is natural to feel stress and anxiety, it does not mean that we allow our negative emotions to dominate us.

source: google

There are a lot of ways through which we can divert our minds and focus on our mental health. Here's what we can do to keep our mental wellbeing at ease:

1. Take breaks from reading, watching, or listening to the news- After some time, it can become disturbing than informative. While it is beneficial to be aware, hearing about the pandemic regularly can be distressing. Instead, try restricting your news consumption to a few times per day and taking a break from your phone, television, and computer screens for a while. If you get any messages or posts where you can help someone, then go for it. But try to remain as positive as you can be. I know it's difficult not to get emotional when you see other people's messages or tweets, but if you will send a positive thought out to the world, it will surely reach the universe.

 2. Connect with your loved ones- Talking with people about how you feel makes you feel good and comfortable. Although social distancing and lockdowns have made us isolated, on the other hand, technology has made our lives better. Call your friends and loved ones and reminisce the happy times you guys have spent together instead of talking about the current problem. Focus on what you want instead of what you don't want.

3. Take care of your body- Take deep breaths. Deep breathing is a helpful exercise to calm the noise inside your head. When you are surrounded by negative thoughts, take a deep breath and alert your mind. Also, stretching and exercising helps to release positive hormones. So take out some time to take care of your body.

4. Listen to peaceful or soothing music- Music is a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing, daily performance, and better sleep. For years it is being used as healing medicine. We all know the pleasure that we feel when we listen to our favorite song. So to calm the nerves of your mind, turn on the peaceful meditation and see yourself receiving positive vibes.

5. Do activities to reduce anxiety- Create a daily routine to manage your time effectively so that anxiety won't come near you. Add any activity that you like to enjoy to your daily routine to help cope up with anxiety. For example, you could go for a walk with your pet or pick up a paintbrush and paint a canvas. Doing any activity, even journaling your thoughts can help you cope with anxiety.

BOTTOM LINE

The world is surrounded by negativity. Everywhere there is some negative news going on which is disrupting humankind. 

We can somehow protect ourselves from the negativity of the world so that we do not see the news, messages, or videos coming our way, but what about the negative people around us?

How can we shut them off? 

These people are not bad in general, but their behavior, actions, words are so negative that it feels difficult for you to even breathe when you are with them?

 Isn't it?

So how can you overcome such negativity and toxicity that is not letting you live peacefully?

Well, it's easy to say- "Stay away from negativity"! However, in real life, it's as hard as it is easy to say.

So here's what you can do to deal with unnecessary stress, negativity, and all the toxic vibes you are getting either from a specific person or in general:

1. Music- Music has a different kind of vibe that can shift your mood in a second. Whenever someones piss you off or giving your negative energy, don't do anything but listen to good music. One should choose high energetic songs or those songs that calm his/her mind.

2. Reading books-  Reading self-help books provides you natural healing and inspiration to live your life more graciously. When you read an inspirational book every day, your brain is filled with more positivity and you get happy. Make sure to take out some time even if you read a single page.

3. Reminiscing good events-  Thinking about some good nostalgia has a positive effect on our brain which ultimately makes us happy. When you are stressed about something, put that thing aside and remember something very special to you. This technique is also used in relieving anxiety attacks.

4. Call a friend- Friendships are beneficial to one's health.  Good friends accompany you during your rough and tough times. It is advised that calling a friend when you are sad can boost your happiness and help you get out of that stressful situation. So, instead of crying and overthinking, call a friend who has a good sense of humor as he can surely make you laugh.

5. Prayer/meditation- We all know the benefits of prayer or doing meditation. Spending even a few minutes for meditation can impact a lot on your mood. It will help you achieve a sense of calm, harmony, and balance, which can improve your mental well-being as well as your overall health.

6. Self-care- Most of us are always hustling day and night to live a financially able life that we forget to take care of ourselves. When we have negative people around us, thinking about them not only spoils our mental health, but also our physical health. Try to find some alone time for yourself that can help manage your stress. For a few hours, forget about everything and just focus on yourself and your well-being.

7. Journaling- Journaling offers amazing benefits to help combat your stress, worry, or tension. I remember when I was a teenager I used to go to my bedroom and pick up a notebook to write about what happens at school. Although now, I do not publish my thoughts every day, whenever I feel sad I write what bothers me and, it calms me down quickly.
 Even studies show that journaling helps people with anxiety and improves their mental health. 

8. Be thankful- It is said that when you think about your blessings, it's impossible for you to be sad or depressed. I know it is hard to be grateful for something when you are stressed, but gratitude can help us to overcome stress and anxiety. Therefore, the next time you are unhappy, think of 3 blessings for which you are grateful and, you would feel more relaxed and at peace.

9. Spend alone time- It's time to refocus on yourself. Negativity can wear on even the most positive person over time. By keeping your life in balance, you are better equipped to handle the negative comments or situations that come your way. Exercise, meditation, prayer, or other enjoyable activities can help you relax and stay balanced. Start a new hobby, join a new class and you are ready to reach your ultimate goal of happiness.

10. Set boundaries- If the negativity is taking the soul out of you and none of the other suggestions are working for you, it's time to cut off or restrict your interaction with that individual. If you guys work together, limit the amount of time you spend together. This way, you can stay focused on your work and be more positive.

Conclusion

Are you feeling sad for no obvious reason? Well, sometimes it happens with me too. We all go through such moments once in a while.

Sadness over the loss of a loved one, a specific item, or after a breakup is one thing, and being upset for no apparent reason is another.

However, there are times when sadness is persistent and doesn't go away. It can be a flashback of the past trauma, childhood memories, or maybe a symptom of depression.

This is why it is crucial to recognize what is bothering you and treat it immediately so that it does not harm you.

Are you suffering from depression or, is it just your overthinking? Let us find out!

source: pexels.com

Before we move on to find out the difference between sadness and depression. I want to make it clear to you all that I am not a certified psychologist or a mental health counselor. Nor even I have studied psychology. 

This article has been written with the help of all the external resources and my personal findings.

While sadness and depression are two different things. Sadness is just another symptom of depression that can take a toll on our personal lives if not addressed at the right time.

More symptoms of depression along with sadness:

According to verywellmind.com, here are some of the serious symptoms you need to put concern onto;

• anxiety or feeling anxious
• increased irritability
• chest feeling heavy
• guilty of past things
• change in sleep patterns
• insomnia
• lack of energy
• unexplained pain or digestive issues
• lack of concentration or decision making
• not doing things that make you happy

Tips To Take Care Of Your Mental Health When Feeling Sad/Low

Attachment, either physical or emotional, helps to keep us going. Some may confuse it with love, while others are aware of their limits.

So what is this need of becoming detached from others? Why do we frequently hear from others that they require space or that they wish to withdraw from a particular relationship? 

Usually when the attachment is more from one side or when one person is giving more into a relationship they become emotionally dependent on someone. 

Attachment and caring are a part of love. However, when you see yourself willing to do more for others, it means you are dependent on them. This is why many therapists or motivators ask people to withdraw themselves from others so they do not get hurt.

Here we will learn why, when & how to detach from someone.

Detaching or detachment does not mean you should isolate yourself so that nobody can hurt you. It means to focus on yourself and your needs so that you do not worry about someone else's behavior.

It is the ability to emotionally disconnect from another person. Also, it suggests that you are willing to cut all links from another person emotionally and physically. Although physical space or separation can help us set boundaries and center ourselves, this is not what detaching entails.

Why do you need to detach now?

Detachment is a state of mind that, if cultivated, may be extremely beneficial in one's life. It's fine to form attachments with others, whether they're close friends or family members, but if they're causing you to lose your mind, you should cut ties with them right there.

Let's take an example- Sia has four friends. They all hang out with each other almost every weekend. Sia is happy with them because she gets positive vibes whenever she meets them. However, two of Sia's friends meet alone and do not inform her. They've started hiding things from her now. But Sia is so emotionally attached to them that she can't sleep at night, wondering why her friends are behaving this way.

In this case, Sia is suffering a lot emotionally because she has vested her feelings in them.

Yes, I know you would say that it's okay for Sia to feel this way. Many of us would get hurt knowing that our friends are hiding something from us.

But this is what attachment does to us. It sucks out our happiness and brings us to the point where we have to ask others to give us attention and love.

Why? 

Why do I have to ask others to involve me in their conversations? 

That is why DETACHMENT matters! When you mentally set your boundaries, you are aware that everyone has their own set of behaviors and will do what they believe is right. You will not be bothered.

When should you detach from someone?

You may be wondering the right time to detach from others. Detachment is nothing but putting all focus on ourselves rather than others. It simply means to let go of what other people do or think, no matter how close you are.  

So if you want to know when is the right time to step back from someone emotionally, ask yourself these questions:

• Does your happiness rely on others?

• Are you available for someone every time they ask you?

• Do you spend time worrying about other people's problems?

• Do you have strong emotional reactions to other people's ideas, thoughts, feelings, and judgments?

• Do you put your career, hobbies, activities, or friends on hold because of a relationship?

• Do you wonder what others are doing and thinking?

Conclusion

Have you ever been in a position when you know the other person does not want to talk with you but you still want to?

They're implying that they don't want to be with you by their acts and behaviors, but you're not ready to accept this!

You want them to call you or text you. And when they do not call or respond to your texts, you check them on all the other social media platforms.

Seeing them online on Facebook or Whatsapp makes your heartache Isn't it?

Trust me I know how it feels to feel abandoned, and shattered. It looks like we are the most unworthy human on this planet. We beat ourselves up. We feel guilt and shame and curse our destiny.

source: pixabay

It is the most pathetic thing that we all humans do (except those who love themselves).

Yes, someone who is incubated with self-love will never beg anyone to be in their lives. They won't run or chase someone because they are happy loving themselves. They are full of love and, they give love to everyone around them without expecting others to return them the same. 

Thats' what we all should do! 

We can't change anyone else, but we can change ourselves.

I know you might think that- "It's easy to say so, but hard to give up on someone whom you love so much!"

But my dear, let me tell you- "Someone who is intended to be with you or belongs in your life will always be there. You'll never have to question your place in their lives!"

Do this instead of chasing someone

Conclusion

When you already have what you need, you won't expect others to give it to you. For example, suppose you have a cup of ice cream and the other person does as well. If you get an ice cream craving now, you'll eat it right off your plate. Even if the other person does not provide, you will not be disappointed because you already have all you require.

The same is the case with love. If you love yourself and speak respectfully to yourself, it doesn't matter whether or not the other person talks politely to you. This is how our life works. 

Offer yourself what you want others to give you first, whether it's an emotional or mental need.

Ever find yourself hopeless thinking about your future? 

On the one hand, there are your ambitions, passions, and objectives whereas, on the other hand, there is your current reality, which is where you are right now.

You want to get to the other side, but something is preventing you from doing so. Isn't that so?

Trust me. Every successful person you know has been there.

But the only thing that pushed them forward is that they didn't let their current reality take control over their minds.

There can be many things that are not letting you reach your desired destination. You may not even be aware of them. However, if you figure out what that one item (or a collection of things) is, you can move on to living the life of your dreams.

Here are some beneficial tips that you must follow in order to get back on track and life the life of your dreams:

• Accept your reality- The first thing you have to do is accept where you are. Admit that you are not where you want to be. Jot it down and, your brain will automatically start working out to find solutions. There is no need to compare yourself to others and feel sad. Thus, accepting your current situation will let you move to the next step swiftly.

• Stop feeling guilty- It's okay if you have not reached your final destination. You don't have to beat yourself up or feel guilty about it. What matters the most is you have become responsible and are willing to change your reality. This itself is a big thing for you. So don't pressurize yourself and start working on your future goals.

• Set small goals- Most people make the mistake of setting bigger goals and hustle towards achieving them. For example, some people may set a goal to lose 10 kg in a month or to earn $1000 in a month, which is a big challenge. When they don't achieve their objectives, they either give up or start berating themselves. Instead, start creating smaller goals for yourself that you can actually attain.

• Change your environment- Often you don't realize that environment plays a big role in your success. The daily habits that you do, the people you meet, the information you consume have a lot of impact on your brain. As a result, if you want to achieve your goals and become a better person, you must modify your environment.

• Regain confidence-  Self-confidence is the root of a happy life. If you have confidence and belief that you can do anything, nobody can stop you! It's more than just getting out of bed and going to work; it's about showing up with a plan for the day. Once you have done all the above steps, it is time to kick off and start working towards improving your life. Whether it is related to fitness, money, relationship or, business, remember you have the power to achieve anything.

Bottom Line

 Do you also sometimes feel burdened by an emotion called- "Guilt"? 

And then you start blaming yourself for the things you've done, and you wonder why you've done them.

Well, let me tell you- "Guilt is the result of overthinking a situation or, more specifically, thinking about how others are feeling about the way you have responded to them!"

If you have done something that made you happy and it gave you a sense of peace at that time, you should not feel bad about doing it.

Guilt is nothing but normal human emotion. It isn't even a negative emotion; it indicates that you are moral and ethical and that you are aware that your decisions have consequences. 

Most of the time we are accused of things for which we should not be guilty. This means that we apologize for the things for which no apology is needed.

So why take the blame on yourself when you only think about your mental health and peace of mind?

Hence you don't have to feel sad or upset about the stuff I'm about to mention!

1.  Saying "NO" to others- If you are compassionate about other people's feelings and sometimes you have to say "No" to them, then it's okay to say so. In fact, it's good if you are considering yourself a priority. Many people do the job they don't want to do because they don't know how to say "NO."

Thus, you should never feel guilty about saying "NO" to others for the things you don't want to do. It is as simple as that!

2.  Declining a social call- Does it happen with you too when your phone rings in front of you and you choose to ignore it and ring it over? Well, that happens with me too and with most of the other people too. Sometimes you don't feel like hanging out with your buddies or talk with others over a phone call. 

If you ignore a friend's call, the relationship will not stop, and your friend will not hold it against you. It is important to set aside time for yourself in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle!

3.  Choosing a different path- Sometimes we don't know what life brings to us. We may have decided earlier that we will choose a path and make it our profession, but something else may influence us and, we choose that instead. You should never feel guilty about choosing something that makes you passionate about doing it, no matter what the folks say.

4.  Acting normal in an intense situation- Your feelings are valid and whatever you are feeling in a particular situation is right. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't feel the way people want you to.

If you have ever been sexually harassed or bullied or tortured by someone in your childhood or teenage and you are not able to get that thing out of your mind, it's okay. There may be people around you who would say- "It's not a big thing and that you are just overthinking!" Don't let them make you feel guilty about feeling your emotions. After all, that's your life and only you are responsible for your emotions.

5.  Moving on in life- Sometimes in our life, things don't work the way we want them to work. Either it's our professional life or personal. And when there is nothing we can do to make it better, it's better to move on. If you have decided to move on in life from your past relationship or your toxic work life, don't feel guilty about making that decision. You did what you thought was right.

6.  Spending time with yourself- Some days our mind and body are so exhausted that we don't feel like going out. If you want to relax and spend time with yourself, then do it without taking any guilt on yourself. Allow yourself some time during the day to simply bury yourself in a book or relax in a warm bath. 

7.  Not being productive- Everybody can't be their best version at every moment. We feel obligated to do something positive every second of the day because of social media, but keep in mind that social media is only a snapshot of someone's existence. We all function in different ways and at different times, and we are all efficient in different ways.

Conclusion

In 2020 when the pandemic hit the world, we all got stressed, anxious and upset. We had to stay away from our loved ones and isolate ourselves to protect them.

But gradually, we made it through it, and in December 2020, we all wished for a happy new year. We all thought this coming year would bring back our happiness and everything would get better.

But little did we know that this situation was going to be worse. 

Wait, I am not going to make you feel depressed!

A lot is going on right now, be it the shortage of beds, oxygen, or the poor development of our healthcare system. Our social media feeds are flooded with messages from people who need assistance or news outlets broadcasting disturbing images of dead bodies.

When I see such posts on my Instagram account, I feel gloomy about the situation. That feeling of fear and numbness that I experience, I am sure you guys experience it too.

But as it is said that- "Hope is the only thing that can help us get through the darkest of times." It is the only key that will help us get through this terrible situation.

Although it is natural to feel stress and anxiety, it does not mean that we allow our negative emotions to dominate us.

source: google

There are a lot of ways through which we can divert our minds and focus on our mental health. Here's what we can do to keep our mental wellbeing at ease:

1. Take breaks from reading, watching, or listening to the news- After some time, it can become disturbing than informative. While it is beneficial to be aware, hearing about the pandemic regularly can be distressing. Instead, try restricting your news consumption to a few times per day and taking a break from your phone, television, and computer screens for a while. If you get any messages or posts where you can help someone, then go for it. But try to remain as positive as you can be. I know it's difficult not to get emotional when you see other people's messages or tweets, but if you will send a positive thought out to the world, it will surely reach the universe.

 2. Connect with your loved ones- Talking with people about how you feel makes you feel good and comfortable. Although social distancing and lockdowns have made us isolated, on the other hand, technology has made our lives better. Call your friends and loved ones and reminisce the happy times you guys have spent together instead of talking about the current problem. Focus on what you want instead of what you don't want.

3. Take care of your body- Take deep breaths. Deep breathing is a helpful exercise to calm the noise inside your head. When you are surrounded by negative thoughts, take a deep breath and alert your mind. Also, stretching and exercising helps to release positive hormones. So take out some time to take care of your body.

4. Listen to peaceful or soothing music- Music is a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing, daily performance, and better sleep. For years it is being used as healing medicine. We all know the pleasure that we feel when we listen to our favorite song. So to calm the nerves of your mind, turn on the peaceful meditation and see yourself receiving positive vibes.

5. Do activities to reduce anxiety- Create a daily routine to manage your time effectively so that anxiety won't come near you. Add any activity that you like to enjoy to your daily routine to help cope up with anxiety. For example, you could go for a walk with your pet or pick up a paintbrush and paint a canvas. Doing any activity, even journaling your thoughts can help you cope with anxiety.

BOTTOM LINE

The world is surrounded by negativity. Everywhere there is some negative news going on which is disrupting humankind. 

We can somehow protect ourselves from the negativity of the world so that we do not see the news, messages, or videos coming our way, but what about the negative people around us?

How can we shut them off? 

These people are not bad in general, but their behavior, actions, words are so negative that it feels difficult for you to even breathe when you are with them?

 Isn't it?

So how can you overcome such negativity and toxicity that is not letting you live peacefully?

Well, it's easy to say- "Stay away from negativity"! However, in real life, it's as hard as it is easy to say.

So here's what you can do to deal with unnecessary stress, negativity, and all the toxic vibes you are getting either from a specific person or in general:

1. Music- Music has a different kind of vibe that can shift your mood in a second. Whenever someones piss you off or giving your negative energy, don't do anything but listen to good music. One should choose high energetic songs or those songs that calm his/her mind.

2. Reading books-  Reading self-help books provides you natural healing and inspiration to live your life more graciously. When you read an inspirational book every day, your brain is filled with more positivity and you get happy. Make sure to take out some time even if you read a single page.

3. Reminiscing good events-  Thinking about some good nostalgia has a positive effect on our brain which ultimately makes us happy. When you are stressed about something, put that thing aside and remember something very special to you. This technique is also used in relieving anxiety attacks.

4. Call a friend- Friendships are beneficial to one's health.  Good friends accompany you during your rough and tough times. It is advised that calling a friend when you are sad can boost your happiness and help you get out of that stressful situation. So, instead of crying and overthinking, call a friend who has a good sense of humor as he can surely make you laugh.

5. Prayer/meditation- We all know the benefits of prayer or doing meditation. Spending even a few minutes for meditation can impact a lot on your mood. It will help you achieve a sense of calm, harmony, and balance, which can improve your mental well-being as well as your overall health.

6. Self-care- Most of us are always hustling day and night to live a financially able life that we forget to take care of ourselves. When we have negative people around us, thinking about them not only spoils our mental health, but also our physical health. Try to find some alone time for yourself that can help manage your stress. For a few hours, forget about everything and just focus on yourself and your well-being.

7. Journaling- Journaling offers amazing benefits to help combat your stress, worry, or tension. I remember when I was a teenager I used to go to my bedroom and pick up a notebook to write about what happens at school. Although now, I do not publish my thoughts every day, whenever I feel sad I write what bothers me and, it calms me down quickly.
 Even studies show that journaling helps people with anxiety and improves their mental health. 

8. Be thankful- It is said that when you think about your blessings, it's impossible for you to be sad or depressed. I know it is hard to be grateful for something when you are stressed, but gratitude can help us to overcome stress and anxiety. Therefore, the next time you are unhappy, think of 3 blessings for which you are grateful and, you would feel more relaxed and at peace.

9. Spend alone time- It's time to refocus on yourself. Negativity can wear on even the most positive person over time. By keeping your life in balance, you are better equipped to handle the negative comments or situations that come your way. Exercise, meditation, prayer, or other enjoyable activities can help you relax and stay balanced. Start a new hobby, join a new class and you are ready to reach your ultimate goal of happiness.

10. Set boundaries- If the negativity is taking the soul out of you and none of the other suggestions are working for you, it's time to cut off or restrict your interaction with that individual. If you guys work together, limit the amount of time you spend together. This way, you can stay focused on your work and be more positive.

Conclusion

Are you feeling sad for no obvious reason? Well, sometimes it happens with me too. We all go through such moments once in a while.

Sadness over the loss of a loved one, a specific item, or after a breakup is one thing, and being upset for no apparent reason is another.

However, there are times when sadness is persistent and doesn't go away. It can be a flashback of the past trauma, childhood memories, or maybe a symptom of depression.

This is why it is crucial to recognize what is bothering you and treat it immediately so that it does not harm you.

Are you suffering from depression or, is it just your overthinking? Let us find out!

source: pexels.com

Before we move on to find out the difference between sadness and depression. I want to make it clear to you all that I am not a certified psychologist or a mental health counselor. Nor even I have studied psychology. 

This article has been written with the help of all the external resources and my personal findings.

While sadness and depression are two different things. Sadness is just another symptom of depression that can take a toll on our personal lives if not addressed at the right time.

More symptoms of depression along with sadness:

According to verywellmind.com, here are some of the serious symptoms you need to put concern onto;

• anxiety or feeling anxious
• increased irritability
• chest feeling heavy
• guilty of past things
• change in sleep patterns
• insomnia
• lack of energy
• unexplained pain or digestive issues
• lack of concentration or decision making
• not doing things that make you happy

Tips To Take Care Of Your Mental Health When Feeling Sad/Low

Attachment, either physical or emotional, helps to keep us going. Some may confuse it with love, while others are aware of their limits.

So what is this need of becoming detached from others? Why do we frequently hear from others that they require space or that they wish to withdraw from a particular relationship? 

Usually when the attachment is more from one side or when one person is giving more into a relationship they become emotionally dependent on someone. 

Attachment and caring are a part of love. However, when you see yourself willing to do more for others, it means you are dependent on them. This is why many therapists or motivators ask people to withdraw themselves from others so they do not get hurt.

Here we will learn why, when & how to detach from someone.

Detaching or detachment does not mean you should isolate yourself so that nobody can hurt you. It means to focus on yourself and your needs so that you do not worry about someone else's behavior.

It is the ability to emotionally disconnect from another person. Also, it suggests that you are willing to cut all links from another person emotionally and physically. Although physical space or separation can help us set boundaries and center ourselves, this is not what detaching entails.

Why do you need to detach now?

Detachment is a state of mind that, if cultivated, may be extremely beneficial in one's life. It's fine to form attachments with others, whether they're close friends or family members, but if they're causing you to lose your mind, you should cut ties with them right there.

Let's take an example- Sia has four friends. They all hang out with each other almost every weekend. Sia is happy with them because she gets positive vibes whenever she meets them. However, two of Sia's friends meet alone and do not inform her. They've started hiding things from her now. But Sia is so emotionally attached to them that she can't sleep at night, wondering why her friends are behaving this way.

In this case, Sia is suffering a lot emotionally because she has vested her feelings in them.

Yes, I know you would say that it's okay for Sia to feel this way. Many of us would get hurt knowing that our friends are hiding something from us.

But this is what attachment does to us. It sucks out our happiness and brings us to the point where we have to ask others to give us attention and love.

Why? 

Why do I have to ask others to involve me in their conversations? 

That is why DETACHMENT matters! When you mentally set your boundaries, you are aware that everyone has their own set of behaviors and will do what they believe is right. You will not be bothered.

When should you detach from someone?

You may be wondering the right time to detach from others. Detachment is nothing but putting all focus on ourselves rather than others. It simply means to let go of what other people do or think, no matter how close you are.  

So if you want to know when is the right time to step back from someone emotionally, ask yourself these questions:

• Does your happiness rely on others?

• Are you available for someone every time they ask you?

• Do you spend time worrying about other people's problems?

• Do you have strong emotional reactions to other people's ideas, thoughts, feelings, and judgments?

• Do you put your career, hobbies, activities, or friends on hold because of a relationship?

• Do you wonder what others are doing and thinking?

Conclusion

Have you ever been in a position when you know the other person does not want to talk with you but you still want to?

They're implying that they don't want to be with you by their acts and behaviors, but you're not ready to accept this!

You want them to call you or text you. And when they do not call or respond to your texts, you check them on all the other social media platforms.

Seeing them online on Facebook or Whatsapp makes your heartache Isn't it?

Trust me I know how it feels to feel abandoned, and shattered. It looks like we are the most unworthy human on this planet. We beat ourselves up. We feel guilt and shame and curse our destiny.

source: pixabay

It is the most pathetic thing that we all humans do (except those who love themselves).

Yes, someone who is incubated with self-love will never beg anyone to be in their lives. They won't run or chase someone because they are happy loving themselves. They are full of love and, they give love to everyone around them without expecting others to return them the same. 

Thats' what we all should do! 

We can't change anyone else, but we can change ourselves.

I know you might think that- "It's easy to say so, but hard to give up on someone whom you love so much!"

But my dear, let me tell you- "Someone who is intended to be with you or belongs in your life will always be there. You'll never have to question your place in their lives!"

Do this instead of chasing someone

Conclusion

When you already have what you need, you won't expect others to give it to you. For example, suppose you have a cup of ice cream and the other person does as well. If you get an ice cream craving now, you'll eat it right off your plate. Even if the other person does not provide, you will not be disappointed because you already have all you require.

The same is the case with love. If you love yourself and speak respectfully to yourself, it doesn't matter whether or not the other person talks politely to you. This is how our life works. 

Offer yourself what you want others to give you first, whether it's an emotional or mental need.

Ever find yourself hopeless thinking about your future? 

On the one hand, there are your ambitions, passions, and objectives whereas, on the other hand, there is your current reality, which is where you are right now.

You want to get to the other side, but something is preventing you from doing so. Isn't that so?

Trust me. Every successful person you know has been there.

But the only thing that pushed them forward is that they didn't let their current reality take control over their minds.

There can be many things that are not letting you reach your desired destination. You may not even be aware of them. However, if you figure out what that one item (or a collection of things) is, you can move on to living the life of your dreams.

Here are some beneficial tips that you must follow in order to get back on track and life the life of your dreams:

• Accept your reality- The first thing you have to do is accept where you are. Admit that you are not where you want to be. Jot it down and, your brain will automatically start working out to find solutions. There is no need to compare yourself to others and feel sad. Thus, accepting your current situation will let you move to the next step swiftly.

• Stop feeling guilty- It's okay if you have not reached your final destination. You don't have to beat yourself up or feel guilty about it. What matters the most is you have become responsible and are willing to change your reality. This itself is a big thing for you. So don't pressurize yourself and start working on your future goals.

• Set small goals- Most people make the mistake of setting bigger goals and hustle towards achieving them. For example, some people may set a goal to lose 10 kg in a month or to earn $1000 in a month, which is a big challenge. When they don't achieve their objectives, they either give up or start berating themselves. Instead, start creating smaller goals for yourself that you can actually attain.

• Change your environment- Often you don't realize that environment plays a big role in your success. The daily habits that you do, the people you meet, the information you consume have a lot of impact on your brain. As a result, if you want to achieve your goals and become a better person, you must modify your environment.

• Regain confidence-  Self-confidence is the root of a happy life. If you have confidence and belief that you can do anything, nobody can stop you! It's more than just getting out of bed and going to work; it's about showing up with a plan for the day. Once you have done all the above steps, it is time to kick off and start working towards improving your life. Whether it is related to fitness, money, relationship or, business, remember you have the power to achieve anything.

Bottom Line

 Do you also sometimes feel burdened by an emotion called- "Guilt"? 

And then you start blaming yourself for the things you've done, and you wonder why you've done them.

Well, let me tell you- "Guilt is the result of overthinking a situation or, more specifically, thinking about how others are feeling about the way you have responded to them!"

If you have done something that made you happy and it gave you a sense of peace at that time, you should not feel bad about doing it.

Guilt is nothing but normal human emotion. It isn't even a negative emotion; it indicates that you are moral and ethical and that you are aware that your decisions have consequences. 

Most of the time we are accused of things for which we should not be guilty. This means that we apologize for the things for which no apology is needed.

So why take the blame on yourself when you only think about your mental health and peace of mind?

Hence you don't have to feel sad or upset about the stuff I'm about to mention!

1.  Saying "NO" to others- If you are compassionate about other people's feelings and sometimes you have to say "No" to them, then it's okay to say so. In fact, it's good if you are considering yourself a priority. Many people do the job they don't want to do because they don't know how to say "NO."

Thus, you should never feel guilty about saying "NO" to others for the things you don't want to do. It is as simple as that!

2.  Declining a social call- Does it happen with you too when your phone rings in front of you and you choose to ignore it and ring it over? Well, that happens with me too and with most of the other people too. Sometimes you don't feel like hanging out with your buddies or talk with others over a phone call. 

If you ignore a friend's call, the relationship will not stop, and your friend will not hold it against you. It is important to set aside time for yourself in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle!

3.  Choosing a different path- Sometimes we don't know what life brings to us. We may have decided earlier that we will choose a path and make it our profession, but something else may influence us and, we choose that instead. You should never feel guilty about choosing something that makes you passionate about doing it, no matter what the folks say.

4.  Acting normal in an intense situation- Your feelings are valid and whatever you are feeling in a particular situation is right. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't feel the way people want you to.

If you have ever been sexually harassed or bullied or tortured by someone in your childhood or teenage and you are not able to get that thing out of your mind, it's okay. There may be people around you who would say- "It's not a big thing and that you are just overthinking!" Don't let them make you feel guilty about feeling your emotions. After all, that's your life and only you are responsible for your emotions.

5.  Moving on in life- Sometimes in our life, things don't work the way we want them to work. Either it's our professional life or personal. And when there is nothing we can do to make it better, it's better to move on. If you have decided to move on in life from your past relationship or your toxic work life, don't feel guilty about making that decision. You did what you thought was right.

6.  Spending time with yourself- Some days our mind and body are so exhausted that we don't feel like going out. If you want to relax and spend time with yourself, then do it without taking any guilt on yourself. Allow yourself some time during the day to simply bury yourself in a book or relax in a warm bath. 

7.  Not being productive- Everybody can't be their best version at every moment. We feel obligated to do something positive every second of the day because of social media, but keep in mind that social media is only a snapshot of someone's existence. We all function in different ways and at different times, and we are all efficient in different ways.

Conclusion

In 2020 when the pandemic hit the world, we all got stressed, anxious and upset. We had to stay away from our loved ones and isolate ourselves to protect them.

But gradually, we made it through it, and in December 2020, we all wished for a happy new year. We all thought this coming year would bring back our happiness and everything would get better.

But little did we know that this situation was going to be worse. 

Wait, I am not going to make you feel depressed!

A lot is going on right now, be it the shortage of beds, oxygen, or the poor development of our healthcare system. Our social media feeds are flooded with messages from people who need assistance or news outlets broadcasting disturbing images of dead bodies.

When I see such posts on my Instagram account, I feel gloomy about the situation. That feeling of fear and numbness that I experience, I am sure you guys experience it too.

But as it is said that- "Hope is the only thing that can help us get through the darkest of times." It is the only key that will help us get through this terrible situation.

Although it is natural to feel stress and anxiety, it does not mean that we allow our negative emotions to dominate us.

source: google

There are a lot of ways through which we can divert our minds and focus on our mental health. Here's what we can do to keep our mental wellbeing at ease:

1. Take breaks from reading, watching, or listening to the news- After some time, it can become disturbing than informative. While it is beneficial to be aware, hearing about the pandemic regularly can be distressing. Instead, try restricting your news consumption to a few times per day and taking a break from your phone, television, and computer screens for a while. If you get any messages or posts where you can help someone, then go for it. But try to remain as positive as you can be. I know it's difficult not to get emotional when you see other people's messages or tweets, but if you will send a positive thought out to the world, it will surely reach the universe.

 2. Connect with your loved ones- Talking with people about how you feel makes you feel good and comfortable. Although social distancing and lockdowns have made us isolated, on the other hand, technology has made our lives better. Call your friends and loved ones and reminisce the happy times you guys have spent together instead of talking about the current problem. Focus on what you want instead of what you don't want.

3. Take care of your body- Take deep breaths. Deep breathing is a helpful exercise to calm the noise inside your head. When you are surrounded by negative thoughts, take a deep breath and alert your mind. Also, stretching and exercising helps to release positive hormones. So take out some time to take care of your body.

4. Listen to peaceful or soothing music- Music is a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing, daily performance, and better sleep. For years it is being used as healing medicine. We all know the pleasure that we feel when we listen to our favorite song. So to calm the nerves of your mind, turn on the peaceful meditation and see yourself receiving positive vibes.

5. Do activities to reduce anxiety- Create a daily routine to manage your time effectively so that anxiety won't come near you. Add any activity that you like to enjoy to your daily routine to help cope up with anxiety. For example, you could go for a walk with your pet or pick up a paintbrush and paint a canvas. Doing any activity, even journaling your thoughts can help you cope with anxiety.

BOTTOM LINE

The world is surrounded by negativity. Everywhere there is some negative news going on which is disrupting humankind. 

We can somehow protect ourselves from the negativity of the world so that we do not see the news, messages, or videos coming our way, but what about the negative people around us?

How can we shut them off? 

These people are not bad in general, but their behavior, actions, words are so negative that it feels difficult for you to even breathe when you are with them?

 Isn't it?

So how can you overcome such negativity and toxicity that is not letting you live peacefully?

Well, it's easy to say- "Stay away from negativity"! However, in real life, it's as hard as it is easy to say.

So here's what you can do to deal with unnecessary stress, negativity, and all the toxic vibes you are getting either from a specific person or in general:

1. Music- Music has a different kind of vibe that can shift your mood in a second. Whenever someones piss you off or giving your negative energy, don't do anything but listen to good music. One should choose high energetic songs or those songs that calm his/her mind.

2. Reading books-  Reading self-help books provides you natural healing and inspiration to live your life more graciously. When you read an inspirational book every day, your brain is filled with more positivity and you get happy. Make sure to take out some time even if you read a single page.

3. Reminiscing good events-  Thinking about some good nostalgia has a positive effect on our brain which ultimately makes us happy. When you are stressed about something, put that thing aside and remember something very special to you. This technique is also used in relieving anxiety attacks.

4. Call a friend- Friendships are beneficial to one's health.  Good friends accompany you during your rough and tough times. It is advised that calling a friend when you are sad can boost your happiness and help you get out of that stressful situation. So, instead of crying and overthinking, call a friend who has a good sense of humor as he can surely make you laugh.

5. Prayer/meditation- We all know the benefits of prayer or doing meditation. Spending even a few minutes for meditation can impact a lot on your mood. It will help you achieve a sense of calm, harmony, and balance, which can improve your mental well-being as well as your overall health.

6. Self-care- Most of us are always hustling day and night to live a financially able life that we forget to take care of ourselves. When we have negative people around us, thinking about them not only spoils our mental health, but also our physical health. Try to find some alone time for yourself that can help manage your stress. For a few hours, forget about everything and just focus on yourself and your well-being.

7. Journaling- Journaling offers amazing benefits to help combat your stress, worry, or tension. I remember when I was a teenager I used to go to my bedroom and pick up a notebook to write about what happens at school. Although now, I do not publish my thoughts every day, whenever I feel sad I write what bothers me and, it calms me down quickly.
 Even studies show that journaling helps people with anxiety and improves their mental health. 

8. Be thankful- It is said that when you think about your blessings, it's impossible for you to be sad or depressed. I know it is hard to be grateful for something when you are stressed, but gratitude can help us to overcome stress and anxiety. Therefore, the next time you are unhappy, think of 3 blessings for which you are grateful and, you would feel more relaxed and at peace.

9. Spend alone time- It's time to refocus on yourself. Negativity can wear on even the most positive person over time. By keeping your life in balance, you are better equipped to handle the negative comments or situations that come your way. Exercise, meditation, prayer, or other enjoyable activities can help you relax and stay balanced. Start a new hobby, join a new class and you are ready to reach your ultimate goal of happiness.

10. Set boundaries- If the negativity is taking the soul out of you and none of the other suggestions are working for you, it's time to cut off or restrict your interaction with that individual. If you guys work together, limit the amount of time you spend together. This way, you can stay focused on your work and be more positive.

Conclusion