Are we Selfish for feeling Sad?

Every time I get deep into one of my "moods" (you know what I mean) I can't help but hate myself for "pouting" and being a big unhappy blob. There are people with harder lives than mine, so what right have I to be so "dramatic"? Spoiled is the word that often comes to mind; then Stupid because that's how I end up feeling. I'm wondering how many of you feel this way, and if so, how often?

Hi DNW,

I have felt the same way at times. I usually feel guilty for being depressed about something that others i know seem to be ok with. The thing to remember tho is depression is an illness and not a choice, i'm sure if you could feel better you would. Feeling guilty and selfish will just make you feel even worse.
Have you been getting any help with the depression?

((Hugs))
Willow

I often feel that way, but then I remember what therapists have said to me, that you don't choose to be depressed, it's an illness, that for myself, can be managed, but is something that I cannot just wish away by making myself feel more guilty than I already am naturally. Making yourself feel guilt and shame for something that you cannot control is not going to help you feel less depressed, it will only make things worse.

Best wishes.

I found a quote which I felt was quite pertinent to this thread:

Saying someone can't be sad because someone else may have it worse,
is just like saying someone can't be happy because someone else might have it better.

Unknown_1 wrote:I found a quote which I felt was quite pertinent to this thread:

Saying someone can't be sad because someone else may have it worse,
is just like saying someone can't be happy because someone else might have it better.

Thats a great quote! Thank you for sharing it.

((Hugs))

Unknown_1 wrote:I found a quote which I felt was quite pertinent to this thread:

Saying someone can't be sad because someone else may have it worse,
is just like saying someone can't be happy because someone else might have it better.

What a wonderful analogy.....thanks for posting it.

I'm one of those people who is very aware that others have a plight much worse than mine, and realizing that really does make one feel worse about being depressed.

What I've noticed though, is that the people who have to fight harder to make it in the world manage to develop a sense of purpose for living. I was smart with what little money I have had in life so I do not have any debts now, so did I inadvertently set myself up to be too comfortable and thus kill my motivation to fight off this depression and anxiety? Am I getting worse because I lost the desire to get better due to my circumstances? I wish someone would figure out how to bottle up motivation and hope.....that would be the cure all right there.