Dr Alex George has offered his advice for achieving happiness, drawing on his new book 'Happy Habits: your guide to feeling happy, calm and confident'. Speaking on the Well Enough podcast, he emphasised that all emotions have a role, but people should not be stuck in any single state, such as sadness or happiness. He noted that many people experience anhedonia, a lack of ability to feel happiness, even in situations where it would normally arise.
Psychotherapist Anna Mathur joined the discussion, highlighting that feeling safe is essential for accessing happiness. She explained that when the nervous system is in a 'fight or flight' state, individuals are braced for bad events and struggle to feel joy. Mathur also warned against mistaking quick dopamine hits for true happiness, noting that genuine happiness involves more than just serotonin and endorphins.
Dr George reflected on his own experiences, including the #postyourpill movement he started after sharing a photo of his antidepressants. He acknowledged that life is messy and that people should not expect those advocating for mental health to be 'fixed' all the time. Mathur spoke about masking emotions and the burden of toxic positivity, advocating for rest as a tool for happiness and resilience rather than a source of guilt.
The episode also covered practical tips such as walking and spending time in nature, as well as tools for regulating mood and supporting child mental health. Dr George expressed that having such tools and understanding the science behind them would have reduced his suffering as a child.
