Can you choose to be happy?

[Jtgreen]

I keep hearing people who say you just have to choose to be happy and then you won’t be depressed.

Has this worked for anyone here?

[Hidden]

I don't think it's possible to choose to be happy. You have to have certain things in order to be happy. For example if your basic needs are not met (food, water, clothing, etc.) then you won't be happy. If you do not have friends you won't be happy. If you are working at a job you hate, you will not be happy. Happiness comes from finding the things in life we enjoy, having ways to express ourselves through work and hobbies, having a social group, having a romantic partner. These things will help add to that happiness but the biggest thing is being comfortable with yourself and being able to prioritize yourself and say you matter. We tend to get depressed when one of more areas are not being cared for.

[Hidden]

I am certain it has never worked for anyone. There are things that sound good and make us look bold but aren't doable at all. I will make an eg, say u have a child and the child is knocked off by a car. This is not in our control and no matter how hard u try to be positive, u will be depressed. U can't pretend not to care bcz u love ur kid. Secondly, if ur partner leaves u out of the blue, you can't control that. Things we can't control can get out of hand and we can't be happy. I am sure when people say happiness is in ur hands they are referring to material things which mostly are but unfortunately material things excites us, don't make us happy, just unfortunately. So,my friend I don't belive happiness is a choice but I am not talking for everyone. It's my opinion.

[hypercat54]

No. That's only said by those who have never suffered mental health problems. I do think though however that mindset is important. Those who don't want to do something find excuses. Those who do find reasons and ways to do it.

[mdowning81]

This is a tricky one. I do not believe that when dealing with major depression you can just choose to be happy and just be happy, if that was the case I'd never be depressed. That being said there are choices I have to make that will help with my recovery and hopefully lead to more happiness. I know that just staying in bed or sitting in my recliner never really makes me happy but that is what my depressed mind tells me to do. I know I want to be more joyful, so I have to make choices that will manifest joy. For me these choices are seeking help through meds and therapy as well as scheduling daily activities that help to get me out of my own head and doing things I once enjoyed.

[Rafiki11]

I think there is some truth to it but it’s a bit shortsighted.

The brain seems to be comprised of three parts. The lower part is the reptilian brain. It’s preverbal.

The middle part is the mammalian brain.

The upper part is the human mind.

Your human mind can choose to be happy but the reptilian brain might still be depressed due to a history of trauma that has not been appropriately processed (for example).

[Isinatra]

Such a simplistic statement. How I wish it was. The other replies are spot on.❤️🏄‍♀️

[mvillarreal]

To some extent, I think you can choose your general attitude about life, but I don't think emotions are completely controlled by our free will. Usually, people who say that "happiness is a choice" are speaking from mental health privilege and don't understand how mental health works. I've done a lot of work with a therapist that is helping me to be happier, and I try to improve my attitude as I go through life, but that doesn't mean that if I'm not happy at any point, that's a failing on my part. So I would say yes and no but mostly no. The sentiment perpetuates the stigma of mental health.