Families Dealing with Feelings: How to Handle SADNESS

DISCLAIMER: The topics discussed in this podcast should be considered a matter of personal opinion. They do not reflect professional advice. If you or your child is in need of mental health counseling support, please search out a licensed counselor.

Sadness is a complex emotion that can be difficult to define.

Some feelings around the word sadness that come to my mind when I think of sadness are:

• Heartache
• Grief
• Unhappiness
• Depression
• Melancholy
• Sorrow
• Regret
• Misery
• Dejection

Each individual experiences sadness differently, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as heartache or depression.

When we experience sadness, it can manifest in physical sensations, such as pain or numbness, and emotional reactions, such as tears or blank stares.

It’s important to explore your own relationship with sadness and how it was addressed in your family of origin.

Was it acceptable to be sad?
Was sadness acknowledged and validated?

Understanding your own relationship with sadness can help you better recognize and address it in your children.

As caregivers, it’s important to allow our children to feel and express sadness. It’s a natural part of the human experience and can lead to growth and healing. We can help our children understand and cope with sadness by using books and other media as discussion prompts. Inside Out and When Sadness is at Your Door are great resources for children and adults alike.

When addressing sadness, it’s important to validate your child’s feelings and let them know that it’s okay to be sad. Seeking support from others, such as a therapist or support group, can be helpful in coping with sadness.

If you suspect that your child’s sadness is more than just a passing emotion, it’s important to seek extra help. Depression and other mental health concerns can manifest as sadness, and it’s important to address these concerns with a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, sadness is a complex emotion that can be difficult to define and address. As caregivers, it’s important to allow our children to experience and express sadness, and to provide support and validation when they do. By understanding our own relationship with sadness and seeking help when needed, we can provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children to grow and heal.

Remember, it’s okay to be sad sometimes, and it’s important to talk about our feelings and seek support when needed. Don’t parent alone.

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