Happiness is something that we all strive for in life, but it can sometimes feel elusive or difficult to achieve. This is especially true for people who struggle with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
In this article, we will explore what happiness is and what steps you can take to feel happier. Whether you are struggling with depression symptoms or simply looking to enhance your overall well-being, we’re here to partner with you in your pursuit of happiness.
What is happiness?
Happiness is a term that is often used to describe a positive emotional state, but it is a complex and multifaceted concept that can be difficult to define. Broadly speaking, happiness can be described as an overall sense of well-being and satisfaction with life. Happiness is related to feelings like pleasure, contentment, or joy, which are all different emotional states that can contribute to happiness.
Happiness also has a genetic component. Researchers have found that happiness levels tend to be partially inherited, which means that some people may be naturally predisposed to experiencing more positive emotions than others. However, life circumstances also play a role in happiness - as anyone who’s ever fallen in love, won a competition, or achieved a meaningful goal could tell you, we all tend to experience temporary increases in happiness levels based on positive life events.
Overall, happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, life circumstances, and intentional activities. Understanding what happiness is and the factors that contribute to it is an important first step in achieving greater levels of happiness in one's life.
How to be happy
As noted above, there are many factors that impact happiness that fall outside of what we can control - things like our genetics or internal biological processes. Still, there are several strategies that you can use to increase your overall sense of well-being and satisfaction with life.
Gratitude
Practicing gratitude involves intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of life, such as the people, experiences, and things that bring us joy and fulfillment. People who intentionally practice gratitude tend to experience higher levels of positive emotions, increased life satisfaction, and better mental health outcomes.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness noticing and paying attention to the present moment, and it has been shown to improve emotional regulation and decrease negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Mindfulness meditation practices can help people cultivate greater awareness and connection with their thoughts and emotions, which can lead to greater happiness and well-being.
Positive thinking
Focusing on positive thoughts and experiences, and similarly working through negative thoughts and core beliefs, can help people cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life, which can lead to increased happiness and resilience.
Social connection
Social connections are another important factor in achieving happiness. Humans are social beings, and having strong social connections can help people feel a sense of belonging and support. Spending time with loved ones, joining social groups or clubs, and volunteering can all help people build meaningful relationships and increase happiness levels.
Self-care
Practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep are important for overall physical and mental health, which in turn can contribute to happiness and well-being.
Coping with depression in the pursuit of happiness
Sometimes achieving happiness can feel difficult because of mental health barriers. Depression in particular can make it harder to experience pleasure and joy in life. Common signs of depression include loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, persistent feelings of sadness, increased loneliness and negative self-esteem, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and negative thinking patterns that create obstacles in the pursuit of happiness.
If you recognize any of the above depression symptoms, please seek out support. You don’t have to face these struggles and learn how to be happy all on your own. Here are some tips for seeking happiness when experiencing depression symptoms:
Seek professional help: A mental health provider can help you develop strategies for managing negative thoughts and feelings, as well as provide support and guidance as you work towards greater happiness and well-being.
Connect with others: Depression can be isolating, but social support is crucial for promoting happiness and well-being. Connect with friends and family members, join a support group, or seek out social activities that you enjoy.
Challenge negative thinking patterns: Depression often involves negative thinking patterns, such as self-criticism and rumination. Practice identifying and challenging these negative thoughts by asking yourself if they are really true and if there is evidence to support them. A qualified therapist can also be a helpful partner in this work.
Set achievable goals: Depression can make it challenging to achieve goals and feel a sense of accomplishment. Set small, realistic goals that you can achieve, such as taking a walk or completing a task at work. Celebrate your achievements and recognize your progress towards greater happiness and well-being.
Practice self-care: Depression can make it difficult to take care of yourself, but self-care is crucial for promoting happiness and well-being. Take time to engage in activities that you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family.
Getting support in your pursuit of happiness
Happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept that requires effort and commitment to achieve. While life circumstances and conditions like depression can make it challenging to find happiness, it is possible with the right strategies and support.
If you are struggling or simply trying to figure out how to be happy, reach out to us for support. Our therapists are experts in a range of therapy services that can help you overcome barriers to happiness and achieve greater well-being. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in your pursuit of happiness.
Although it might not feel like it, happiness is within reach, and with the right support, you can achieve it!