Sometimes, we become so obsessed with positive thoughts that we tend to overlook the negatives. That is when we become blind to reality. Eventually, this tendency of overlooking the negatives inevitably invites suffering, and we end up being depressed.

Can a person be genuinely happy from within if life is in chaos? Suffering is inevitable, and no one can really escape from the harsh reality of life. Both happiness and suffering are parts of our lives. One may label themselves as someone with a positive attitude and pretend to remain happy just by ignoring the reality. Sadly, such positivity is certainly bound to crash. Suffering finds it’s way, no matter how hard one runs away from reality.

Acceptance is the key here. No one in this world can escape from suffering. We just need to make sure that we don’t forget to grieve whenever we experience the bitter side of life. By doing so, all our pain, sorrow, grudges, melancholy thoughts, feelings of guilt and remorse are washed away. For instance, when your loved ones pass away, let the rain of your tears flow like water. Just grieve the death of your loved ones. Let your grief emanate freely from the deep core of your heart.

If you think you are a cheerful and positive person and you just shouldn’t cry for whatever reasons, then one thing is for sure, you will get bitten by bugs from the inside in a way that may take a heavy toll on your mental health. Although you never wish that to happen to you, it can come true in your life, much to your own chagrin. That’s why the hollowness of positivity is bound to be exposed some day. And the end result can be disappointing.

According to Sigmund Freud, “Denial is the refusal to acknowledge the existence or severity of unpleasant external realities or internal thoughts and feelings. Denial is one of many defense mechanisms that entails ignoring or refusing to believe an unpleasant reality. Defense mechanisms, if overused, can lead to psychological disorders.”

As Freud said, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”

Karki is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Kathmandu