Depression and Reclaiming Joy | Longmont Mental Health Therapist and Life Coach

Sometimes joy can feel out of place, especially when experiencing depression. But, noticing joy is both an act of awareness and resistance.

In modern life, it’s easy for joy to feel indulgent or misplaced. Many people live in a state of high alert—navigating work demands, social comparison, and ongoing collective stress. Within that context, slowing down to feel something good may seem unnecessary or even selfish.

But genuine joy is not a distraction from reality. It’s a reminder that life holds moments of connection, creativity, and ease—especially when things feel heavy.

This isn’t about ignoring suffering or forcing a positive outlook. It’s about giving equal attention to experiences that feel nourishing. Making space for joy is a way to expand emotional range and build inner resources.

Just as pain deserves compassion, joy deserves delight.

Being able to hold both creates psychological flexibility and supports long-term emotional health.

Stay tuned for Part 3: A Simple Practice for Naming and Cultivating Joy.

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