Why do other people's happiness make me feel sad?

Question

I see other people happy, I'm sad, I want to feel happy, but i somehow feel resentment. Why am I happy when other people are down? Am I a jealous person, or is it something else?

Answer 1

You sound depressed and unhappy with your life. We all have times like that. Spend a little time thinking about what YOU have going for you. Is it a family that cares? A good education? The chance to start a new life? Or even simple things like the computer you have or what other achievements you have made that may currently seem small and insignificant to you right now but that others would be happy to have...

Not so long ago, I was feeling very down. I went to the library, and there was a woman with no legs sitting in a wheelchair out front of the library. Instantly, I felt better about my life after seeing that she had a pretty darn good attitude about her lot in life, and she was way worse off than me.

Answer 2

There is an old adage... "Misery loves company". This actually has some reality, people who are sad or depressed will often try to 'bring down' others around them.

I don't think you are a bad person, some of this is human nature. However, you might try to control your own behavior somewhat, since you are aware of the issue, you should be able to counter it.

Answer 3

Sounds like a case of schadenfreude. A bit of basic psychology would help you understand this very common condition. We all do it at times.

Answer 4

You are not emotionally balanced. You may consider counseling and self-help books. I'm not a psychologist, but have talked to a few that say "when you feel sad, think about others who are worst off, e.g. paralyzed, terminally ill, blind, deaf........
When you think that way, its does sound selfish to be sad.

Answer 5

YOu may be suffering from depression....

Answer 6

depression
jealousy
envy