May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As far as we have come in removing the stigma associated with having a mental health diagnosis or need of any kind, I imagine most would agree that we still have a long way to go. Instead of rehashing the stats on depression, anxiety and suicide in our country, which I do not think would come as a surprise to most, I wanted to share an interesting article that was sent to many mental health providers. Thanks to Aetna for sharing this information:
The happiest place on earth isn’t Disneyworld. According to the latestWorld Happiness Report, it’s Denmark, followed closely by its neighbors, Norway and Sweden. So what puts the Danes in such a blissful state? While a strong economy and low unemployment help, the Danes also tend to:
- Work less
- Focus more on experiences and less on material goods
- Volunteer more
- Enjoy strong social bonds
What’s the key to happiness?
The United Nations (UN) report says mental health is the most important factor. With a sound mind, people can do things that bring the most rewards – work or play, and make basic personal and household decisions.The UN report also states that happy people live longer, are more productive and earn more.
The study aims to show that well-being should be an important measurement of the world’s economic and social development. World socioeconomics aside, happiness is also good for your personal health.
A recent study by researchers at several leading U.S. universities suggests that the more optimistic you are, the better your physical health.
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world to live in if we could celebrate those who have attained “well-being” and openly support and journey with those who are courageously working towards that goal?