Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Smith investigates the issue the mood fluctuations and offers some perspective. Beginning with the declaration that everyone has days where their mood is low, she underscores the variation in frequency and severity of these moods among individuals. Smith addresses an important issue—many grapple with low moods silently, often masking their feelings to meet societal expectations and standards.

Smith challenges the misconception that certain people are intrinsically happier than others. Viewing low moods as a personality flaw often misleads people into believing there’s nothing they can do. One’s emotional state, just like one’s body temperature, is determined by a combination of internal and external factors.

Drawing from scientific findings and therapeutic insights, Smith says that people have more agency over their emotions than many believe. Hardships are inevitable, but understanding our emotions makes it easier to face difficult experiences.

When people are feeling down, they often turn to quick fixes, such as alcohol, drugs, or hours spent in front of a screen. These fixes provide a temporary escape from feelings, but often, the reprieve is short-lived, and people soon find themselves in a vicious cycle of seeking instant relief and facing intensified negative emotions.