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| Let’s get in touch with our emotions, shall we? It’s the start of Mental Illness Awareness Week, and today, we’re talking about mental health and happiness – or should we say unhappiness. |
| Here’s what you can expect from us on this lovely Monday: |
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Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Morgan Mandriota
October 3, 2022 • 6 min read |
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| Unhappiness: The unspoken new epidemic |
You’ve probably heard of income inequality, but what about happiness inequality? It’s the gap in people’s quality of life — aka the difference between those who report having a great life versus those who feel things couldn’t get much worse — and new research has found global unhappiness has been rising for a decade now.
According to a recent wellbeing survey data from Gallup, people feel more anger, sadness, pain, worry, and stress today than ever before. Gallup’s Negative Experiences Index shows that the number measuring unhappiness was higher last year than any other year, coming in at 33 points in 2021 versus 24 in 2006, when this annual wellbeing survey began.
Our world’s leaders must become aware of the factors we all need to live happier lives. After studying the 20% of people who reported having a “great life,” Gallup found the top factors in happiness were work fulfillment, minimal financial stress, living in “great” communities, good physical health, and a support system of loved ones.
As individuals, we can take our own steps to become happier, enrich our lives, and maybe inspire others to do the same in the process. Whether you choose to exercise more often, practice gratitude, breathe deeply, or do something else, we encourage you to pursue the happiness you desire to live the healthy life you deserve.
tl;dr: Research shows the world is unhappier than ever before. Systemic solutions are necessary to make a larger, faster impact, but we can take our happiness into our own hands in some ways, too. Wondering how happy YOU are? Consider taking this happiness quiz to find out. And if you feel comfy, share your results with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com.
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| Products we love |
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| Intelex Warmies Animal Wrap |
| Heat therapy can relieve chronic pain, inflammation, and stiffness as well as stimulate blood flow and healing. If you or a loved one are dealing with any of the above, cute microwavable heating pads like Intelex’s hippo warmies wrap might make you feel better. (Not a fan of hippos? Intelex makes sloths, dogs, and other cuddly creatures, too.) |
This heat wrap meets U.S. safety standards for people of all ages, so it’s great for back pain, headaches, or stress and anxiety relief.
Hot tip: These products heat up fast, so be mindful of the temperature before use. Heating pads are generally safe and effective, but they can be dangerous when used improperly. Here’s a list of other precautions to keep in mind so you can score the biggest benefit from them. |
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| Folks are skipping therapy to save money |
We already know that therapy can be expensive and inaccessible for people without funds or insurance. But it turns out therapy costs are too high even for folks with insurance that does cover therapy.
According to a survey in the Wall Street Journal, nearly a third of U.S. adults currently in therapy say they have had to cancel a sesh because they can’t afford it. Almost half say they would need to quit if their out-of-pocket costs increased.
Rising grocery prices due to inflation, high out-of-pocket costs, and low insurance reimbursement rates are some of the obstacles people face when budgeting for therapy.
Whichever boat you might fall into, there are ways to find support — no matter your budget. Check out our list of free to low-cost therapy options, which include sliding scale therapists, crisis hotlines, therapy apps, and more.
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Are panic attacks and anxiety attacks the same thing?
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(Find the answer at the end of this email)
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| What we’re reading next |
| Can anxiety make you poop? You’re not alone if anxiety poops have ever got your stomach in knots. Well, there’s a reason this happens, and it has to do with the brain-gut connection. |
| Want more pleasure and deeper intimacy? Sex impacts our health in big ways (it can even help you live longer!). But forget about wild positions and techniques: Embodied sex is where it’s at. |
| What are the 8 hallmarks of cancer? These differences between cancer cells and healthy cells may help researchers better understand how and why cancer behaves the way it does.
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| Are panic attacks and anxiety attacks the same thing? |
| No!
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These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re *not* the same thing. Panic attacks happen suddenly, involve intense, overwhelming fear, and feature physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat, nausea, and shortness of breath. They can happen to anyone, and having had more than one in your life is a sign of a panic disorder.
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Although they often feel similar to panic attacks, anxiety attacks aren’t as intense. And unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are not listed in DSM-5. They’re considered a symptom of other mental health conditions, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). An anxiety attack may happen as a slow build or immediate response to something nerve-wracking.
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If you want to learn more about panic attacks versus anxiety attacks, read our article here.
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Thanks for reading! We’ll be back with more stories on Wednesday. Until then, your homework is to do more of what brings you joy, whatever that may be.
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| Until next time, |
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Take care of yourself, and we’ll see
you again soon! |
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| This edition was powered by |
our drive to make the world
a happier, healthier place.
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