The pursuit of happiness can end in pain
Maggie Mulqueen, psychologist
Focusing on happiness can lead to perfectionistic tendenciesd as people try to sustain what is actually a brief and elusive emotion. Instead of promoting happinessc as the elixir for life, our society needs to explore how people can find contentment. Unlike happiness, a state of contentment is long-lasting and provides a strong base for mental health. Discovering what makes us feel content and pursuing that help protect us from stress. The pressure peopleb feel to be happy can also be corrosive to establishing a strong sense of self. A patient of mine recently lost 75 pounds. Everyone who sees her congratulates her and expects her to be happy about this accomplishment. Rather than being supported by all these compliments, she feels tremendous pressure to present a happy face to the outside world. How gratifying it for her if people askeda “How do you feel?” rather than stating “You must be so happy!”
Adapted from https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/suicide-studentathletes- happiness-contentment-rcna27992
