Is it Okay to Feel Joy Right Now? Yes, it is.
Written by Kelly Mariani, LPC | Published May 2026 | The Therapy Group
There has been a trend through my office recently, especially in the last year. Many of my clients tell me about feeling guilty for being happy when others are suffering. These are the same folks who also tell me about their deep grief for the state of the world and the people facing the brunt of the impact.
It is normal to feel guilty for being happy when we recognize the inequality and unfairness of suffering. Of course, that makes perfect sense. Often, though, we can end up limiting ourselves because of our guilt.
I’d like to make a case for your joy. Your very human joy.
Here’s 3 reasons why it’s okay to be feeling joy when the world is suffering:
1. If you’re waiting to feel joy until things in the world are “good” or “right,” you’re going to be waiting a very long time.
The hard truth is that suffering has existed long before you and it will continue long after you. You postponing your joy based on things out of your control can leave you feeling hopeless and helpless.
2. Allowing yourself to feel joy can deepen your gratitude. Gratitude fills our cup, which we can then use towards positive change.
3. Joy and suffering are not a 0-sum game: You experiencing joy doesn’t create more suffering elsewhere, and resisting joy doesn’t reduce suffering elsewhere.
When my clients tell me they are feeling guilty for “being privileged,” I offer them this sentiment:
Sometimes all you can do in the face of global suffering is bear witness.
This is not the same as turning a blind eye or choosing ignorance. It means to look at reality and hold it. Notice how your body feels. Notice how it moves you to recognize such pain.
In a system that is intent on minimizing discomfort and benefits from you being uninformed, building tolerance for bearing witness to suffering isdoing something. The more you can tolerate, the more aware you can be.
That being said, any system under stress needs a break. You don’t build muscle without rest and recovery. If bearing witness to suffering is a workout, then joy is the rest and recovery. It is essential to being able to show up tomorrow and do it all again.
I’d wager that allowing ourselves to feel joy and gratitude in hard times can make us more able and willing to support our fellow humans, even if all we have access to is bearing witness to their pain.
Kelly offers therapy for guilt and shame, relationship dynamics, perfectionism, and existential dread. Fill out this form to schedule a free, 15 minute, consultation with her.