The figure of Saint Thomas Aquinas is often viewed as that of a distant, abstract, intellectual friar, solely focused on complex theological formulations. Nothing could be further from the truth. Seven centuries before the invention of brain scanners or modern pharmacology, the great Doctor of the Church demonstrated dazzling psychological acuity. In the  Summa Theologica  (Question 38 of  Prima Secundae ), he wrote a perceptive treatise on human passions, addressing  tristitia : a pain of the soul caused by a present evil that oppresses us and robs us of the strength to act.

To alleviate this spiritual and physical heaviness, Aquinas did not propose rigid formulas or empty voluntarism, but five extraordinarily human remedies that integrate the human being in his entirety: body and spirit.

1. The cry ( Fletus )

When faced with sadness, St. Thomas’s first piece of advice is not “endure” or “pray more.” It is, quite simply, ”  weep . “

The theologian presents two fundamental reasons for validating tears:

• Physiological:  Sadness constricts the heart; crying acts as an expulsion mechanism that releases that internal pressure.

• Psychological:  Any action that aligns with the person’s emotional state brings relief. Suppressing tears goes against their very nature and intensifies suffering.

Crying is not a sign of weakness; it is a human, therapeutic, and even profoundly evangelical act.

2. Compassion of friends ( Compasio amicorum )

In an era marked by isolation, this remedy takes on vital importance. Sharing one’s grief with someone who listens and understands has a healing effect.

• The comfort of affection:  Perceiving that a friend is saddened with us confirms that we are loved, and feeling loved is the best balm for the soul.

• Shared burden:  Grief alone is crushing; when another person offers their shoulder ( com-passio ), the weight is distributed and becomes bearable.

Faced with the tendency towards despondency and seclusion, the recommendation is to seek the company of a good friend.

3. The contemplation of truth ( Contemplatio veritatis )

It is the most intellectual remedy, but one with enormous transformative power. For Saint Thomas Aquinas, the highest joy comes from the use of intelligence and spirit.

When we contemplate truth—whether through the beauty of nature, art, sacred music, passionate study, or contemplative prayer—the mind is elevated. Stepping outside the narrow confines of the wounded self to connect with that which transcends us generates a delight capable of calming the emotional turmoil.

4. Sleep and bathing ( Somnus et balnea )

Perhaps the most surprising point, due to its striking common sense and realism, is that sadness is a pain of the soul that fatigues and exhausts the body, and therefore anything that restores physical health contributes to the healing of the spirit.

Saint Thomas Aquinas advises taking care of one’s rest, getting enough sleep, and using warm water or a relaxing bath. Paying attention to nutrition, walking, and personal hygiene reminds us of a basic premise: grace acts upon nature, and it is not possible to heal the mind or spirit if the body is exhausted.

5. Lawful pleasure ( Delectatio )

Understanding sadness as a weariness of the psyche, the soul needs rest. And the rest of the soul is joy.

Saint Thomas Aquinas argues that any legitimate pleasure alleviates pain: a good meal, a pleasant conversation, or a rewarding pastime. Far from the rigorism that considers enjoyment reprehensible, the theologian encourages us to treat ourselves with kindness and allow ourselves legitimate respites to replenish our strength.

“God wants you to be holy, but to do that, He first wants you to be human.”

Thomas Aquinas’s proposal encompasses the whole person: the emotional (crying), the social (turning to a friend), the spiritual (contemplating the truth), the physical (resting and taking care of oneself), and the psychological (enjoying the good things in life). It is a timeless reminder that faith and reason not only engage in dialogue but also cooperate to restore peace and vitality to humankind.