When society starts to keep distance from someone who is sad or depressed, there can be several underlying reasons, though it's essential to remember that individual responses can vary widely, and not everyone will react in the same way. Some of the common reasons include:
Discomfort with Emotions: People who haven't experienced significant sadness or depression themselves may feel uncomfortable or unequipped to handle someone else's emotional distress. They might fear saying the wrong thing or not knowing how to help, leading them to avoid the situation altogether.
Fear of Burden: People might worry that engaging with someone who is sad or depressed will place a burden on them. They may fear being drawn into the person's emotional struggles, not knowing how to provide support, or feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of helping someone through a difficult time.
Stigma and Misunderstanding: Unfortunately, mental health issues, including sadness and depression, still carry a certain level of stigma in society. People may not fully understand what the individual is going through and might perceive them as "different" or "difficult."
Lack of Empathy: Some individuals struggle to empathize with others, especially when they haven't personally experienced similar emotions. Without understanding or feeling the pain themselves, they may find it challenging to connect with the individual in distress.
Personal Stress and Challenges: In some cases, people might be dealing with their stress or challenges, which leaves them with limited emotional capacity to offer support to others.
Self-Preservation: There are instances where people distance themselves to protect their own emotional well-being. Witnessing someone else's pain can be emotionally draining, and some individuals might feel the need to step back to safeguard their mental health.
Fear of Making Things Worse: People may worry that they could unintentionally make the person feel worse or exacerbate their emotional state if they don't know how to respond appropriately.
Social Norms and Avoidance: Unfortunately, some societies or social groups might have norms that discourage open discussions about mental health or emotions, leading people to avoid such conversations altogether.
It is important to note that not everyone will distance themselves in the face of sadness or depression. Many individuals are compassionate, understanding, and willing to offer support to those in need. The key lies in promoting empathy, open communication, and mental health awareness in society to create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.