Are Depressed People Afraid of Happiness?

Yes, at least in my case, I was. It's like you get so used to having depression as a part of your life, and when it controls everything about you, it becomes all you know. Imagine being taken away from all you have known for the past months or years. It scares you. Happiness is unknown to you, and humans have an innate instinct to fear the unknown. It's sad to think that people get so depressed that happiness becomes foreign, but it happens. This is usually seen in the more serious cases, but anyone who is depressed can and probably does fear happiness.

Understanding the Fear of Happiness

Sometimes, people can be afraid of happiness. It really just depends on the person. So, for me, I can be afraid to be happy because it always disappears when I do get happy. But other times, it lasts, and then something happens, and I get sad again. The fear is real and deeply rooted in the cycle of depression.

How Does Depression Affect Your Happiness?

Recently, there has been an analysis that found a significant link between depressive symptoms and the pursuit of happiness. Placing excessive emphasis on happiness also reduces a person's ability to savor positive experiences. However, the team did not see the same relationship with mania symptoms. This study highlights the complexities of the relationship between depression and the pursuit of happiness.

Why Do People Fear Happiness?

No, happiness is not something people fear, but rather they desire it. However, happiness can be complex, and it takes time to embrace it fully. Depression often creates a comfort zone that people are afraid to leave because they fear the unknown. The way to overcome this fear is to be motivated by all the good that will come from making changes. Changing can be scary, but it can also bring a new level of happiness and fulfillment.

Whose Not to Fear Happiness?

Most people are not afraid of the serious nature of happiness. Instead, they fear the deep dive into the actual unknown, not the assumable unknown we are used to facing. Being completely naked, both metaphorically and psychologically, for the second time after being born is the fear of all fears. Trusting the nature of life completely is the death of the identity and the real freedom that comes from being at peace with what is. Stopping being somebody and accepting being everyone and nobody at the same time can be terrifying, which is why happiness is reserved for those with serious minds, minds that are empty and free of all conditioning.

The struggle of depression is a complex one, and the fear of happiness is just one of its many facets. Embracing happiness fully takes time and effort, but it is a journey worth taking.