For me, happiness is definitely a relative thing, or all things considered type of feeling.

I once was overjoyed in life in spite of past abuse, and other very bad things, and being prone to depression. Simply knowing that my children were okay brought me much happiness but that all changed when my son was murdered. Now happiness is in moments, the good moments. String a bunch of those good moments together and I get "happy considering...". Never can I have the happiness I once knew or have what/who I want.

I think that sometimes we think "if only I had this too, or could do this, or whatever..." that we would achieve happiness or contentment. In reality the searching for something else may cause us to overlook what is already around us, and make us feel sad that we are *missing something*. It helps me to try to live in the moment (the good moments).

Wishing you peace and happiness.

Happiness is a state of mind. You have to ask yourself are you just being selfish? If you have everything you need then what's the problem. None of us will find happiness if we don't seek the kingdom of the Lord. Maybe you should try to make someone else happy and that might make you happy. If you realize how blessed you are then maybe you'll learn to be content. Try clearing out the clutter in your life if you have any. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33

" Happiness is a state of mind. You have to ask yourself are you just being selfish? If you have everything you need then what's the problem. None of us will find happiness if we don't seek the kingdom of the Lord. Maybe you should try to make someone else happy and that might make you happy. If you realize how blessed you are then maybe you'll learn to be content. Try clearing out the clutter in your life if you have any. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33 "


LOL!

Yeah....ok....I'll get right on that...

:/

AMEN!...to what Kaino just said. *grins*

depression hits people who have everything going for them.

i don't think it matters if you seem like you're living the life of riley, if you're brain is not producing the chemicals correctly and you have underlying issues in your life, you're gonna be depressed.

so, happy, i think it's hard, maybe impossible for me, but coping, that to me is good enough. if i'm coping without breaking down, i'm doing well. don't know if that answered at all, but good question.

As you said, "I have been depressed most my life. I have tried almost every med there is.. "

Can you accept the idea that your brain just doesn't make enough of something? And, unfortunately, they haven't invented the perfect med for you yet.

You sound like you have a pretty open view of the positive things in your life. I do think the "chronic pain" could play a huge role in things. Cut yourself some slack there.

Happiness to me would be if all the faces I see when I close my eyes and the nightmares when I sleep would fade away.
I never understood people who seemed sad all the time. Now I know all too well.

I LOVE what Juice and SBoom said...I can't add much to that, I think they both hit on a very salient thing about happiness---that there are different levels of it, and a kind of serenity in it.

It takes a willingness to be receptive to it, when it comes along---because, depressed or not, it comes in small batches for most people. I think of it like making a bouquet out of little good things that come my way.