Of course we all do at one time or another. This is part of the normal human experience. But we all know from life experiences that this is easier said then done. Loved ones die, a beloved pet dies, we lose our job, friends move away, spouses betray us, we get a speeding ticket, we get sick, we find ourselves stuck in traffic for the 5th time this week-the list is endless. These are all situations in which we may find it very difficult staying happy.
Life is difficult, stressful, and sometimes downright depressing.
How can we tell whether the sadness that we are experiencing is normal or if it is what we in the mental health profession call clinical depression. There are several criteria for measuring this. To what degree is this mood affecting the performance of everyday tasks such as your job, school, housework, and relationships. The length of time that the sadness continues. If it is 24 hours a day for over a month, one should seek professional help.