The Happiness Institute asks readers their questions on happiness

The Happiness Institute had recently asked their readers an interesting question on twitter and facebook about their questions on happiness.

Dr Happy, from the Happiness Institute positive psychology franchises, had asked on the two social media networks: “If you had my undivided attention, what question would you ask me (Dr. Happy)?”

Many readers had participated in the exercise and had asked quite a few questions that touched on complex issues. Dr Happy shares some of the best questions asks and his answers for each.

Why do so many people expect a quick fix for happiness and is it really possible?
I'm not exactly sure why so many expect happiness to come easily, maybe it's because of the advertising and marketing industries that frequently try to sell "magic bullets" and "overnight fixes" but they do and they're setting themselves up for failure. Happiness is definitely possible and achieving happiness doesn't have to be overly complicated but...it does, for most of us, require work and regular maintenance.

What made you become an advocate for happiness?
My background is in clinical psychology and as satisfying as that was, helping people overcome depression and stress and anxiety and other forms of psychopathology I always felt that there was more we could and should be doing than just addressing these problems. We do need to address these problems, and help people overcome distress, but we also need to and can do so much more to help people live great lives and enjoy the wonders of thriving and flourishing. When I discovered positive psychology about 10 years ago it was like I'd found my answer!

What does happiness feel like?
Happiness feels like different things to different people, and might even feel differently to the same person on different days. Happiness can vary from joy and excitement to calm and contentment...and everything in between! Happiness is a range of positive emotions PLUS a sense of connectedness and belonging, having purpose and direction, feeling healthy and well and much, much more!

Does positive psychology work for people with depression?
Yes indeed! Although the caveat here is that everyone's different and every depression is different so the best answer to this question is to probably see a qualified professional (e.g. a clinical psychologist) so they can help you find the most appropriate treatment(s) for you and your circumstances.

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