Today mental states such as anxiety and depression, as well as stress, are becoming more prevalent in our society. In fact, the average age of depression has decreased from 29.5 years in 1960 to 14.5 years today. In Europe, 27% adults will suffer from one type of mental disorder (stress, anxiety, or depression) this year. Finally, in Switzerland, the number one reason why people are on long-term disability is because of a mental disorder.
As a society we focus on what is wrong and invest time and money on it. For every 1 piece of research done on happiness, 21 are done on mental disorders. Every time we turn on the TV/radio or read the newspaper more than 90% of the information is focused on our world's problems like war, terrorism, murders, thefts, and violence. Whether you are aware of it or not, this has a negative impact on your state of mind.
We created the The Art of Happiness as an alternative to teach people ways they can increase their levels of happiness. Research has proven that when people are happier they are less likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression. Further, people who are happier recover or bounce back faster from setbacks or down periods in their life. In fact, when we are happier we are more creative, resilient, productive, have a stronger immune system, and persevere in the face of adversity. We believe and have personally experienced that when we work on improving our levels of happiness life is much more pleasing, satisfying, and enjoyable.