Chasing Happiness

A very common goal that clients often state is that they want to be happy. But what is happiness and why is everyone running after it?

Have you ever had days where you woke up feeling down, and even good things happening couldn't lift your mood? Or days when you felt so upbeat that even challenges seemed manageable?

Our emotions can be complex. Happiness is a positive feeling that's important for our mental health and overall well-being. It brings joy, contentment, and a sense of fulfilment to our lives. When we're happy, it helps us stay positive and resilient, even during tough times. Happiness isn't just a temporary feeling - it's closely connected to our mental health. Nurturing our ability to find joy and contentment is key to living a balanced, fulfilling life.

Happiness and mental health

Mental health refers to our overall emotional and psychological well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. Happiness, on the other hand, is the feeling of being satisfied and enjoying life.

While happiness is often seen as a goal, good mental health is the foundation that allows us to experience happiness. The two are closely connected.

Research has consistently demonstrated the bidirectional nature of the relationship between happiness and mental health. Positive emotions, such as happiness, play a crucial role in buffering against the adverse effects of stress and adversity. When we experience joy and contentment, our bodies release neuro chemicals like endorphins and serotonin, which not only uplift our mood but also enhance our resilience to psychological challenges.

Let's take Alex for instance. Alex generally feels happy and fulfilled in his job. During a period of tight deadlines, his positive mindset and good mental health help him remain resilient and cope well with the added stress. Successfully navigating this challenge boosts his confidence and job satisfaction further, reinforcing his overall happiness.

Conversely, individuals with robust mental health are better equipped to cultivate and sustain happiness in their lives. A resilient mind, characterised by adaptability and emotional regulation, enables individuals to navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease. Moreover, a strong social support network, a cornerstone of mental well-being, fosters meaningful connections that enrich our lives and contribute to our overall happiness.

In essence, Alex's happiness supports his mental health at work, while his ability to manage work stressors in a healthy manner sustains his sense of happiness - the two intertwined in a self-perpetuating cycle.

However, the pursuit of happiness is not devoid of obstacles, and mental health challenges can cast a shadow over our ability to experience joy.

Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress can dampen our mood and impede our capacity to find happiness in daily life. Moreover, societal stigmas surrounding mental illness often exacerbate feelings of isolation and shame, further hindering individuals from seeking support and accessing resources for recovery.

What can we do?

In light of these challenges, fostering a holistic approach to mental health becomes paramount in promoting happiness and well-being. This means practicing self-care activities that nurture our emotional and psychological needs. For example, mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and cultivate a sense of calm, creating a fertile ground for happiness to grow.

We should also work to destigmatise mental illness and ensure accessible mental health services for all. By building supportive communities that value mental well-being, we can break down barriers to happiness and create environments where everyone can thrive. For instance, consider a workplace that offers counseling services and encourages open conversations about mental health. An employee struggling with anxiety or depression would feel more comfortable seeking help, allowing them to address issues impacting their happiness and job satisfaction. A supportive, inclusive culture can make a big difference in fostering overall well-being.

By fostering inclusive communities that value and support individuals' mental well-being, we can dismantle barriers to happiness and create environments where everyone can thrive.

In the end, cultivating happiness requires tending to our mental health with the same care and intention as we do our physical health. By destigmatising mental health and integrating its care into our daily lives, we open the doors to a more joyful, fulfilling existence.