The Science of Happiness

[subterranean]

I think it's just another publication on the self-help book section. It's nothing new.

[Jean-Baptiste]

I hate to sound nosy, but I wonder, Joe, how this is coming along for you now. I hope you're doing well. From what I've seen, your post always seem to land on the brighter side of the spectrum.

[Bii]

Hi Cuppajoe - hope things are okay with you.

It's an interesting topic you've raised which has, understandably, raised a lot of interest. I've personally been very fortunate that I (to date) have never suffered with depression but I have been around people that have and I wouldn't envy anyone finding themselves in that position, it's so destructive. If the answer to depression could be found in a book then it clearly wouldn't be as prevalent in society as it seems to be these days, and to a certain extent there's something intrinsically wrong in producing a book that 'claims' to help when in fact it just exploits very vulnerable people.

The mind is a complex thing which defies our understanding, and I tend to think of depression as a condition, much in the same way as a cancer, albeit that you can't see or perhaps understand the direct cause. Perhaps scientists will one day discover a 'cure' although I'm not overly optimistic as the causes must be so wide ranging and complex I don't think it's so simple to solve. I do think that depression, or perhaps less so depression but a general unhappiness, has become more prevalent since the 'information age' began and I think this results from a combination of having so much information to process that you can't know what to do with it (what are our benchmarks now, who can we trust, what is the truth?); as well as opening eyes to inequality which leads to envy, which leads to disappointment, which leads to lack of hope, etc. How many people these days queue for days to get on a show like Big Brother, or Pop Idol and the like, just to get the chance to get that 'great' celebrity lifestyle only to be crushed with disappointment when they fail? (I'm not saying this is the case for you cuppajoe - I'm just climbing onto my soapbox a bit!!!) Weren't people happier when they had 'smaller' lives, and lesser expectations?

I have just purchased (but not yet read) The Conquest of Happiness by Bertrand Russell - this was written in the 1930's (when Russell was at his height) which I believe is not aimed at depression but rather 'unhappiness' which I think is a slightly different animal. Might be worth a look if only as a momentary distraction.

Sorry to rattle on a bit there - I've seen so many depressed people recently there's got to be something wrong going on. Really hope you can keep smiling cuppajoe :o)

[Neo_Sephiroth]

Discovering the science behind emotion isnt just for fun though. The more we learn about how we work, the more we can help society and humanity. Clinical depression is a serious problem, if we learn about the workings of our minds we might be able to find ways to help people who are depressed.

Well, I'm actually hoping that there is no fun there in the first place. I mean, c'mon, what kind of sicko would have fun toying with emotions?

Anyway, do you really think it is possible that a book can truly help those who are depressed?

I think it can...If that depressed person happens to be able to read and their comprehension skills is top notch. Not to mention that the book on "Help" is actually helpful.

A book does not help a person who's depressed...A person helps another person who's depressed...

I don't know about you folks but...Most depressed people tend to not want to read.

[kathycf]

Anyway, do you really think it is possible that a book can truly help those who are depressed?...

I don't know about you folks but...Most depressed people tend to not want to read.

I think you are over simplifying the issue. That is your opinion, but an opinion, no matter how sincere does NOT equal fact. Yes, depression can have the effect of lessening one's desire to engage in reading, and yes, a depressed person can become easily distracted and overwhelmed. This is not always the case however, and it is wise to not over-generalize.

I think it can...If that depressed person happens to be able to read and their comprehension skills is top notch.

This puzzles me. Are you trying to say depressed people are illiterate? I think you are too bright for that sort of statement. As for comprehension, that varies from person to person anyway. There are plenty of people who aren't depressed who have very poor comprehension. Personally, I have very good comprehension and love to read. And yes, I am one of those depressed people, there are many of us here at the forum.

Now mind you, I am not trying to pick a fight or start some massive debate about mental illness. That was done a few months ago in General Chat and I don't care to re-visit that. I think you are pretty cool, from what I read from you, so don't take me as being antagonistic here.

This particular self help book that is discussed by Cuppajoe in the initial post, well...I have no experience with it. Don't really care to, to tell you the truth. That isn't to say all such books are garbage because that would be...an over-generalization.

I can speak from experience and say one such book that helped me deal with some issues and feel I was not alone:
The Courage to Heal. I am not going to get into detail about what specific issues the book covers, if anybody needs to know, they can google it.

[Neo_Sephiroth]

I think you are over simplifying the issue. That is your opinion, but an opinion, no matter how sincere does NOT equal fact. Yes, depression can have the effect of lessening one's desire to engage in reading, and yes, a depressed person can become easily distracted and overwhelmed. This is not always the case however, and it is wise to not over-generalize..

Over simplifying? Hmm...Sorry 'bout that. Must be another bad habit of mine.

Eh...Anyway, I don't think I was over-generalizing...I just happen to not go into details and be clear about it. It happens now and then...I'm sure you been there, right?

This puzzles me. Are you trying to say depressed people are illiterate? I think you are too bright for that sort of statement. As for comprehension, that varies from person to person anyway. There are plenty of people who aren't depressed who have very poor comprehension. Personally, I have very good comprehension and love to read. And yes, I am one of those depressed people, there are many of us here at the forum.

Now mind you, I am not trying to pick a fight or start some massive debate about mental illness. That was done a few months ago in General Chat and I don't care to re-visit that. I think you are pretty cool, from what I read from you, so don't take me as being antagonistic here.

This particular self help book that is discussed by Cuppajoe in the initial post, well...I have no experience with it. Don't really care to, to tell you the truth. That isn't to say all such books are garbage because that would be...an over-generalization.

I can speak from experience and say one such book that helped me deal with some issues and feel I was not alone:
The Courage to Heal. I am not going to get into detail about what specific issues the book covers, if anybody needs to know, they can google it.

Well, first things first...Aww...Thank you for thinking I'm soooo cool!

Okay, moving on. What was it...? You're puzzled about something I said? Hmm...Well, I ain't saying depressed people can't read nor am I saying that they can't comprehend things...I'm just saying that SOME depressed people wouldn't want to read and...SOME depressed folks tend to be confused and/or lose sight of their "objectives".

You also said you were one of those "depressed" people, right? But your comprehension skills and head was still intact? Well, in that case, you must be one of those rare execptions.

But, just so you know, I'm one of those "depressed" people too. So hop on board!

...Umm...Well, at least I think I'm depressed...Hmm... ...Yep...I'm pretty sure I'm depressed....Someway...Somehow.

Now for the fight...There's no way I would pick a fight you. I may be depressed, but I ain't crazy!

Debate? Umm...I would much rather avoid fighting and debating. Heck, even negotiating. But, negotiating is what it usually comes to if I decide to intervene. I'm much to lazy to do either, really...In fact, I might just jump off a cliff to avoid all three.

*Sigh*

Well, hopefully you understand where I'm coming from. Besides, I think you already knew in the first place that I wasn't "over-generalizing". Maybe you just needed the verification from the one who spoke those words himself, eh?

Also, I give you a peace offering!


...Since I'm so lazy...Make that rose a Valentine's rose too...