The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Embracing Sadness in the Pursuit of Happiness
7 snips
Jan 31, 2022 
Helen Russell, a journalist and author of "How to Be Sad," joins to share insights on the often misunderstood emotion of sadness. She discusses the importance of embracing sadness as a crucial part of life, advocating for open conversations about grief. Russell highlights how societal pressures lead us to suppress negative emotions, emphasizing that acknowledging sadness can foster resilience and deeper connections. Drawing from personal stories, she encourages listeners to sit with their feelings, challenging the stigma around sadness and promoting emotional acceptance for greater happiness.
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Helen's Early Loss and Sadness
- Helen Russell's sister died of SIDS when she was three, followed by her parents' divorce.
- No one discussed these events, leading to her lifelong struggle with suppressed sadness.
Sadness vs. Depression
- Sadness is a temporary emotion signaling something's wrong; depression is a chronic illness.
- Sadness can be beneficial, increasing attention, perseverance, generosity, gratitude, and creativity.
Arrival Fallacy
- The arrival fallacy describes the anticlimax after achieving major life goals (marriage, kids, job).
- Dopamine drives the chase, not the attainment; accept sadness as a normal part of the process.
