Positive Psychology: Practicing Optimism to Prevent Depression

Did you wake up this morning and curse at your alarm clock? Did you look outside and think how nasty, wet and cold it was going to be on your way to work? Or, did you think the snow was beautiful and your inner child was excited to leave in hopes you'd catch a snowflake on your tongue, or, better yet, get a chance for an impromptu snowball fight with your kids? There is a big trend in psychology that is asking similar questions about your view of life and circumstance. This trend is even claiming that your view of life, your practices and attitude can determine your happiness level, and even your mental health status.

I personally was the one cursing at my alarm clock. However, I remember vividly the enthusiasm I felt as a child when it snowed. The eagerness with which I would count the moments until I could grab the sled and head for the nearby hill for the cold weather fun. When did I lose that enthusiasm for life, and why?

I've been diagnosed with depression. Starting in high school, when for no apparent reason, I lost interest in friends and activities that used to be so important to me. I've since recognized the symptoms later throughout my life. Without any exact trigger, for no reason, all of a sudden I will feel apathy, disinterest and fatigue. I don't feel like leaving the house, or taking a shower, and a nap sounds awfully good about 2 hours after awakening. I get sudden feelings of sadness and hopelessness and they seem to overwhelm me. I used to go to the doctor and get a prescription for anti-depressants for these periods of time. I don't criticize anyone who utilizes this option. I do however find the trip to the doctor inconvenient, embarrassing, and costly, as well as the prescriptions that are also costly and don't work for several weeks. I need to get out of my funk now, not in two weeks or four (which is how long some meds take to kick in). I have learned that my attitude does affect how often my depression symptoms onset and also how long they linger. If I stay busy (doing things I enjoy with people whom I enjoy) then I am less likely to start feeling the dreaded sadness cycle! I try to find joy in every day activities, like playing with my kids, and watching television. I even find that I enjoy my homework because I know I am improving myself.

Dr. Martin Seligman, a Psychologist and member of the American Psychology Association has written several books about Positive Psychology, in fact, he started the movement. After a curious conversation with his 5 year old daughter, in which she asked him "Daddy why are you always grumpy?", Seligman realized he was in fact grumpy and so were many of his colleagues. It was then that he had a epiphany. Psychology has, since it's inception, been primarily focused on the negative. Studying and treating only the abnormalities, diseases, and irregular thought and behavior patterns.

Seligman believed that out of the 18 million people who are diagnosed with depression, very few actually suffer from biological based depression. He contends that it's possible the symptom of depression (negative thinking) itself is actually the disease. A majority of his life's work has come to be changing the patterns of negative thinking. Seligman began a new school of thought called Positive Psychology that studies the positive emotions and aspects of human behavior.

The basis of Positive Psychology is the idea that human behavior can be best understood by focusing on our strengths as well as our weaknesses. Concentrating and learning more about our healthy emotions such as love, interest, hope and joy. If people spent more time developing skills to acquire happiness then they would in theory be happier. Most people find joy in doing things they like, and spending time with people that make them feel good. However, people don't always take the time to do these things or spend the time with these people.

Another point made by Seligman is that people can find out what their strengths are and utilize them to give a sense of accomplishment. For example if you have good people skills, and you enjoy helping , then volunteering somewhere that you are helping people might help your self esteem, and your feeling of achievement. Especially if that is something you are lacking in your job or personal life.

I went to Oregon Teen Leadership camp in High School, and though I remember very little specifically about the exercises, I will always remember the week itself. I remember leaving there feeling like a million dollars. Why? Because the entire week was spent doing exercises that built self esteem, taught positive thinking and optimism. I know that Dr. Seligman is on to something. If we all learned about ourselves, our strengths, and what made us feel good, we'd lead exceptionally better and more fulfilled lives. I wish that I had known that "fun" week, was so much more than just a good time. I think those inner strength teachings, self esteem building exercises and the feeling that I gained from them, would help me more throughout my life.

As a society that is obsessed with keeping up with our peers financially, and in social status, we tend to choose our jobs or careers based on what it pays rather than how it fits our interest and our strengths. Your job or career is where you spend one third of your twenty four hour day, so if you hate your job, then you are at risk of having a lot of unnecessary unhappiness in your life.

My significant other hates his job, I mean really, really hates it. Yet, he's done it for 17 years and will continue to do it for latest 3 more years. Why? Because it pays well, and he could not have another job that pays as well without going back to school. I can tell you, his job does affect his happiness level! He is continuously stressed out at work, and comes home and carries out his frustration on his family.

There is a difference between a job, a career and a calling. A job is a means to a paycheck at the end of the week. A career takes more personal interest and commitment, and tends to be measured in achievement, salary increases and notoriety. What turns the two previous descriptions into a calling, is when you find that you've gotten to a place called the "flow". This is what it's called when you become completely absorbed in an activity whose challenges mesh perfectly with your abilities. When you find your calling, you will not only be happier but, more productive.

For those of us, who can't pick out our job according to our calling, research suggests that finding a way to make your job your calling can increase your pleasure in your work. In one study, led by researcher Amy Wrzesniewski, of New York University, 28 hospital cleaners were interviewed about their work. Interviews found that some really did not enjoy their work, but, others found a way to make it meaningful. The ones who made the job fit them, claim that they found a feeling of accomplishment by realizing they were helping patients to heal, even if it was just by making the room brighter and more cozy. They timed themselves for efficiency and tried to anticipate the needs of the doctors and nurses. So this proves that even if you can't choose your job, making your job your calling is about viewing it, and or adjusting it to mesh with your personal strengths. This is one more example of attitude is everything!

A positive attitude can help you be happier, but, can it help you to be healthier? Yes. People who have optimistic attitudes tend to heal faster, and have less health problems than those that have negative or pessimistic attitudes. It's only logical to realize that people who are optimistic and think of the good things in life tend to either have less stress, or better stress coping strategies.

A few years ago my uncle was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was told he only had about 3 months to live. He took a good long look at his life. He had been living with his girlfriend for years. The first thing he did was marry her. It was a bittersweet ceremony, where it was obvious how much they loved each other. To me this was a perfect example of not giving up. Marriage is the beginning of two lives together, not what normally happens right before you die. He quit his job, and enjoyed his days doing what he wanted to do. Ironically, one of the things he chose to do, was his job; when he could and when he felt like it. He said the hard work made him feel good and like he accomplished something. I think doing what he wanted to do, when he wanted to do it, prolonged his life. Instead of dying in 3 months, he made it almost 2 years. I firmly believe that his attitude and enjoyment of life was the sole reason for the amount of time he was able to live.

Will being optimistic help you lead a happier healthier life? Well, it's up to you to find out. What have you got to lose? Next time you look out the window, and the weather isn't what you'd hoped for, try to find the good in the weather you got!

Electronic Sources:

Seligman, Martin. 2002. How To See The Glass Half Full. Newsweek magazine, 9-16-02 Sept. 140 (12) pp 48-9 , retrieved 11/28/07

Lawson, Willow. 2004. The Glee Club. Psychology Today, Jan/Feb04, Vol 27, issue 1, P34-40. Retrieved 11/28/07

Wellner, Allison Stein, Adox, David. 2000. Happy Days. Psychology Today, May/June 00, Vol 33: p32, retrieved 11/29/07