6 Reasons Why You're Addicted to Sadness

Why aren't more people happy? And why does it seem so hard for the rest of us? Well, psychology tells us that it’s not actually that simple and that there’s a lot more to happiness than we think. In fact, some people can even come to fear happiness and become addicted to sadness instead. The good news is, we can unlearn being addicted to sadness, but it first step towards this change is mindfulness of what it all means. So, here are 6 psychology-backed reasons why you might be addicted to sadness.
Want to make your life happier? Watch this video too: • 6 Habits That Will Mak...
Writer: Chloe Avenasa
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice Over: Amanda Silvera ( / amandasilvera )
Animator: Xingyi Lim
KZbin Manager: Cindy Cheong
References:
Sack, D. (2014 March 5). "Are You Addicted to Unhappiness?" Psychology Today. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201403/are-you-addicted-unhappiness
Fletcher, J. (2021 October 22). "Is It Possible to Be 'Addicted' to Depression?" PsychCentral. Retrieved from psychcentral.com/depression/is-depression-an-addiction#1
Seligman, M. E. (2012). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Simon and Schuster.
Glasser, W. (1999). Choice theory: A new psychology of personal freedom. HarperPerennial.
David, M., Ceschi, G., Billieux, J., & Van der Linden, M. (2008). Depressive symptoms after trauma: is self-esteem a mediating factor?. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 196(10), 735-742.

[@Psych2go]

Can you become addicted to the feelings of being sad? Comment your thoughts and analysis.

[@jaymarcedrickfernandez7909]

:-(

[@A55a551n]

I am always sad but I am not a addicted

[@LoneWandererCollin]

I have been addicted to being both sad and angry, sometimes both. I’m sorry to everyone who I’ve been hostile to on this channel. Edit: I always apologize in the comments because it’s the right thing to do after what I’ve said to others on the discord server, and here in the comments. Everyday it brings me down knowing I burnt that bridge.

[@ChrisZoomER]

Yes, I’ve become addicted to being sad and I hate it. People tell me to just “get over it” as if depression is a choice. Depression (especially with coexisting anxiety and PTSD) is *_NOT_* a choice, no one wants to be depressed. What’s worse is when people tell me to “man up” because they claim to have it worse than me!

[@nitzanshu4695]

Yes. Im always having this weird thought: what if i want to feel like that?

[@junehazel7946]

I think a lot of why people get addicted to sadness is because it kind of frees them from their responsibilities. When you feel sad, at least for me, you kind of get rid of all of your plans and responsibilities and justify it because you're feeling sad, and for some extent, it's good to allow yourself to take a day off if you're feeling really bad, but if you get addicted to it is when it becomes a problem, which should seek treatment.

[@conr918]

ive kinda ruined my life from this, i struggle with anything to sensory over whelming since im autistic i.e simple thing such as a dog barking upsets me since my brain detects every sounds and cant block noises out so at night at the pitch black of my room i spend HOURS watching videos and its so comforting cause its not really bright and loud no sounds that will trigger me but not im so exhausted everyday and my body cant physically fall asleep unless its like 2 am mind you usually fall asleep by 5 and wake at 8

[@smellthel]

Being a victim also absolves you of any liability, when in reality its never that black and white. Edit: I never said some people aren't actually victims. I mean that some people like to be perceived as victims because it removes all fault from them.

[@TheCommonWhys]

goood point

[@priyv8710]

​@@smellthelnot always.... sometimes victims are not responsible for bad things happening to them..for example how a child that suffered from sexual abuse can be held liable?

[@user-uu9yb9wb5b]

@@smellthelI mean some ppl were really victims though and it’s something that they should get help for. I had a traumatic childhood and ignored it because I thought otherwise I’m playing victim. It’s since showed up in other destructive ways. I just want to make sure no one puts off talking to a therapist because they don’t want to be seen as “playing victim” to avoid responsibility. The responsibility is getting help.

[@dorkarama3135]

Feeling anything is better than feeling nothing. Hope has to come from somewhere.

[@Psych2go]

Yes, that's a good point. There is that too. Sometimes, we just want to feel alive even if it means being sad.

[@dearuniverse111]

@@Psych2go exactly. Whenever I felt absolutely numb, it was always when my depression was at its worst. I felt so much that everything canceled out, and then there was nothing. Feeling sad is so much better than not feeling ANYTHING, because now at least I can have a little hope. In one of my worst numb moments, I emailed my teacher saying that there was no serotonin left in my body anymore. She pulled me over and got me to the counselor the next day. I love her so much. Thank you Ms. Cline. For everything ♥️♥️♥️

[@JunkieMonkey321]

great way to put it

[@amandaethereal9425]

@@dearuniverse111 You were lucky that you were able to get help. In alot of places you're left to fend for yourself.

[@johnpett1955]

There is no good without the bad. If nobody experiences sadness and anger, they can't experience joy.

[@txtfan7250]

Timestamps: 1:40 #1 Learned helplessness 2:25 #2 Positive reinforcement 3:04 #3 Choice theory 3:47 #4 Unhealed trauma 4:28 #5 Low self-esteem 4:59 #6 Undiagnosed mental health issues

[@Kamix98PL]

All 6

[@Charles_Mortals]

@@Kamix98PLSame-

[@abyss9158_]

@@Kamix98PL same, nice 🗿

[@Damons-Old-Soul]

#PinThis

[@michaelgarrow3239]

You-all should look up narcissism.

[@Merenq]

I'm definitely addicted to sadness. For some reason making changes and trying to improve my situation sounds too hard and scary. I'm so used to feeling down that positive changes may make me feel the opposite. So instead of feeling good or happy I may feel scared or sad

[@balsamon69]

Yeah, it's natural, i feel that as well. We as a species have our brains wired in a way that makes us fear change, and when happiness and positivity aren't well known to the person, sadness and depression are the stability the monkey in our brains wants. I often find myself catching on a thought that i'm afraid of actual kindness from others, that aren't family, despite wishing for it. I don't know how's it going for you, but i figured out that this fear of love comes from low self-esteem and a feeling of unworthiness, which i still struggle with, but there's light at the end of the tunnel, i believe i will overcome this. I believe you too will find your own solution that works well for you, and someday be able to overcome this blight. Good luck on your journey, fellow traveler of this life

[@christopherboydandmartinsc9322]

Hello fiend. I just wanted to let you know that if I can make changes, I know there’s hope for you too. I struggled my entire adult life with OCD, to the point where I couldn’t leave the house or perform basic daily tasks. OCD was everything. Nonstop to the point where the constant stress and anxiety gave me seizures. For the better part of ten years, I was stuck in a bedroom just doing rituals and compulsions, or drinking heavily. I wanted to die or to truly change. For years the thought of change was terrifying to me too. I actually accredit mushrooms for kickstarting my recovery. However, I’m telling you that mushrooms are not a cure to all of your problems. You have to respect these substances, but they are very powerful tools that have tremendous potential. I recommend you do research on them. And shortly after I took the mushrooms, I rescued my husky. He helps me with exposures and changes everyday. I also recommend that you rescue a dog. Dogs are a great way to start making changes to your life, and they give you a sense of purpose. I’m 26. I am finally starting to learn how to drive, I am going for my GED, plan on going to college after, and am finally in a good place in life. Mushrooms got me out of the shower, Martin got me out of the house, and the rest is up to me to put in the work for the life I want and deserve. Baby steps turn into endless destinations and journeys in life. Never sell yourself short. Know your worth, know what you want, know what you deserve. Stay positive, patient, and consistent. I have a lot of hope for you. I know you can do it.

[@johnpett1955]

I recommend trying to find things to be grateful for. Gratitude is what allows people to make it out of even the lowest of lows. This is easier said than done however since we as humans tend to look at the negatives. It will all be worth it in the end though

[@johnpett1955]

@@trexor67 well people have been able to be happy even when in some terrible situations. It's definitely easier said than done but people have managed it by finding things to be grateful for. Even if small. It's really hard but it works well when you manage it

[@DanceAcademy369]

I wholeheartedly relate to what you just said but in a way in a weird way I've also grown attached to this feeling. That it would feel like I'm saying goodbye to a long time friend and the thought of it makes me sad. It's like I don't want to say goodbye 😅

[@BourbonRose_]

Similar to positive reinforcement, sometimes sadness becomes a part of your identity, like you don't know how to act when you aren't sad.

[@I_am_all_lies]

Yes, I feel the same. I think I my have become addicted to despair, or just feeling absolutely destroyed to feel at home.

[@ziahlotv7485]

This comment an this video spoke so much to me thank you. Cause that’s exactly how I feel.

[@sioua]

Me to I feel the same

[@ideal5535]

For the person reading this message I hope you are doing good, I want to share this in a lot of comment sections so it can reach everyone possible including you so please read until the end: God loves you a lot and he wants you to be saved and happy, nothing in this world like money, fun or popularity can fill the emptiness in your heart, only his son Jesus who died for you can fill you who might not nothing know about him. He knows you more than yourself. You who turned your back to him, he is still waiting for you with his arms open to receive you again. You who fought against him and have done things that are unforgivable in your eyes, he will always see you as his son and he already paid the price for all your sins. Even if the world doesn’t forgive you, all that you need is God and everything will be alright, so trust God and no one else. Repent from your sins and never go back to them, and the most important thing is that you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior with your voice and your heart, when you do all these things, pray to God and read the Bible(Christian Bible not a Catholic since the Catholic one might’ve changed the word of God to something that it is not God’s word but men’s, so read a christian Bible) so that you get to know God. Follow it’s word completely, because some people might say that the times and things have changed, but God never changes, the Bible says that the heavens and earth will pass but his word will never pass and that means that the things God didn’t like back then he still doesn’t like today. So don’t let anyone tell you that now you can have sex before marriage or something like that just because everyone does it, because the Bible says that wide is the path to destruction and many walk through it. When you pray, ask God to guide you so that you always walk in his righteousness and so that he gives you strength so you don’t fall to sin, and don’t just say I am a Christian and never read your bible or end up not praying because being a follower of God means building a father and son-daughter relationship with him. Fast and pray and be his son not only in words but also in your actions. Today God has showed grace to you who might be depressed, empty, are being hated or hates, or maybe you don’t receive genuine love this is even for you who enjoys or is comfortable with your current life. Whoever you who is reading this is, know that God is calling you to give you a future and a hope in this life and in the eternal life. Trust him, because he loves you so much that is beyond understanding, and the time is short. After you finish reading this message you might die or Jesus might return, so be ready and follow him, for today he stretched his hand to you because he loves you and cares for you and he doesn’t want you to go to hell, so please go to him, it will be hard because living for God means denying yourself and the things that you might like, but it will be the best decision you will make in your entire existence and I promise you it will be worth more than any of the things that you don’t want to let go of. Make the right choice, because today God has stretched his hand to you who he loves so much that he even died for knowing all the bad things you have done. That is how much love he has and will always have for you. I don’t know you but you might be going through hard times, so keep these words in mind that God gives hope to the hopeless and he heals any wounds including the ones from the heart, and he can do the same for you regardless of anything. Thank you for reading, God bless you always❤️

[@samchiu9918]

It's quite simple: sadness is the only thing I can fall in love with without it avoiding me at all costs, repulsed by my presence. It's like a dark veil, enveloping me; cold, but comfortingly familiar. No one else holds me tight as sadness does. And I don't know anyone else like I know sadness. I've spent so much time with it. No one else stays with a repulsive loser. They all just leave.

[@samchiu9918]

​@@bhumikaroy2739 Thanks for the sentiment, but I'm a male. I'm not supposed to share my feelings, because I get labelled an incel if I speak on loneliness.

[@rittss99]

@@samchiu9918 If we are on this video and can relate to it, then we should not care who is male and female in us... loneliness is universal, it can affect anyone, it can break anyone, but it can make anyone more resilient too. Right now I feel solace in the thought that one day I will work for those people who are broken by time and strengthened by their inner selves. Wish you love and healing.

[@CakeKitty135]

@@samchiu9918 Feelings are feelings, and you are valid for feeling them, regardless of your gender. If men weren't supposed to feel, then why did God give them emotions? If you're happy, be happy! If you're sad, feel sad! Be free from society's stereotype, and be you ❤

[@homosapien7316]

@@samchiu9918 If you're being called an incel it's probably because you feel an entitlement to others

[@samchiu9918]

​@@homosapien7316 Don't be so naïve. Anyone who is male and a loser is classified as an incel. The entitlement is what the more narcissistic losers feel, and the entitled losers are the incels. But all losers are labelled as incels, whether or not they feel entitled. It is simply easier for society to deem all male losers as morally corrupt, so they can justify ostracizing them. A man's worth is in what he does; what he sacrifices. Male losers are losers because have nothing to offer.

[@sakurastan2971]

For me, sadness comforts me. Its like a safe place, I feel something other than emptiness. This feeling has been with me longer than anyone has.

[@davidgoikoetxea]

this is exactly what i feel. feeling something is better than feeling nothing. and sadness is easy to feel, so its comfortable and familiar. i have felt it more than anything else for years.

[@evanmaldonado9799]

Yeah, me too, Whenever I’m sad, I listen to sad emo rap music because it helps me cope and it brings me a sense of comfort in my sadness and loneliness.

[@ideal5535]

For the person reading this message I hope you are doing good, I want to share this in a lot of comment sections so it can reach everyone possible including you so please read until the end: God loves you a lot and he wants you to be saved and happy, nothing in this world like money, fun or popularity can fill the emptiness in your heart, only his son Jesus who died for you can fill you who might not nothing know about him. He knows you more than yourself. You who turned your back to him, he is still waiting for you with his arms open to receive you again. You who fought against him and have done things that are unforgivable in your eyes, he will always see you as his son and he already paid the price for all your sins. Even if the world doesn’t forgive you, all that you need is God and everything will be alright, so trust God and no one else. Repent from your sins and never go back to them, and the most important thing is that you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior with your voice and your heart, when you do all these things, pray to God and read the Bible(Christian Bible not a Catholic since the Catholic one might’ve changed the word of God to something that it is not God’s word but men’s, so read a christian Bible) so that you get to know God. Follow it’s word completely, because some people might say that the times and things have changed, but God never changes, the Bible says that the heavens and earth will pass but his word will never pass and that means that the things God didn’t like back then he still doesn’t like today. So don’t let anyone tell you that now you can have sex before marriage or something like that just because everyone does it, because the Bible says that wide is the path to destruction and many walk through it. When you pray, ask God to guide you so that you always walk in his righteousness and so that he gives you strength so you don’t fall to sin, and don’t just say I am a Christian and never read your bible or end up not praying because being a follower of God means building a father and son-daughter relationship with him. Fast and pray and be his son not only in words but also in your actions. Today God has showed grace to you who might be depressed, empty, are being hated or hates, or maybe you don’t receive genuine love this is even for you who enjoys or is comfortable with your current life. Whoever you who is reading this is, know that God is calling you to give you a future and a hope in this life and in the eternal life. Trust him, because he loves you so much that is beyond understanding, and the time is short. After you finish reading this message you might die or Jesus might return, so be ready and follow him, for today he stretched his hand to you because he loves you and cares for you and he doesn’t want you to go to hell, so please go to him, it will be hard because living for God means denying yourself and the things that you might like, but it will be the best decision you will make in your entire existence and I promise you it will be worth more than any of the things that you don’t want to let go of. Make the right choice, because today God has stretched his hand to you who he loves so much that he even died for knowing all the bad things you have done. That is how much love he has and will always have for you. I don’t know you but you might be going through hard times, so keep these words in mind that God gives hope to the hopeless and he heals any wounds including the ones from the heart, and he can do the same for you regardless of anything. Thank you for reading, God bless you always❤️

[@padixone5929]

How on Earth is that possible that your videos are perfectly accurate to my current mood?

[@Lianna_Is_Me]

True

[@yo9979]

I was about to comment that

[@Psych2go]

It's the timing! Or maybe our content are relatable in general! What should we post next? :)

[@MCAlexisYT]

Probably some algorithm-related conspiracy theory nonsense.

[@kykyli]

IT LITERALLY ALWAYS IS AND SPOT ON TOO

[@purpleperruche5433]

This video really caught my attention. I thought I'm the only one like this. Idk if it's exactly this or something else but I had the bad habit of making myself cry and remind me of the worst times of my life just to cry. I liked to cry, I wanted to be sad, it felt....comforting. All of my life I suffered bcs of things and when I didn't have a reason to cry, I made myself cry just to feel normal.

[@Psych2go]

I see. It seems like this is more common than we think!

[@winterflower579]

Same for me too, i never thought someone could relate to this and wanting to feel sad made me feel so guilty and feel like an attention seeker.

[@skipper0816]

@@Psych2go could you make a video on why some people cry more than others? I try to cry to relieve stress but nothing comes out and im not emotional while watching sad movies like other people… I actually only cry when im extremely stressed or frustrated, or ironically, have to talk about my feelings.

[@boyius1b24ng7]

same i dont even know why...

[@elkatuber]

something that my mom says that i agree with is that there is no reason to be ashamed to cry, if you need to cry then cry.

[@Lemotzi_alt]

As a teen who so happens to be very good at giving people support and help, and observing, I have found that some, especially teens almost want to be sad. I think among teens it is mostly the second reason. Most teens do not receive a lot of positive reinforcement, but we can get it by being sad, and almost doing a pity act. I don't believe it is a pity act, but some maybe doing it so they can feed an ego. Things like that can be a little frustrating when you want to help them feel better, since you can't because nothing was ever wrong, they almost just create problems and issues just so they can tell all their friends about it and receive love and support. Not everyone is a fraud for attention, but some are. I don't like how draining these people can be. I've honestly dealt with too many of these people to count, and it has absolutely destroyed me as a person and I honestly have received some mental trauma. I get scared of my friends when they get sad now, and I fear helping. I want to help, but I fear what it will do to me. I fear I will fall into despair like I have before. I fear I will be drained of everything I have and almost become bound to just helping them and never being free to my own life. I fear becoming a slave. My biggest fear my whole life has been not being able to move forward with life, and these people make it impossible, since they can't be happy, they just want to be sad. Sorry about ranting, but thank you for reading this all. I promise I'm not degrading them, I think some actually need some help, but some just need to be avoided because there is nothing to do.sorry everyone, please don't hate me for this view

[@Psych2go]

Yes, our upbringings and how we are conditioned plays a big role. There was even a clip somewhere I forgot where, when the kid fell, the father just stood and watched him pick himself back up instead of crying and then expecting him to comfort him. This helped the kid build resilience.

[@mokie7421]

Definitely avoid them. They usually lack confidence, so it's a pretty good sign to tell if you should engage with them or not. Im sorry these people have to burden so much. I hope you get better soon, and have some positive people in your life. They can be very good for your health as you are to them.

[@Panet0nsumletterz]

I used to be one of those people, i was legitimately suffering but i prolonged it instead of getting help because i was deeefinitely addicted to the sympathy i got from it. I'm so sorry, i feel really bad about that nowdays.

[@jeffreybrinker5367]

Depression is propelled by fear of alot of things or maybe failure, if your mind is strong you can easily pull yourself out. Cbd oil can be very effective stopped me from addiction drinking and smoking alot, very good for mental health therapy.

[@aaronbailey7492]

How do I get a cbd oil around me? I would appreciate if you would respond to my comments thstnk you.

[@jeffreybrinker5367]

Look up albovegateway

[@jeffreybrinker5367]

...On Instagram, I get mine from them .

[@JusFoNo]

*My personal reason is:* Whenever I do end up feeling sad or angry, I want to hold onto that feeling rather then trying to make myself happy, because I feel like that invalidates the fact that I was sad/angry at all. Because I know that I'm gonna feel better sooner or later, it makes that past sad feeling seem unimportant and invalid once I feel better. I want my sadness/angriness to feel validated, to know that it was there.

[@Psych2go]

Sometimes, all we want is to feel that we what we feel carries weigh.

[@Blxvkm]

I can def agree with this . I think that’s why i like being sad sometimes it makes me feel a little comfort in a weird way.

[@kiwi_rainbows]

I think this is why many people don't forgive their trauma or abusers: they feel that doing so gives away power, invalidates their suffering, and is a way of saying "it was not as bad as your suffering indicates it was." But forgiveness is a gift to the forgiver, not the offender. It heals them and releases the poison that was put there in the first place.

[@Blxvkm]

@@kiwi_rainbows wow . I didnt look at it this way before . Thank you i needed that .

[@kiwi_rainbows]

@@Blxvkm of course. May you continue to heal well!

[@ljnon-pro5684]

I'm addicted to sadness because I like sadness. It has been with me for so long that it is now a part of my character. And most importantly being depressed helps me analyse myself so that I can know what someone is thinking when they are sad.

[@Dan-iy1hc]

I really get this honestly. I feel like sadness is a big part of me and since I have embraced it more it seems like I'm able to be more dedicated and empathetic to people. Luckily I do like being happy but I absolutely can't stand only being happy. I need to feel at least a little sad almost all the time...

[@douglaskaplon2595]

One of the hardest things I I needed to do was learning to forgive myself. It was hard. But I found the reason to.

[@douglaskaplon2595]

If im being honest. I was looking for approval. But not from other people. And it got to the point I almost gave up.

[@selesiagaming]

Sadness is like my daily routine now for year....after spending a day...late at midnight i used to sneak out spend some time alone thinking and started being sad for no reason at all ,i think its mainly cos of something we experience in our past,present...sometimes it hurts so much but cant cry it out,grabbing our chest..but still repeating this everyday..

[@rocco3605]

I hope you feel better soon.

[@mickeyabreu3686]

I think sadness is like a drug, because somehow you can sometimes enjoy it, but it's bad for you

[@SabiKatz]

I feel a big reason people are addicted to being sad is so that they can drown themselves in self-pity, gain attention. If you do it to comfort yourself and make yourself feel better then it may not be an addiction, maybe just to make yourself feel better from time to time.

[@Psych2go]

There's that too.. and unfortunately, we are sometimes victim of ourselves.

[@buckfidencoincidencetheori7200]

What if you do this but completely isolate yourself. Not trying to argue but there’s a lot of people here including me who are introverts who speak to no one and when we do speak to someone we don’t show real emotion we just put on a mask

[@brandyringe9887]

@@buckfidencoincidencetheori7200 I relate.

[@firstmiddlelast1697]

@@brandyringe9887 same…I spiral out on sadness, isolate because I feel so completely toxic I don’t want to be a bummer with friends. Like I feel literally poisonous. Plus if I talk about just about anything “real” I’ll tear up eventually…it’s *so* awkward. But the isolation just makes it so much worse.

[@xavierhugo9269]

From my experiences that seems to often be the case

[@matgd4006]

"- Why are you sad? - I'm always sad, but now I don't have enough energy to hide it"

[@darwinshrugged7347]

This resonates. As long as I can remember, I've been addicted to sadness. It can manifest through a deep sense of All Is Lost, or profound loneliness, or often even an almost sweet melancholy. Thing is, after ~40 years I can't imagine living without this feeling. It's become part of my self, and everytime I am being too preoccupied by life to really FEEL the thing, my sense of self begins to evaporate.

[@AliMea0]

It's hard sometimes to fake smile in front of ppl 🙃

[@Psych2go]

You don't have to smile all the time either.. :)

[@LtRee96se]

@@Psych2go Not really. People put peer pressure on a person to "Look happy" whether you are happy or not.

[@kiwi_rainbows]

That's toxic positivity, and it's a huge cultural blight.

[@YourThoughts.]

“Every human walks around with a certain kind of sadness. They may not wear it on their sleeves, but it’s there if you look deep.” - Taraji P. Henson

[@bigtest8907]

i lost everything almost 3 years ago, my family, my hard earned job, my church and friends. I have had anxiety and sadness non stop. Sometimes i try to remember how "being happy" feels like. nothing seems right, i cannot trust people anymore for fear of getting hurt, even i have nothing to lose anymore. But your videos help me get by, thank you so much.

[@potatopotato1028]

Hey i lost a lot recently, grandparents and loved one so i understand you at least a little,i hope you get better buddy

[@moxnwxlf3063]

I remember there was this girl that would always cry in class and I always wanted to be her friend but felt she didn’t but regardless I’d try to be there for her but I also found myself being envious of how she was able to cry in front of so many people bc I never really showed that side of me often and handled it on my own in my own way and though it does work for me, it was nice to see someone expressing those feelings so easy and people accepting them, then is it proud that I’m feeling? I’m not sure but either way I kind of see it as an ability in a way haha

[@PinkLady860]

i was that girl from your classroom, and today i was that girl on the train. i appreciate what you said, yet i mostly feel like people think i seek attention or that i’m some weird, weak person. i got laughed at all my life for crying in public, even in my family, i don’t want them to brand me as an attention-whore, but i know they do. the crying, the sadness, the self-h@rm and trying to talk about things gave me a bad reputation. it’s sooo hard not to cry all the time tho, at least that’s my life experience. i always cry anywhere and there hasn’t likely been a place around here that i haven’t cried at :) hahaha thx for reading this

[@Eliannahnguyen]

For me I was addicted to being sad for awhile, I am finally getting some closure from my trauma and also learning that not all trauma can be solved, moving on doesn’t always work but some it does and spotting that has been hard but I am finally getting better and I’m really proud of myself for that

[@Smilyshy_]

I realized not really long ago that I used to go back to being sad when little things went wrong in my life or that I actually enjoyed being sad. But it's not a good way to live my life. Lately I've been fed up to crave sadness, I finally realized that most of my life was a complete disaster due to a part of my family and events that occurred in my life and that everything is still pushing me down today. It is really tiresome, and it really makes me angry to think that my life could have been a bit more normal if my mother didn't treat me and my brother like she did. But we can't change the past, and I have to take care of myself.Thankfully, I've got an amazing partner who is here for me and willing to help me, and I couldn't thank him enough for the help he gave me everyday. Of course, it's not always easy and I still struggle with my mental health but thanks to him, my friend and even this channel, I gather courage little by little, every day and finally accept the fact that I need professional help. I still need to have the courage to actually call to have an appointment but one day I'll do it and I will be proud of myself. To anyone still reading, I send a lot of love for you and if you struggle, don't give up. I know sometimes it is really hard and you want to give up, but I can assure you that the fight is worth it and getting to spend some time with your loved ones or getting to appreciate the littles things in life is totally worth it. I know you can do it friend. You are strong enough to get through this and you are not alone ❤️

[@ryanc5572]

You made me cry. Thank you. I wish you all the best and I love you ❤

[@warfu_]

This was a VERY INTERESTING topic for y'all to cover!!! The first 3 points used topics that I saw in my first 3 semesters in my psychology career, they're basics and loved how useful they were to explain the topic here!! The quality of this channel is extremely good!!

[@Psych2go]

Thank you for the support! Let us know if you come across interesting new information from school that you want to share with us too.

[@alma_v]

sadness brings me comfort

[@blep6265]

Yeah, it just feels most familiar so why move from it?

[@darknite3875]

Same its the only freling i can talk to well i co sider it a person cuz its me

[@blep6265]

@@darknite3875 i consider sadness being my main personality trait and my talent, I'm very good at being sad

[@agnesmeow]

@@blep6265 im so good at being sad, too good

[@re.liable]

Positive reinforcement. Yes. Because my mood is a wheel that goes down and surely goes back up. The process of "getting back up" is what I'm addicted to, even if I'm just back to the same place as before. The realization of which actually plunges me back down, goes back up, and so on.

[@murilovsilva]

I believe that Gotye, in his classic masterpiece Somebody That I Used to Know, summed it up perfectly in this line: “You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness”. That line stuck with me back when I was struggling with an abusive, toxic relationship. A relationship that I kept going for 7 years, because the fear of change was greater than the misery I felt every day.

[@the_UF365]

It's hard to be happy, that's one of live's hardest truths to accept.

[@ThatWindowsGuy488]

I love how the emotions from inside out are here

[@teresas8173]

Possibly for some, but I don’t think its common. It’s at the very least unusual to want to feel sad when the alternative to sadness, JOY, feels so good. Sadness is only pain. At least with drugs or alcohol, you get a buzz. And the alternative to that is to be sober and that for some is not a good feeling.

[@_-Lucia-_]

Well, I often find comfort in sadness. It inspires me in my life. And honestly, nothing feels better than crying alone at home, but still being in comfort. I don't know if you understand what I mean, but for me sadness is something that can hurt really bad but still be kinda beautiful in some way. And it helps me in understanding myself better. I hope I explained it well. ❤ (I hope my english is okay)

[@Ajs_studios]

When things get really bad mentally, you can feel like happiness is out of your comfort zone so sadness is like a comfort thing

[@dearuniverse111]

I’ve been asking myself this question for about 2 years now. Thank you. So much. ❤

[@A55a551n]

Timestamps 1). Learned helplessness 1:40 2). Positive reinforcement 2:25 3). Choice theory 3:03 4). Unhealed trauma 3:47 5). Low self-esteem 4:27 6). Undiagnosed mental health issues 4:59 Hope this helps you out.💙💙💙💙

[@hasmikarzumanyan9765]

Everything was discribed so clearly, THANK YOU so much for what you are doing and keep going! I am hugging everyone, who recognised themselves in this video, you are not alone !

[@SkibidiRizzler911]

2 points out of 6 🥳. Been a long while since I scored less then half of the point relating to mental health issues! Finally can see that I'm healing 😁

[@hope-.]

So happy for you. Keep going. You deserve the mental stability you have

[@tiffanychan5942]

Happy for you!!!:)

[@SkibidiRizzler911]

@@tiffanychan5942 Thank youu!!

[@KYC17_YT]

Congrats. Keep on moving. Happiness is waiting for you at the end of the tunnel.

[@deohenge1865]

Very informative take on a subject that many people have very polarized opinions on. I struggle with "Choice Theory" conceptually; saying that being happy all the time is a choice seems analogous to telling someone they can exert themselves forever if they just really choose to. Fatigue isn't a choice, and no matter how resilient they are everyone succumbs to fatigue eventually.

[@dinofighter2349]

There are moments where I felt guilty for having something that my friends don't have or when I should've taken a hit but didn't because my friends were going through a very tough time and had no control.

[@noalukal8847]

I think I fit in with a lot of these examples, but another reason why I, personally, may stick to sadness is because I have witnessed first-hand what kind of destruction positive thinking can lead to. I recently tried to chase a BIG crush/love interest. I have never felt such strong feelings about anyone ever. However, my mind was constantly trying to tell me that she didn’t love me back, due to a number of clues and hunches. I knew it, but I didn’t listen. I ignored a bunch of risks, being incredibly uncaucious. When I then found out that she didn’t feel the same way, I still got a massive impact, even though, deep down I knew it. A big part as to why I failed was because I was way too wreckless. Ignoring all of those risks and overestimating the possibility of her liking me back, I did not succeed in the end. Now I am absolutely TERRIFIED of positive thinking. I have a new crush now, but whenever I start thinking about a positive experience or future with her, I immedietly shut down that thought with all of my power. I can’t make the same mistake. Not again. It’s better to stay passive forever than it is to make bold move that cost you EVERYTHING.

[@bhumikaroy2739]

It's alright. Your crush may not love you back. It's totally normal. You may not always get what you want; sometimes, you may get something even better. So, you can always try looking for someone else and if that "someone else" does not love you back either, no worries. Just move on, Bro. Life has plenty of good things for you :) Also, maturity is when you love someone and you don't pressurise them to love you back 🙂

[@thegamerwoman5320]

Noaluka, I can relate to this

[@foxyboy3684]

I have solved my own depression a while ago, including my other mental illnesses thst have been undiagosed. I see so many people sad and can't fix themselves or let others try and help, so this video helps a lot with my explaining, thank you!

[@Ominous89]

I'm not addicted to it. Sure I enjoy to cry to the saddest music ever. But I'm actually getting better. Despite I think your content is of high value and helped me and others going through a rough patch, I've started avoiding your video's. Why? Because I don't want to make or keep myself sad, in trauma, or depressed, by repeating the symptoms of sadness, trauma or loneliness over and over again. So, me avoiding your video's is actually a very good thing. A sign that I'm healing. And a good result of all that you do.

[@sakurikunikai7564]

needed this more than anything right now

[@Psych2go]

Hope you're okay.

[@Tilnaor]

I found another reason to be the most powerful: comfort. Knowing what could happen is comfortable. Progress needs effort. And pain, and persistence. Hope in the constantly changing uncertainty. Facing the stress. Sadness is certain. Don't need energy (seemingly). Welcoming and calm. Predictible and eternal. With no action will be no bad reaction (neither good, but everything has a price)

[@keithadams6321]

I don't understand how I am driven (observed) by a death drive ,diagnosed with BPD and my family sees and comments that I have 'improved' so much and is 'so much' more positive, helping my newly diagnosed sister 'overcome' the same things that I very harshly had to deal with for many years alone. It is such a miserable feeling and there are days when I catch myself feeling sorry for myself and then there are days like today where I want to absolutely cry until all the residue of yesterday's pain vanish. Love and light to anyone out there fighting with themselves

[@jasminefremdehake2354]

Thank you for this video ❤

[@selina_7037]

i love your content and I’ve been loving your animations since I’m currently in art school and know what it means to do them! They are amazing! They are perfectly matched to the theory🙏thank you, i love this channel sm, i feel heard with you

[@jessiglow7292]

Thank you so much for the uploading this 😇💖 This help to solve a problem I have being wondering for half a decade

[@avacmw]

i think this is the best explanation of how i feel right now. its like, i could get better, i can make myself happier, but i just choose not to. im comforted in this sadness knowing i will get comfort from other people, and also knowing that happiness is fleeting and i will end up back here, feeling hopeless and depressed. i cannot get out of the cycle, so i dont try to. i leave myself to feel this way, i self sabotage, i make things worse, i sh, i use substances, i purposefully destory myself. and maybe then i can get professional help and it will help me every time i feel like this again.

[@valianthistorian7790]

Something about this feels really eye opening.

[@ivix9536]

Some people just dont want to get better. That’s a sad reality🤷🏽‍♀️

[@tedwojtasik8781]

For me the issue has always been, damned if I do, damned if I don't. My family had (most are now gone, only my Mom is still alive) been very old-school, European in their outlook. You never talk to anyone about family issues or anything private which is pretty much anything they believe would make them look bad. Then, there is that gem of regardless of what your parents did to you, they are your parents and deserving, entitled to full respect from you. So, if I become the person I want to be, I am a horrible son. If I do as I was taught, I am miserable. Either way is a bad choice. I actually hold a masters degree in psychology so I know the issues and problems, the difficulty is in the prisoners dilemma a person is faced with under such circumstance. All the psychologists in the world can tell me it's my life and I should live it as I choose, however, reality tells me I would have to live with my Mom's disappointment and loathing until I shuffle off this mortal coil. The guilt itself would be debilitating. Good news is with my step-kids I am always encouraging them to be their genuine self and not give a wit what others think.

[@EFJoKeR]

Such a great video. Thank you, for making it, and shedding light on it... Keep up the good work...

[@scarlettlicious2003]

I always wondered why I love crying and feel being sad is much more addictive than being happy till i watched this video. Ever since i was a toddler till adult, I've been abused by my parents, both mentally and physically. It's kinda unbearable living with them tbh, i soon hope i get to move out of the house and this family and maybe live with my bf in the future so i can heal my mental health. Thanks for this video, psych2go ^^ it helps learning myself better

[@presntnow]

Best to be happy on your own Than sad with fake people Find yourself be mindful

[@nirajanadey]

You're a mind reader!! Recently this was the EXACT thing I kept worrying about.

[@yo9979]

It's always the right video at the right time

[@hvcreator2380]

The best think is to be alone, sad and stay with it because happiness is rejected by people saying see he is enjoying and when being sad no such problems arises and even being sad at least reduces my all body pains and headaches. Also when u have no friends it affects a lot and being sad, alone is the best way for not to be abused . And yes sadness is great as I don’t regret it later like I do when happy.

[@Joel_Simila]

This video is something that touches me deeply. This video may help me explain my self to those close to me. I can relate to every part of the video. I have't experisensed big traumatic events, but I have had hard life. I tend to say that my life is like one low and slow traumatic event.

[@Royalgecko-zp8zd]

thanks for making this video

[@janinatopp2768]

Oh my...6 minutes of watching andI feel like someone crashed the truth right in my face. I am so deeply addicted to sadness or bad feelings as a whole. I think you lined up so many reasons why and most of them fit in my case. Being sad keeps you occupied, distracted from what you should do, where you should go. It keeps you from facing the fears behind decisions you don't dare to make. It makes sure you aren't disappointed or hurt badly by anyone (again), cause you are already sad, so never mind.

[@rarity790]

i just feel like sadness is safe, you can't fall anymore if you're already at the bottom. i know it's unhealthy but i don't know how to stop the fact that i'm yearning for missery

[@saramoooon]

I was looking for this 3 hours ago.. thanks for uploading

[@seriouspurrsahead7445]

The world is sad but also beautiful. You can be sad and grieve for things, for others, for yourself, and still know that this world has fleeting glimpses of joy and that these feelings is what it means to be alive. I’ve seen a lot of things I didn’t consent too and it’s left me changed. I don’t think I’m addicted to it but I also know I am capable of love and empathy. I’m glad I feel these things because I would never trade my ability to empathize for the sake of feeling less.

[@malfoy76]

This is off topic but i could listen to her all day. She has such a soothing voice.

[@sofiach9117]

Idk if this makes sense but I found warmth in my sadness , I feel like it make my heart beat again

[@HaizzPlayz]

Here is my experience to sadness:- So for me sadness began this year when I lost my best friend. Actually it's not her or my fault of being separated. In my school my teacher changed our seats just so that we don't talk during class times. But then she started talking to the girl who she sat with, and didn't talk with me much, whenever I try to talk to her she always ignore me... So I also gave up on her and I started talking to my bench mate. But later our seats again got changed and I was sitting alone in the last bench, I didn't have anyone to talk with me, so I had a habit of talking to myself and singing songs when writing to comfort myself... Now I only have 2 friends in my french tuition, the school bathroom was my favourite place of the school... Like 2 weeks back I saw a video called 6 sighs to leave a best friend so I promised myself to never have a best friend in my life cause it's so heart breaking when a friend leaves u... If u do have a best friend u r very VERY lucky to have one, cause few of the world don't have a best friend... Do make sure they do not hurt u in the future... Do not follow what I did but I had no choice but to do !t... I hope u have a happy life

[@Piotr_J93]

Monotony of sadness just calms me down. I even started to be affraid of happiness and unwilling to feel it because happiness looks as something way too unpredictable and unstable, and sadness cannot surprise me with nothing new. Thanks to my therapy it is getting better but still sadness remains my comfort zone, which I'm trying to leave more often. But still after a hard day only watching sad show or reading a sad book can calm me down.

[@RayPeng-07]

I don't know if I can be addicted to the feeling of sadness but to the feeling of disappointing I think I kinda can. And when I feel deep disappointment, anger can come by too. One goal to get rid of it all is unreachable right now, but at least your animations and knowledge presented in them can give a bit of a better view I guess. And it is some help already. So thank you for it psych2go. P.S Post all your content here too pls. Not only on twitter or somewhere else. Otherwise I might miss some important materials.

[@jessehensley9428]

I really love your videos and I’ve been struggling with feelings overwhelming amount of guilt after I eat. I was wondering if you could do a video on eating disorders or just common eating disorders that should be talked about more! You don’t have to if you don’t want to! I really love your videos keep up the good work

[@aryanisnotlazy]

I feel like a hypocrite being someone who wanna be free and happy but i feel like I am empty when my sadness and anxiety leave me (for a while), i suddenly start to miss them.

[@lolastylianides688]

Thank you ❤

[@Klover_pearl]

I feel worse when I know I am failing, I will not succeed, no one’s gonna care or feel like everybody will hate me. I have a fear of feeling those and to the point I am now in verge of facing these fears because I gradually pull myself into it, didn’t overcome it. Fear equals Fear. The only way I could get through this is to actually appreciate myself, my brain and why I get to experience it. That’s the mere reason why I was able to know psychology, spirituality and I feel like this is something I want to pursue more in this life.

[@user-fz5ri3bo1e]

What a great sense of humour that the author of the animation has!!! These images really show what it feels like, and with a dark irony!

[@BAVidmar17]

Yay! The calming voice is back

[@Baskerville1000]

For me it‘s unresolved trauma. I lost three relatives and blame myself for not having been able to prevent it. In each case I feel responsible even though everyone tells me that I couldn’t possibly have changed anything. As a young child I was in charge of my grandmothers pain killers. She always begged me to release her pain. So I gave in sometimes. In the end she died of liver cancer, probably due to the pain killers. I was devastated and depressed afterwards. Later in life my father had a doctors appointment preceding a necessary surgery while I was on a holiday trip. I even didn’t know that he had this appointment when I went on the trip. He died shortly after this surgery as the surgeons forgot to substitute for the blood thinner he used to take every day. If I would have been there to discuss the surgery I would have been able to ask for heparin injections. My father and mother simply didn’t know that this would be essential. Once more my mistake that caused a loved one to die. I should have taken care. Two years before my uncle had a stroke and I tried to help him recover from aphasia and spelling problems. He always looked forward for me to come and help him practice walking, reading and expressing himself verbally. Then Covid-19 came and I was convinced that I needed to go into quarantine for a while before visiting him. Two days before the end of the quarantine he called and asked if I could come. I told him to be patient for another two days even though I could hear he was depressed. A day later he had his second stroke and died. I know I would have been able to cheer him up and maybe help him to prevent the second stroke if I ignored the stupid quarantine. It wasn’t even necessary as I haven’t been infected, I just wanted to make sure…I desperately try to prevent any possible danger but finally do stupid mistakes that cause or at least don’ t prevent the worst case imaginable. It’s so frustrating. Now I am constantly worried how to prevent harm from the remaining family members.

[@braz1080]

The scenes in this video are really a step up from previous videos.

[@parth6003]

Your voice give me warmth

[@user-fz3wo8dq8c]

Thanks for the video it was amazing 😍

[@awildbidoof6155]

Honestly, I don't know. Been dealing with these feelings for a little more than two decades now, so I've just been trying to take small steps within the last few years to getting out of the rut the feelings cause. Therapy helps, came up with some better coping mechanisms then what I had prior so feel like I'm making progress but the sad feelings are still there. Feeling comforting at times causes it to validate my internal thoughts on how the world always makes me feel like I'm less broken, but always going onward with a pessimistic outlook really is draining at times.

[@kristenanderson4171]

Well dang it you’ve done it again. I’ve hit almost all points & never heard this term.

[@error707detected]

Please make a video on being addicted to being the victim, I really needed this video but couldn't find another on this specific topic and I think it might just really really help me

[@LastEarBender]

Pursuing only "happiness" seldom leads to more than fleeting happiness, as the we are lacking an understanding of what makes us truly happy and are more likely to erroneously chase after quick fixes of instant gratification. Living a life of purpose has value and meaning and will more likely yield a life of satisfaction with a bi-product of some happiness along the way. *That said - excellent video & thank you for all of your work. 🙏

[@ipodius2646]

This was a really wholesome video, but unfortunately I need to say that I don’t have anyone I can open up too, and because of many things that happened I teaches myself to never trust anyone. Even though people can count on me when they need me, I will rather choose to go through hell alone, than giving someone the chance of seeing my weaknesses and exploiting them. I do not know if this was mentioned in any way in the video, but I could say it’s not the best way of going through life. I really hope and believe that the people who read this and can relate to it will acknowledge that they are not alone, there are a lot of people feeling the same, and that we can forge our destiny like a sword, to defeat everything that puts itself in front of us! Keep fighting, because there will be better days ahead! If god let you wake up today, he has a purpose for your suffering, and it’s not over yet! ⚔️

[@thatslifefranck]

Thanks you, you literally have put word on what I was living, I've every point. Thanks

[@dave1264]

Honestly, being sad is one of my ways of becoming a happy person, it feels good to let go of your emotions

[@Zeld_12]

This topic is truly relate to my wondering for a really long time that im prefer sadness to happiness and it has become a part of me. And i felt a little ease to know that there’re pp like me out there, and relatable from the reason mentioned in the video

[@cherylduckworth8185]

I ran across some words of encouragement today while scrolling. It said something like "don't be the coffin for your grief". Instead, take your pain and pour it into art, music, travel, and things that you love. I was allowing myself to be buried in my own coffin of grief. Thank goodness I hadn't nailed the lid shut yet. It's ok and right to hurt for a while but it's sad to get stuck there.

[@schraegstrich9509]

I collected the whole set! Yay… Dunno where to start. Every factor influences the other ones heavily.

[@jared8711]

This hits home

[@Astrofrank]

Thanks for the references to Inside Out - that movie is great!

[@rubienriquez5714]

I am always sad for what feels like no reason and even when I am in a lighter mood my mind always wanders back to my sadness. In my saddened state I am completely miserable, it feels like my depression is poisoning me from the inside out, but in a fucked up way it is almost comforting because its something I have always known.

[@Doppy_019]

I really needed this

[@joelheath2746]

I must admit, this explains a lot.

[@voxzii]

I feel like I'm always angry and upset, but not addicted to it. I've been bullied, and I am still being bullied. It doesn't make me want to keep crying, since, its not always the best feeling, but I do sometimes enjoy crying. Also, If anyone wants to speak to me about my experience with bullying/being bullied, reply. Same with any normal replies, obviously.

[@bhumikaroy2739]

How do they bully you? Do you wanna talk about it?

[@voxzii]

@@bhumikaroy2739 What they do, is they shout in my face, ignore me, argue with everyone, ignore rules, and make me hate school. I can't walk away because he convinces my friends to play with him and that I'm not a good friend. When they're shouted at, they begin to shout at me/I begin to shout at them since I'm hurt and angry. This bully once threatened to punch/hurt me, and they never got in trouble. (I'm in primary, by the way). The teachers try to make us all friends, except I don't want to be friends, I want him to know that his actions/behaviour(s) are not okay. I have a friend, and the bully has upset and hurt him so much that he wants to kill himself. I wont say names or go into further detail about my friend(s) because of privacy and respect. He makes and convinces my friends side with him when he's wrong. This person/bully has made me want to die, I've felt like this before but he's making me want to die even more, and this has been going for a year and a half. I'm currently hating my life because of this person.

[@bhumikaroy2739]

@@voxzii Is that so? Just ignore that bully. If he shouts at you, don't shout back at him. Shouting encourages bullies to hurt you more. Also, when he convinces your friends about anything, tell your friends that they should not believe everything they hear.

[@bhumikaroy2739]

@@voxzii And how is your friend bullied? Do you wanna talk about it?

[@voxzii]

@@bhumikaroy2739 same way as me.

[@Eliannahnguyen]

I just want to put this because the source of my sadness was my self sabotage Constantly blaming and punishing myself for what I did or thought I did Listening to sad music, isolating myself etc. I blamed myself for my 2 siblings passings in which I realize now it’s not going to change anything and it was not my fault It’s really hard to stop blaming myself to this day but slowly I am getting better and I hope whoever is really this is going to get better soon

[@skatiesadiemator5948]

Happiness isn't always a choice, however there are some who find a solution for every problem

[@Julian-bv8ql]

Yeah i got hospitalized against my will for opening up, and lost friends doing the same. I honestly live out of spite and happiness is fleeting and very difficult to maintain. Life is brutal and its best not to desire for it to be any other way. Just build yourself into something that can survive and forget all things that are lost in the process.

[@parn2160]

Almost all of these resonate with me but I'm trying to be productive and not let sadness take over my being. I know I can choose how I feel. I used to enjoy being sad and cry all nights, but I'm done with that now. Doesn't mean I won't ever cry, but I won't find solace in crying. I'll cry only when things become too overwhelming and that appears to be the only way to express myself even to my own self, and to come to terms with my emotions

[@kimifw58]

I feel like I don't deserve happiness because of what I am, so guilt is the only way I can feel like a better person. But I'm too stubborn to give up entirely, so I've been trying to learn from it. My goal now is to use what I learn to help others with similar problems.