Despite how hard we may try to avoid it, it is very unlikely to live a life without some sadness. As uncomfortable as it is, feeling sadness is a natural part of life.
Throughout these emotional valleys, there are degrees to the amount of sadness you may experience. Some days may bring about a hint of melancholy while others throw you into a deep, intense cycle of depression. In between these two ends of the spectrum lies chronic sorrow. If this is a term you are not yet familiar with, you are not alone. In order to learn more about chronic sorrow and how it is different from depression, continue on.
What is chronic sorrow?
Unlike regular sadness, sorrow penetrates much deeper. It is essentially feeling deep grief at all times. The continual sensation of feeling this way is referred to as chronic sorrow. Generally, this is a condition brought about by experiencing chronic pain or loss or being the guardian or caretaker of someone who experiences chronic pain. For example, if you are the caregiver of an elderly relative, you may be living with chronic sorrow.
Living with such heavy sorrow may weigh so deeply on you that you do not even realize that you are coping with chronic sorrow. However, this does not mean you should ignore the problem, but rather, you should face it head-on.
Learning to live with chronic sorrow
The first step toward coping with chronic sorrow is by recognizing its presence in your day-to-day life. You cannot treat a condition you do not even realize that you have. Embrace your chronic sorrow, or attempt to do so to the best of your abilities. Acknowledging such a burden will keep it from completely consuming you.
From here, you can try implementing some activities or things into your life that bring you joy. Listening to good music or hanging uplifting pieces of art are great ways to introduce happiness back into your life. Of course, this does not mean you should ignore any feelings of sorrow you have.
Try observing your thoughts, feelings, and emotions from an objective standpoint. Think of these things like clouds. You can track them as they move across the sky, but you do not have to interact with them. They are simply something that happens, not something you can control. This is especially important to practice on “bad” or difficult emotional days.
Defining depression
Unlike chronic sorrow, major depressive disorder is a classified medical condition that is widely known and researched. Both chronic sorrow and depression, however, impact every aspect of your life.
There are several proven ways you can try to lessen your depression. If you live with chronic sorrow, try out some of the following to help alleviate your negative feelings as well.
- Do not forget to make time for yourself. You deserve to experience good things and small acts of self-care as much as anyone does.
- Try meditation. This practice will help to put you in tune with your mind and body.
- Change your environment. Getting fresh air or a change of scenery will hopefully put you into a new mindset.
Of course, it would be so much easier to live life without ever feeling bad. However, our feelings are what makes us human, and that includes emotions like sorrow. If there ever comes a day when you feel like you may need an extra helping hand, then I strongly encourage you to try finding a therapist. As a specialist in handling depression, reach out to me today to get started down the path towards stronger mental health.