When Happiness Feels Out of Reach

Unfortunately, happiness won't be within easy reach for many people. Experiencing trauma or prolonged abuse can condition the brain to produce less of the hormones and neurotransmitters that create feelings of happiness. Conditions that we identify as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depression, or Bi-Polar Disorder are all examples of how happiness has fallen out of easy reach for someone.

Such conditions are legitimate disorders that need professional, medical treatment. I hope I have never said anything that belittled the challenges that come with mood disorders. Depression-- true, clinical depression-- cannot be turned off as if some on/off switch controls our moods. That idea implies people volunteer for depression. Few people would remain depressed if they did have such an on/off switch. Do keep that in mind when dealing with someone who admits to having a mood disorder.

The ideas I have shared on this blog can bring moments of happiness to help combat the fog of depression in someone's life. But even so, emotional disorders run deep and are complex. The ideas I've shared here can help; However, these ideas are probably more effective on someone who already has a predisposition for happiness as opposed to someone who is battling with clinical depression.

So, what does one do when happiness feels out of reach?

Get professional help. And don't be ashamed. Don't expect to simply shake off depression or anxiety that was born out of abuse or trauma. Others may suggest you can do this-- but it's not fair to expect this out of yourself or anyone else who is seriously dealing with clinical depression or PTSD.

Happiness may feel out of reach now, but you can possibly get a grasp on it with the right kind of help.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

Happy Hormones

My Daily Gratitudes for March 4, 2014

I'm grateful that exercise can sometimes change your mood for the better.

I'm grateful for my mom. As always, she supports us in such an amazing way.

I'm grateful that my favorite music is at my fingertips.

I'm grateful that today, I'm not morning the recent loss of a loved one.

Positive Events from the Past 24 Hours

Exercising today really changed my mood today! I came home a bit frustrated and angry for various reasons. I got on our elliptical and pumped away my frustrations. I found myself in the zone during my session and I finished feeling victorious.

And boy, I defiantly  did NOT want to exercise before I got home. But, I'm glad I did!

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.

All Work and No Play . . .

My Daily Gratitudes for Sunday, February 23, 2014

I'm grateful for having a friend or two from work where we can hang out and not talk about work.

I'm grateful that our former supervisor returned.

I'm grateful that my employer has expresses seeing value in me by offering me a promotion.

I'm grateful that my kids have a sense of creativity about them both.

I'm grateful for my wife and her courage and strength that she shows every day.

I'm grateful for my friend overseas, always bring me a fresh perspective on this and showing me what real courage looks like.

Positive Event from the Last 24Hours

I broke my fitness lull and exercised today. I also had a meal with a friend and enjoyed my kids sharing some really interesting ideas with me. My boss gave me Monday off since I worked Saturday. Nice.

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If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.