to ask how happy you happy you are?

[Diel]

Just that really. I wouldn't describe myself as generally happy or unhappy, somewhere inbetween. I wonder how happy other people would say they are. I know that the term is subjective but interested in how people view their personal happiness.

I try really hard to be happy. I know I have a good life, aside from finding happiness in my children though there is little else. I'm not sure if that is normal or not, there isn't much time or energy for anything else right now though.

Extremely unhappy, I wake up every morning wishing I hadn't.
I some reasons to feel happy, and I should for my children, I just don't. And that guilt makes it worse.

From observations made during my life it seems that it depends on the individual rather than circumstances. I have known people who were always cheery, rarely moaned and seemed generally happy but didn't have grand possessions or wonderful holidays. On the other hand I have known well off people who were not. Agree that good health is the most important necessity if you are going to have a chance at happiness.

Agree that good health is the most important necessity if you are going to have a chance at happiness.

I don't necessarily agree with this. I have two health conditions which impact on my life but I would hate to think that puts me on the scrap heap in terms of whether I can have a happy life or not.

I'ld give myself an 8 out of 10 on he happiness scale.

I'm not stuck in a miserable relationship or job. I have two happy healthy children and an ex-husband who is a fantastic co-parent. I'm financially stable and have spare time to hang out with my kids and friends and chill on my own. I don't really have any burdensome family/relations. I don't have to worry too much about any other adult's mental or physical health to any great degree.

So all in all I'm pretty happy (-:

Strokethefurrywall reading your post made me happy I agree with those things that give you small balls of the warm fuzzies should be savoured, yes to opening the fridge after shopping is in, yes to the chilled glass of wine on friday evening, clean sheets on the bed after a warm bath, a warm house on a cold rainy day, the satisfaction of having achieved a small job like paying a bill or tidying a cupboard, sitting down on a weekend with a clean and tidy house and washing all done and drying... even better if its been a nice day and its dried outside, DH reaching for my hand when out for a walk, a text from a friend or one of my DS's, a new book to read. Ahhh I am feeling better already. thanks for prompting me to count my many blessings instead of looking for the negatives as I am prone to do.

Hubby works hard for very little pay, 3 of our children have health issues but nothing life limiting, we are in a small overcrowded house.
But we have so much love and laughter, poor kids couldn't sleep last night due to me and hubby laughing so much.
Life is great xx

Glad I could help StepAway

I think the magnitude of the big things are hard to focus on consistently. I live in the Caribbean next to one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. I recall arriving here, taking one look and being absolutely blown away. Now, nearly 10 years later, I still appreciate it's beauty but the effect on me has dimmed.

But by focusing on the little things, these tangible little beads of joy, we help ourselves become happier generally.

GetAHaircutCarl

TheFabledSnake
DearMrDilkington
stumblymonkey
Llamacorn

I hate to hear of your suffering

Are your GPs aware of it?

Yes love thank you.
GP, psychiatrists etc all know and I've literally tried everything in my power, engaged with many different mh services (too many at one point) but it's still shit. The affect it's having on my relationship with dh is horrible too and he has become depressed because of it. So he's resenting me and I'm feeling even more guilty and crap!
Just feel stuck now with nothing else to do. I read the happy posts above, and although I'm glad people can find happiness in even the simple things, I wish I could have a little slice of it too.

Some days I'm happy, some days I'm not. In the main I'd describe myself as contented. Which after a rough few years suits me just fine.

Pretty fucking miserable. I feel like I'm in a slow car crash and don't know how to get out.

I would say I'm (very) happy in theory? Good relationship, baby I adore, good finances and I'm pretty happy with everything else too I guess e.g. Don't want to lose weight or change anything .. blah blah..
But I think on any day I'm usually feeling tired or bored or grumpy but when I reflect on things I'm happy if that makes sense (just as I enjoy the baby the most when he's asleep!).

nope, I am a misery.
Two miscarriages last year followed by DP not wanting to try again has left me empty and bereft, despite having two children from my previous marriage. There is no escape from triggers either, everyone is happily pregnant right now, obviously. Loads of pregnancy announcements over Chirstmas and New Year. Pregnancy/new born talk all over MN, despite hiding all the relevant topics.
I don't want to kill myself but wouldn't give a shit if something happened to me. Luckily I am on couselling waiting list and we are going to Relate, but nothing will stop me from the overwhelming burning desire to heal by having a other child. It is relentless.

Llamacorn

Don't give up: New drugs are constantly being developed

Keep on at your consultant - don't take no for an answer

theothercatpurred

What you're experiencing sounds awful

Have you told your GP about it?

I'm pretty happy overall but I'm a worrier so that brings me down a bit. I'm a single parent to an almost three-year-old DS and seven weeks pregnant. After rent/bills I have £147 left over for food and petrol/anything else that comes up. I'm making myself sick worrying about how I'm going to save for another baby.

If 10 was extatic and 1 was suicidal I'd be 4 or 5. Many days a feel flat and deflated/bored with life.

Not very happy.
I'm trying to be happier but life is a tough gig at the moment and I'm a pessimist. Plus I don't sleep well & have an injury which stops me exercising.

Out of 10 if 10= totally happy... I think I'm 3 or 4.
Aiming for 5 or 6 by mid February. Not sure how to achieve it as not much will change.

I have mental health problems but right now I'm probably feeling the most okay in years. Happy and excited! I get married in August to the love of my life, two great kids. I was thinking about suicide a few weeks ago, but this is part of the illness I have. I never know what feelings are real.

Thanks for all your replies. I do think that some people are generally happier than others and that it doesn't always relate to circumstance. I do count my blessings that I have much to be happy about and I have regular times of being really happy but it's not my regular feeling. I'm not regularly unhappy either though, so grateful for that too.
I'm sorry to hear some of you are not happy. As Lovelearning asks, have you spoken with your GP?
I am talkng positive action to make myself happier this year and have found getting some regular exercise, eating better, planning activities and sleeping at better times is helping tip the balance but I am well aware that it's not as simple as that for everyone.

I'm very happy. And very lucky. I have a great, supportive dp, two wonderful children, nice home in a lovely area, enough cash, good health and close family. I have to try to really be happy though-to live in the now so to speak. My mum died when I was 18 and i've been a worrier all my adult life- always looking for icebergs and fretting about things that might never happen.

Pm me your details spunbodge (I hope that's right!!) I have some baby things I can send you.

I am a happy, content person.
I have been through horrific 'tell all book' kinds of things, I have an incurable chronic disease, and I'm in debt. I also have very close loved ones going through terrible things right now.
It's OK though.
I am surrounded by people who love me, I have a lot of true friends, and have a positive attitude.

I know things in my life could be easier, but they could be a million times worse too.
Because I have been through such trauma, I can appreciate the good that comes from a real support network.
I know it sounds corny af, but I feel I've earned my happy by learning how to find it and keep it.

Think I average to a 5/10, but fluctuate between a 2 and an 8.

I am frequently frustrated with myself for not making the most of my life and therefore being happier. Lots of relatively basic things that I could change...but somehow don't. Feel like I am stuck in a rut of my own making despite everything being great on paper.

I think losing my mum at a very young age, and the consequences of that have managed to cast a dark shadow over my life (especially as I ended up marrying into a covertly dysfunctional family - the disappointment from that has been massive).

Got to keep trying though! I've put a lot of effort into it over the last year really but it is slow going - I am probably up from a 4 to a 5 now. Would love to be a 8/10 on average and the frustrating thing I think it is there for the taking...I don't need to change that much!

Over happy or over sad.. Never no in between (would be lovely to stay up but I guess that's life?)