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Your Guide to Mental Health and Wellness
Mental Health Helplines

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Well-being & Happiness

Looking after your emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health. By actively nurturing wellness, you’re better able to handle life’s challenges and bounce back when bad things happen.

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Well-being & Happiness FAQs

What is cognitive dissonance?
Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort you experience when your beliefs, values, or behaviors contradict one another. For example, you might know that binge drinking is unhealthy, but continue the habit anyway, despite being otherwise health-conscious. The conflict between your beliefs and your actions causes stress and may even impact your mental well-being. In this case, you may feel deep guilt and shame after a night of drinking too much. You may also try to justify or rationalize your actions.
What is happiness?
Different people define happiness in different ways, but it’s generally a feeling of well-being. Happiness can be a momentary pleasure, like the feeling you get when you’re laughing with friends or playing with a pet. It can also be a broader sense of contentment, such as the satisfaction you feel when you think of your life’s accomplishments or how fortunate you are to have a wide circle of friends and loved ones. Research shows that with a change of attitude and perspective, it is possible to increase your happiness and sense of well-being.
How can I be happy?
With the right outlook, you can train your brain to be happy by finding and savoring moments of pleasure, even when you’re going through a rough patch. To cultivate happiness, take the time to express gratitude, nurture your relationships, and engage in activities that bring you a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Practice self-compassion and aim to be patient and kind to yourself. In addition, keep up on exercise and healthy sleep habits to maintain your physical and mental wellness.
What are positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are uplifting phrases or statements that you repeat to yourself either aloud or in your head. These statements can help shift you away from negative thought patterns and promote positive self-talk. Some examples of positive affirmations include: “I am resilient and flexible,” “I am loved and valued,” and “I am grateful for my life.” Research shows that people who practice self-affirmations can reap benefits such as enhanced happiness and well-being, and decreased stress.
How do I find a mental health therapist near me?
To find a local therapist, visit one of HelpGuide’s affiliate online services, BetterHelp or Online Therapy.com, which can match you to licensed therapists in your area. You may also want to ask friends or family members for recommendations, or seek referrals from organizations such as family service agencies or senior centers. If you have health insurance, you can access your insurer’s website for a listing of therapists in your network. When considering any therapist, ask how knowledgeable they are about your specific condition or area of concern.