It would be beneficial to provide the questioner with a supportive gesture. The question itself is not complex. Many individuals may understand the underlying truth, but may face challenges in applying it to their daily lives. They may grasp the concept at an ideological level but may find it difficult to translate it into their actions at a subconscious level.
As the questioner stated, I find solace in melancholy and despondency because I feel secure in these emotional states. I concur with the questioner that these states align with my authentic self. However, I urge the questioner to consider when these states represent my authentic self, whether it's the present or a different point in time.
If this is the case, please describe your typical emotional state. If this is not the case, please describe what your emotional state is like when you are not experiencing sadness or depression. Please also describe whether this emotional state is truly representative of your authentic self.
The body serves as the primary conduit for the subconscious mind. Emotions and feelings that cannot be articulated verbally tend to manifest in body language. The questioner's body language indicates a sense of safety and comfort in sadness and depression. This suggests a natural resistance to breaking free from this state. Conversely, there seems to be an attachment and dependency on these emotions, which could be an instinctual response driven by the subconscious self.
Conversely, breaking free can be perceived as a risky move. The individual may feel unable to cope with the pressure that comes with this state, and may therefore be reluctant to break free. In this regard, the questioner should also consider where the cognitive model comes from that links sadness and depression with feelings of safety, and whether this model is limited to these emotions, or if feelings of safety can be found in other ways.
From an objective standpoint, both the conscious self and the subconscious self represent the true self, albeit in different states at different times. It is only when these two distinct states of the self are integrated that they can be considered the complete self. Just as there are day and night in our lives, daytime is spent on activities such as learning, working, and socializing, while nighttime is dedicated to leisure and rest. Both daytime and nighttime are valid for the self at that moment and are part of real life. Only when daytime and nighttime are connected can it be considered a full day.


Comments
I can relate to feeling like you're stuck in a cycle of wanting to be optimistic but your body and mind instinctively pull towards pessimism. It's comforting to find safety in what feels familiar, even if it's sadness. But I wonder, what would it take for you to start seeing the value in embracing a more positive outlook, even just a little bit? Maybe we could explore small steps that feel safe.
It sounds like there's a deep connection you have with your sadness, almost as if it's a part of your identity. Recognizing this is a big step. Have you thought about what it might look like to gently introduce moments of joy or lightness into your life without completely letting go of the parts of you that find comfort in being sad?
I understand the comfort that comes from staying in a space where you feel truly yourself, even if it's a sad one. It's okay to honor those feelings, but also, could there be room to experiment with other emotions? Perhaps by finding activities that bring you a sense of peace or contentment, not necessarily happiness, you can slowly shift your mindset.
Thank you for sharing such personal thoughts. It takes courage to admit when we're holding on to something that might be limiting us. If you're open to it, maybe you could try talking to someone who can help you navigate these feelings, like a therapist. They could offer support in understanding why you're drawn to sadness and how to embrace more positive aspects of life.