If you’ve heard of the hedonic treadmill or hedonic adaptation, then you know that we have a baseline for our happiness level. And when that baseline level requirement increases, it becomes harder and harder to be happy. It’s almost like the happiness rat race. This begs the question: “How do we feel happier on average?” In this video, we cover tips like happiness through meditation, finding joy in your work, or even going out for a walk. Hopefully, some of these tips can help you on your journey on how to be happy.
Writer: Michal Mitchell
Script Editor & Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice: Amanda Silvera www.YouTube.com/AmandaSilvera
Animator: yupiyupine
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
References:
Mao, G. X., Lan, X. G., Cao, Y. B., Chen, Z. M., He, Z. H., Lv, Y. D., Wang, Y. Z., Hu, X. L., Wang, G. F., & Yan, J. (2012). Effects of short-term forest bathing on human health in a broad-leaved evergreen forest in Zhejiang Province, China. Biomedical and environmental sciences : BES, 25(3), 317–324. doi.org/10.3967/0895-3988.2012.03.010
Luders, E., Toga, A. W., Lepore, N., & Gaser, C. (2009). The underlying anatomical correlates of long-term meditation: larger hippocampal and frontal volumes of gray matter. NeuroImage, 45(3), 672–678. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.12.061
Miyazaki, Y., Lee, J., Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., & Matsunaga, K. (2011). Nihon eiseigaku zasshi. Japanese journal of hygiene, 66(4), 651–656. doi.org/10.1265/jjh.66.651
Nazish, N. (2021, June 29). 10 daily habits that can actually change your life. Forbes. Retrieved from www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2018/03/30/10-daily-habits-that-can-actually-change-your-life/?sh=a90029e630c3.
Brodwin, E. (2019, March 18). 24 easy habits that psychologists have linked with health and happiness. Business Insider. Retrieved from www.businessinsider.com/science-backed-things-that-make-you-happier-2015-6.
Healthcare, I. (2019, December 28). Daily Habits that will make you happier. intermountainhealthcare.org. Retrieved from /intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2019/12/daily-habits-that-will-make-you-happier/.
Depression Diagnosis and Treatment
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Depression Diagnosis and Treatment
The first step in a diagnosis of depression is to determine whether a person has a medical condition that could be the root cause. If the person experiences a range of negative emotions, they may be depressed. A health care professional will ask about family history and conduct a medical examination to rule out other conditions. Tests may also be ordered to rule out other factors that could be contributing to the patient’s depression. Blood tests may also be performed to rule out a medical problem, such as a thyroid problem or vitamin D deficiency.
Once the diagnosis is made, psychotherapy can begin. Psychotherapy involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. This combination can be beneficial in reducing the duration of depression. Psychotherapy has many advantages over antidepressants, including its ability to treat depressive symptoms long after treatment has stopped. This may be why it is often recommended for people to combine psychotherapy and antidepressants. Psychotherapy may be the best option for people who have both mild and severe depression.
If your physician suspects that you may be suffering from depression, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Most primary care physicians are trained to diagnose and treat depression, and many provide screenings as part of routine check-ups. If your symptoms are severe, you may need to see a psychiatrist. Once you’ve received proper diagnosis, a psychiatrist will determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. When seeking out treatment, it’s best to be as honest and open as possible about your symptoms so that a professional can prescribe the right course of treatment.
Those who have had a major depressive episode are more likely to ruminate. This can manifest in negative self-talk, sudden crying spells, or feelings of guilt. People who are depressed often also have an anxiety disorder, eating disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. While the symptoms of depression vary between men and women, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and determine the best course of action for you.
There are a number of botanical products available for depression. These medications are FDA-approved but may have side effects. They shouldn’t be taken in conjunction with prescription antidepressants and should never be used without a health care provider’s supervision. Omega-3 fatty acids and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) are still being studied, so it’s important to discuss the risk with your healthcare provider.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a psychotherapy approach that focuses on helping people understand the ways in which they think and behave. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people identify how past events have shaped their behavior and how they can change those thoughts. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy is an effective treatment for depression. These sessions usually take place weekly or every two weeks. For severe cases, however, these methods may be used in combination with other treatments.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by psychiatrists and can be effective for most people. The right combination of both antidepressants and talking therapy can be very effective. It’s important to note that many people who suffer from depression don’t have a diagnosis of depression. A health care professional can help you develop a treatment plan for your specific depression, based on your needs. Treatments for depression generally include a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and a range of other measures to improve quality of life.
