Optimism_and_Psychological_Health

Optimism and Health I have battled depression since high school, with feelings that have ranged from feeling a little down to being suicidal. Those who were aware of my condition tried to help by telling me to ‘think happy thoughts’. Does that really work, though' Can simply thinking happy thoughts have a positive effect on one’s psychological health and aid the treatment of depression' According to some researchers, it can. 70% of reported cases of depression do not receive adequate levels of treatment, if treated at all. Treatment for depression can become costly, ranging from $200 for three therapy sessions to over $1,200 for the American Psychological Association’s recommendation of 10 treatment sessions plus medications (Layous, Chancellor, Lyubomirsky, Wang, & Doraiswamy, 2011). The research suggests that by using Positive Activity Intervention (PAI), depressed patients can move past just not being depressed to actually flourishing. Activities utilized include writing letters of gratitude, counting blessings, practicing optimism, performing acts of kindness, meditating on positive feelings toward others, and using one’s signature strengths. Because these treatments are self-administered they are more cost-effective, convenient and may prevent relapse due to depression triggers. Positive emotions and optimism have been proven to increase job performance, creativity, marital satisfaction, social relationships and physical health (Layous et al., 2011, p. 677). For those battling depression, positive emotions have shown to quicken recovery from “recovery from the cardiovascular effects of negative emotions, improve broadminded coping skills, and buffer against relapses” (Layous et al., 2011, p. 677). Positive feelings have also been shown to expand one’s thinking and attention. The optimistic person is more likely to be open to new experiences and explore new activities. This positivity may also lead to establishing longer-lasting relationships. “…if a person gets 15 minutes of positive emotions from counting her blessings, she may muster the energy to attend the art class she always considered attending, and, while in class, might meet a friend who becomes a companion and confidant for years to come” (Layous et al, 2011, p. 677). Use of PAIs are an easy to implement, non-stigmatizing plan of treatment. Although the use of PAIs is in the early stages, it has proven effective in improving the lives of the depressed. In an online study conducted by Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman, 411 mildly-depressed participants were randomly assigned to practice one of the five well-being-enhancing activities (practicing gratitude, positive thinking, focusing on one’s strengths) and the placebo group was assigned to write letters of their early experiences. Participants who completed the positive exercises showed an increase in well-being and a decline in depressive symptoms. These effects continued after the intervention ended. Participants in the placebo group experienced an initial boost but returned to their baseline within a week. Writing about three good things in one’s life and using one’s strengths in a new way resulted in improvement in well-being and a decline in depressive symptoms that lasted 6 months. Although the study and use of PAIs is new, I believe the ideas have been in use for a long time, there just wasn’t a name for it. When we have a friend who is “feeling blue”, we naturally try to engage the person in positive activities that will help him or her feel better. Participating in positive activities can help a person achieve a positive outlook on their situation and even develop an overall optimistic view of life. This, in turn, affects the person’s mental health. Having experienced this situation personally, I do believe that the positive activity intervention is effective, as I have used some of these activities as my own coping mechanism. I believe that what we put out is what we get back. If we have a negative outlook on life, negativity is what becomes the focus and that is all that we will see. On the other hand, if we have an optimistic outlook, we then begin to see the positive attributes of life and that positivity then becomes the focus. Just as negative emotions can manifest in physical ways and cause physical illness, I believe positive emotions and optimism can have positive effects both physically and psychologically. I think the use of PAIs is a great, holistic alternative or addition to psychotropic drug treatment. Reference Layous, K., Chancellor, J., Lyubomirsky, S., Wang, L., & Doraiswamy, P. M. (2011). Delivering Hapiness: Translating Positive Psychology Intervention Research. «THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE, 17»(8), 675-683.