For the past few years, I’ve noticed that after going out and spending time with friends or family, I’ll suddenly feel a sense of sadness when I return home.
It’s not directed at anything, and it passes after about a half hour to an hour, but it’s certainly noticeable.
I enjoy my home, I enjoy my own company, I enjoy spending time with others. I’m a bit confused as to what is triggering this response.
Any advice is appreciated.
Comments
Sounds to me like you’re lonely.
Maybe you’re grateful for what you have now, stability in friends, family, and home life. It possibly manifests as sadness due to unresolved trauma.
Chemically it’s the come down from the feel good receptors. If you take it literally feeling good is the brains reward to keep doing something. And feeling bad is the brain telling us something is wrong. The issue is this system can be hijacked quite easily. But as a basis it’s a good start.
So we ask, is this normal. YES it’s normal to feel sad when you have to leave your favorite people. Especially since it goes away with time. It would be weird if you were anxious and sad until you see them again.
But temporary sadness after being away from loved ones is normal. Do not feel shame. Instead draw happiness from the memories. Perhaps take pictures so you can reflect on the memories more clearly. Journal about what you did, or start a sort of commonplace book to organize the things you liked.
It could help