Has anyone ever been sad for a very long time?

Hi,
I am so sorry to hear about your losses, and resulting sadness and grief.

To answer your initial question, I have experienced being sad for a long time previously, and it was also due to life circumstances, albeit situations that I chose (relocating, relationships, etc). I believe that sadness from situations that you can not control (death of loved ones) is much different in comparison to being sad from situations that you can control (relocation--you can move; relationships--you can mostly change).

I agree with Susan about your long term sadness; have you considered going back to grief counseling, since it helped you previously? Profound losses can take years, decades, to heal from. Healing and recovery can be lifelong journeys, and they become easier over time with the right support. Do you feel that you have a good social support system with other family members, friends, co-workers? You mentioned your mother-in-law; are you currently married? Are you open to receiving continued and long term counseling, to help in your recovery process to your long-term sadness?

Here is a big virtual HUG...let us know how you are doing!