Do we have a set point

[Zoe Girl]

Of mood a nd happiness? I have great things going on, better medication, taking walks and meditating on a regular basis. I am back to my set point it seems, moderate depression the first part of every day. I guess that no matter what I try to do there is stress and the holidays. I see my kids on Christmas Eve but will be alone on Christmas day, maybe that is enough.

[Float On]

I've learned I need to avoid all real estate signs. They trigger me. I've always wanted to move a few times - have different houses, live in different places. Every time a real estate sign pops up in my rural neighborhood I get a sudden depression/waunderlust/jealousy over new opportunities. My husband is not interested. ;( I think it especially bothers me when I know the people have only lived here less than 5 years. I want to shout "no fair" I've been here almost 30 years. A neighbor who has lived here 3 years plopped up a for sale sign just yesterday. I can't avoid that sign since it's on the only way in/out of our closed loop road.

Then I have to repeat to myself positive affirmations, "I like my house, I like my yard, I enjoy the lakes, I love the clear water, I enjoy my yard projects, etc..."

[JaneV2.0]

I suspect there is an emotional set point--the science seems to suggest a genetically-determined range of depressive symptoms, for example. I think the range can be manipulated by diet, life changes, etc. Perhaps epigenetics are in play.

[Zoe Girl]

I am totally off the diet plan that helps me out a lot, however it is challenging. I may have to wait through the holiday season to get back on track. I am also really seeing how I don't understand my own feelings as well as I thought.

I am really hoping to change the set-point. It is really frustrating after so much work the last year. I wrote to my counselor and have a psych appointment this month. I am waiting to go to the DR for awhile, nothing wrong there but okay for a check up.

[oldhat]

There seems to be a broad consensus--very broad--among psychologists who research the happiness thing that about half a person's level of happiness is determined by the way they are wired. That's a set point they will deviate from in response to good or bad fortune, but will always return to. A fairly small percentage of happiness (10-15 as I recall) is controlled by fixed external circumstance (economic class, physical appearance, stuff like that) and the remainder is under the individual's control.

[razz]

I decided that I was in charge of my thinking. As Oldhat mentioned, some stuff may be biologically and externally compromised but how we approach each day, IMHO, is under out control.

Waking up and affirming that today is a wonderful day and looking for all the ways that it is a wonderful day. I have fresh water, warmth, food, shelter, planned activities, physical freedom, sufficient funds etc for this day. I enjoy a wave from a little child, a smile from a passing stranger, a thank you for a door held open...

Happiness for me is rarely big things but every day there are celebrations to enjoy. Do I get tempted to feel down or hurt or whatever, absolutely, but I am in charge of my thinking. I argue with myself about all the good going on right now in my life and shortly after, the dark mood lifts. Does it take practice and determination? Yes, but it is just for this moment and this day. Tomorrow is in the future to be dealt with then.

[Ultralight]

A friend of mine, Lee, has his "ball theory."

He thinks that when you are born you are given a Ball of Happiness.

He is 75, spry, mobile, fun, clever, hilarious, charming, musical, and has plenty of energy. And he said when he was born he got a jumbo beach ball of happiness.

But our mutual friend Frank, who shot himself in the head with a .45 Long Colt was born with a golf ball sized ball of happiness.

Lee's wife died a few years back. He was sad for a while, but he and his jumbo beach ball bounced back.

Frank is six feet in a hole.

I'd say I have a softball sized ball of happiness.

[pinkytoe]

I grew up with two depressed, divorced alcoholic parents and I could have gone down the same path but I realized that was not a way I wanted to live my days. If our moods are indeed genetic, then I overcame it by sheer will. I do recall that when I was younger that I would feel somewhat depressed/anxious when I first woke up so I always wondered if that was a physical issue, ie thyroid, hormonal etc.

[Teacher Terry]

I agree with having a set point for some of it and some control over the rest. I think life events can also tip the balance too depending on how bad the event is. A good friend of mine lost her 19 yo daughter 7 years ago and it has had a lasting effect. She can still enjoy life but has a problem with depression she never had before.

[catherine]

I believe in a set point that in is, at least in part, governed by genetics and/or brain chemistry--kind of like UL's friend's Ball Theory. Obviously, just because you have a set point doesn't mean you can't rise above it, but it may take work and medication. I'm not a doctor, so take this with a grain of salt, but I've always felt that DH has a lower set point than I do. I KNOW BIL has a low set point.

I feel very fortunate that I am happy most of the time. Some of it is my own responsibility for my attitude, but I truly think I was lucky enough to be born with the beachball.

[Zoe Girl]

I think that there is some part of it that has nothing to do with circumstance. It is just life with my chronic brain illness. Through the day i tend to feel better, also less sick feeling, by evening I can usually eat well.

[lhamo]

I was listening to this interview today with a woman who host a podcast about depression -- you might find it (the interview, but also the podcast) interesting:

https://www.jordanharbinger.com/kristen-carney-why-depression-isnt-just-your-own-battle/

Another thing that comes up for a lot of people this time of year is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and Vitamin D deficiency. I know I suffer from the former. Probably from the latter.

[Zoe Girl]

I will check that out lhamo, in Colorado we generally are good on vitamin D but with all the high sunscreen levels it can affect it. I took the kids outside yesterday and took a walk in the morning but it was cloudy, still it helped a lot to stay active, I actually really loved being out when it was 20.

[Gardenarian]

I was really unhappy growing up, a very sad kid and young adult. Now I'm very happy. My circumstances have been kind of extreme, though.

[Gardnr]

I think there is a set point of sorts. I also believe we can move the dial with concerted effort. Reducing stress and/or removing oneself from a very stressful life (job, family or whatever), does wonders for the happiness set point and the effects of a depressive personality. I've done it myself.

ZG, I would think your set point has moved positively having removed yourself from the overtly negative job of the past?

[Tybee]

I think there is a set point of sorts. I also believe we can move the dial with concerted effort. Reducing stress and/or removing oneself from a very stressful life (job, family or whatever), does wonders for the happiness set point and the effects of a depressive personality. I've done it myself.

ZG, I would think your set point has moved positively having removed yourself from the overtly negative job of the past?

I think this is very true. When I got out of my incredibly negative full time gig, I was instantly happier. When I work part time for them, I feel the stress immediately and am less happy.

But I have dealt with depression all my life, as has my father, my cousin, his mother, his uncle, etc. etc. I am pretty sure it is brain chemistry and hard wired into us.

[Zoe Girl]

I was also thinking that, and my stress and anxiety are VERY much less. I think that is what people are noticing in me. So that does make me happier or at least more content overall.

As far as depression i learned a long time ago to separate it from circumstances. My brain does this, sometimes there are factors that can affect it, but I really can't take it personally. I used tontry and find causes, spent hours writing in journals, talking to people, etc. And then I saw that during the times I had what I had worked for it happened, and times when things went very wrong I was also depressed.

Taking away the hypomanic is hard, my medication has done a good job of mellowing me out. I didn't realize I was nutty and hyper, just thought i was very smart and fun. I need to watch my mood, my food, my sleep and meditation, and my exercise daily.just that could be tiring!

Thanks for the discussion all

[JaneV2.0]

...
Taking away the hypomanic is hard, my medication has done a good job of mellowing me out. I didn't realize I was nutty and hyper, just thought i was very smart and fun. I need to watch my mood, my food, my sleep and meditation, and my exercise daily.just that could be tiring!
Thanks for the discussion all

I have a friend who laments that she always meets potential mates during her hypomanic states, and then loses them when the inevitable depression sets in. I think her current medication has fixed that.