Happiness and Depression
Searching for happiness is a lifelong journey. However, these suggestions can help you inject joy into your everyday life.
- Practice gratitude. Pay attention to the people, places and objects that make life better, and give thanks. Learning to see your daily life through grateful eyes can improve your positivity. Express your gratitude every day, either by writing in a journal or by thanking those who enhance your life.
- Give to others. Giving to others is one key to happiness. Find a cause that inspires your passion, and give back by volunteering your time or through monetary donations.
- Create something. Research has shown that making something brand new is linked to positive emotions. You do not have to consider yourself a creative person or an artist to create something every day. Explore new ways of creating — bake a new dish, find a career that uses your problem-solving skills or try writing 100 words every day.
- Set goals. Setting targets — from the small goal of walking 15 minutes every day to an ambitious plan to get a degree in three years — helps us feel good about the future. Make a list of short- and long-term goals, and then break down the steps needed to achieve them.
- Get moving. People who exercise are happier. Start small and keep moving for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Stop comparing. It can be easy to compare your life, body or personality to someone else’s and find yourself inferior. Focus on improving your own life, independent of someone else’s standards.
- Make a change. Take risks and make changes to revitalize your life.
No one is happy all the time. However, if you experience sadness for more than two weeks that interferes with daily life, you may suffer from depression. Symptoms of depression include:
- constant feelings of sadness, anxiety or emptiness
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- lack of energy
- loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- physical symptoms, including headaches, cramps and digestive problems
- thoughts of death or suicide
- unusual sleeping patterns, including sleeping too much and insomnia
Some people go through depressive episodes once or twice during a lifetime, and others manage depression throughout their lives.
Symptoms of depression may feel overwhelming, but help is available. Antidepressant medication, talk therapy or a combination of the two can help you return to normal life. Talk with your doctor about which therapies may be right for you.
Mental health professionals can be instrumental in providing tools to find your happiness. Ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor, therapist or psychologist in your area.
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