Emotions Pursuit of Happyness

NEGATIVE FEELINGS Sadness Anger Guilt

POSITIVE FEELINGS Fun and pleasure Contentment Peaceful Joy — things that you may have to work at but bring you positive feelings for a long time

Locus of control — Look over your list of “things” above and underline those that you have no control over. Circle those things that you have control over. Which do you have more control over, the positive or negative feelings? External Locus of Control — Allowing those things that you don’t have control over to dominate your life Internal Locus of Control — Taking responsibility for everything that happens to you

“Any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him - mentally and spiritually. The last inner freedom cannot be lost. It can be said that they were worthy of their sufferings; the way they bore their suffering was genuine inner achievement. It is this spiritual freedom — which cannot be taken away — that makes life meaningful and purposeful.” Viktor E. Franki, Man’s Search for Meaning

DEPRESSION Everyone experiences unhappiness, and many people may become depressed temporarily. These feelings are normal and relatively short lived; this is not the case with depressive illness.

DEFINITIONS When a depressed state persists for several weeks, then deepens and eventually starts interfering with work and everyday life it becomes an illness. Depressive illness brings about changes in a person’s mood, behaviour and thinking.

SYMPTOMS feelings of sadness or irritability loss of interest in activities once enjoyed changes in weight or appetite changes in sleeping pattern feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness inability to concentrate or make decisions fatigue or loss of energy restlessness or decreased activity complaints of physical aches and pains thoughts of death or suicide

TREATMENT Depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. There are many treatments available that may be used, alone or in combination, to help people lead normal lives: counseling medications psychotherapy self-help groups support groups

SIGNS OF SUICIDE If depression goes unrecognized or is ignored, those with depression may become vulnerable to suicide. Some of the warning signs that a person may be suicidal include: Behavioral Clues: noticeable and sudden changes in behaviour signs of depression increased use of alcohol and drugs making final arrangements giving away valued possessions

Verbal Clues: expressions of helplessness and hopelessness talking or joking about suicide talking about a specific suicide plan talking about having access or the means of killing oneself

If you are concerned that someone may be suicidal, take action: be observant reach out to the person ask about suicide show respect be actively involved determine risk offer support get help

HELP IS AVAILABLE talk with your family and friends talk with your doctor talk with your pastoral counselor call your local Canadian Mental Health Association office book an appointment with a social worker or psychiatrist find out more information about depression

STOP

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT ASSIGNMENT Create a personal mission statement for your life. It should contain the following components: Your strongest beliefs and values — refer to the BELIEFS AND VALUES EVALUATION. Also, what will you do to bring your “real self” in line with your “ideal self’? Your greatest skills, abilities, gifts and talents — refer to the GIFTS AND TALENTS CHECKLIST. Also, what will you do with your skills and abilities? Your purpose in life. What will bring meaning to your life?

Example 1: “Above all I value love, kindness and charity Example 1: “Above all I value love, kindness and charity. I believe in strong relationships and serving others. I have a gift for listening, getting along with others and empathizing with them. I will always work to keep my friendships and relationships strong by being trustworthy and loyal, by spending time with them, and listening. I will also seek opportunities to help those in need.” Example 2: “Education and learning are very important to me. I believe it is essential to keep learning and progressing throughout my life. I love to learn and I am very good with my hands. I have a lot of drive and a desire to learn new things. I will spend my entire life taking whatever opportunities I can to learn new skills and to gain more knowledge.”