To ask if you’re happy and healthy?

[SharpCyanDuck]

It sounds like such a simple question, but I’ve been wondering lately how many people genuinely reflect on these two things. Life can get so busy, and it’s easy to lose track of what truly matters. Are you happy with where you are in life? Are you healthy - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally?

AIBU to think that these two questions should matter more than almost anything else? And if the answer to either is no, do you think we owe it to ourselves to figure out why?

Neither, but optimistic

Happy, yes, healthy, not at the moment cancer last year and a lot of knock-on effects after this, just a lot of things hurt, and I feel old before my time.

Oh no, I really didn't mean to say that at all. Very glad you are happy now. Maybe DD will be too if she can get past this stage.

Sorry to derail the thread.

No, not really had two family deaths in the space of 6 months. My bits are on fire 🔥 and I have Eds.
right now I could do with being put down.

However things will improve with time, so I just carry on.

Nope. But working on it. Prioritising mental health first but plan to sort out diet and exercise this year too. I'm a healthy BMI but with unhealthy habits that need sorting.

Not very, on both counts. I have a lot to be thankful for but general overwhelm coupled with various issues is definitely getting me down at the moment.

I’m healthy, so is DD and DH.
DM isn’t great, she’s 82 and not very mobile, in pain due to suspected cancer but she is very happy despite this.
My dog isn’t too good due to arthritis but he’s a jolly boy.

I am ok. Trouble is I overthink and worry about the future with DM and the dog. I’ve probably been worrying for two years now that something will happen with one of them. Rather than enjoying what time they have left. I don’t overly love my job, it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be unfortunately.
Financially robust, mortgage paid off and savings put aside.
Strong friendship group.

Need to lose a stone maybe two!

I'm not healthy, and haven't been since 1990/91. On top of that I will most likely have to have surgery to remove some pre-cancerous tissue. I've been told it's nothing to worry about, but I'm beginning to feel like my parents in their last years, with all the hospital appointments. Still, I have many things in my life that I enjoy. I'm not down at all, it just feels a bit odd when I think about it.

I seem to be getting lots the old-people's illnesses (in my 50s), except arthritis in my hands. I'm more grateful for that than anything in the world. I'm so lucky.

I edited this as I don't have all the old people's diseases, but my collection is expanding nicely. 🤣

I’m very happy. I have a wonderful son and another baby due soon, my husband is a good, kind man and we have much to be thankful for. We have a lot of stress too but that’s just life. I am and have always been an optimist. Health wise, that’s complicated. I’m very robust mentally but physically I’m a bit of a disaster zone. Nothing life threatening but I am chronically ill which causes varying levels of pain and exhaustion, which is super fun. It is what it is I suppose!

So glad, given our experience, to hear about those with chronic illness leading full lives, finding partners and having families, fighting past pain and exhaustion.

Wut?

I'm healthy in my body and mind. I wasn't towards the end of last year so I'm exceptionally grateful and want to protect it all x

Yes. Could do with losing a bit of weight but I feel very blessed x

No and No in a nutshell

Work full time, always skint (3 grown children and a dog at home), always exhausted, try to eat well and cook (I enjoy cooking) but again exhausted, often go for the easy option, which doesn't give me good nutrients so contributes the the exhaustion. Both parents in the throws of dementia, so exhausted again. Maybe I'm not unhappy but just knackered. Or maybe just need some me time where I don't have to think about bills, work, buying food and worrying about everyone else and all the things I can't control

In an ideal world, I would work 3 days a week for what I earn now.

I have just been given HRT so maybe this will help?

WOW - where did that come from

Terminal cancer. Physically and mentally No, however I feel a peace that I've never had before. I feel free to do things I wouldn't normally- nothing massive but bought lovely new Sara millar cups to use every day and I love them. Every time DH brings my first cup of tea in the morning the gorgeous colours just make me smile. Luckily financially we're OK because although we didn't stint on things I was a really good saver. Our rainy day savings are not being used for what I thought. I guess my take from this is really to live every day as best you can, you just don't know what's round the corner.

Interesting thread. I need to read others posts.

No to both. Not really happy. Find loads of things frustrating, eg chasing doctors at hospital and nhs staff who don't do their jobs properly.

My diabetes they say they can't do any more for me. My broken back in 4 places they say the same. Feel let down and miserable.

Im always happy and positive.
Loving life.

I feel very fortunate. Happily married, children doing fine, good health, love my job, financially stable. A lot to be thankful for

I don't take it for granted. It hasn't always been this way

I should be happy, own home with enough rooms for each child to have their own space, DH and two amazing children, lovely pets, a job I don't hate and a reasonable social life etc. I am not though because I have a thyroid condition that exacerbates a low mood so I will always see the negative in something before I see the positive.
It is an exhausting way to live and I wish every single day that I was more full of beans and had some enthusiasm for life, I am aware that old age will catch me up sooner than I think and I feel like I am wasting my precious time.

Ooh interesting question. And I'm happy to say yes and yes.

I think I'm a natural pessimist with a tendency to focus on the negatives, however, brilliant therapy really has helped me with that. Life's not perfect but I have so much to be grateful for, a lovely DW, brilliant kid, wonderful dogs and a gorgeous house. All things younger me never thought I'd have. So yes. Lots of wobbly bits but overall, happy.

My mental and physical health could be better but they could also be a lot worse, which I'm very aware of.

Yes and no. I have lots to be grateful for and there are lots of things that make me happy but I’m totally exhausted - chronic migraines and working long hours. The cost of living is a constant source of stress. Apart from the migraines my health is good, but so many bad days are really taking it out of me.
I wish governments would see health and happiness of the population as better measures of success than GDP… so many people are really struggling at the moment.

No and no. Big fat nos.
Bulging disc in lower back causing pain and sciatica
Big flare up of trapped nerve in upper spine
Hip needs replacing
Stomach cramping, diarrhoea, no appetite

August - only had the hip problem and life was ok, normal, could work, walk, see friends
December - becoming harder, walks reduced, more pain, could still work and enjoy seeing friends
January - had to give up work, can't sit or walk for long enough to see friends

I'm miserable, in pain, missing my normal life, worried about the future, lonely, my health means my husband has to abandon his plan to give up his job so he's miserable too. He's too busy with work to ever spend time with me, and fed up of me talking about my health so I'm on my own with trying to adjust to being disabled and stuck and jobless now

Also my mum died in May 24. I wish I could go back in time one year (or more) when I was happy and mostly healthy.

Interesting question OP, thanks for asking!
I am physically healthy, but not great mentally due to multiple bereavements. I've always bounced back from whatever life throws at me in the past so this is new. Am looking for ways to shake things up a bit, get myself back on track.

My physical health isn’t great due to multiple disabilities.

However, my mental health is very good and I’m happier in my fifties than I have been at any other time in my life, aside from when my DC were born.

I count my blessings, study stoicism, don’t take myself too seriously.

I’m loving being in my 50s. I am happy to be me, warts and all. Health wise, all good! Fingers crossed!! I’ve always had the motto that says my body is my temple, healthy body helps a healthy mind, so have always looked after myself.

I am delving more into my spirituality which is playing a big part in my sense of contentment.