Foreword 10Preface 15Introduction 17My story 21PART 1 HAPPINESSChapter 1 The happiness culture as enemy 34Chapter 2 Emotions and a happy life 50Chapter 3 The language of happiness 60Chapter 4 Being lucky 72PART 2 DEPRESSIONChapter 5 Just not happy 83Chapter 6 The opposite of depression 90Chapter 7 DSM thinking 94Chapter 8 The !ve assumptions about depression 103Chapter 9 The onset of depression 112Chapter 10 Your inner world is changing 123Chapter 11 Dark landscape 135Chapter 12 The happiness lessons of gloom 146PART 3 ZEST FOR LIFEChapter 13 A different relation to problems 163Chapter 14 Exploring your inner landscape 177Chapter 15 Dealing with loneliness 189Chapter 16 I am OK 210Chapter 17 From setback to prosperity 232Chapter 18 Good-luck magnet 257Chapter 19 Universal motives 276Conclusion 286My inquiry into happiness and depression 289Afterword 299Reference list 301Biography 307In our happiness-driven culture, the pressure often leads to chronic dissatisfaction and depression. This book offers insights and exercises to overcome gloom and rediscover meaning in life.In our success-driven culture, the pursuit of happiness has become a given. Yet, this constant striving often creates a taboo around failure and keeps us focused only on positive emotions. At the same time, our endless search for happiness leaves a growing number of people with a chronic sense of dissatisfaction—and even depression.How do you find light in the darkness when you’re feeling down? Based on hundreds of interviews, research, and his own personal experience, Wassili Zafiris developed a new approach to overcoming low moods—a method that has already proven effective. Happiness is Depressing is filled with exercises designed to give you deep insights into how you create your own reality. Through seven practical techniques, you will learn how to free yourself from gloom and rediscover meaning and energy in life.Happiness is Depressing gives you answers to essential questions about happiness and depression, such as:What is the relationship between happiness and depression? How can the pursuit of happiness make us unhappy?What exactly is depression? How does it arise? What does the “inner world” of someone who feels down look like?What can we learn about happiness from the phenomenon of low mood?Is there an effective method to find lasting happiness after depression?This book is a must-read for anyone struggling with depressive feelings—or simply for those who feel “not quite happy.”Happiness is Depressing is also valuable for:Family members and loved ones of those dealing with depression.Coaches, psychologists, and other professionals looking for a new approach to supporting people with depression.In a world where happiness seems to be the ultimate goal, more and more people find themselves feeling unhappy or down. The taboo on failure and the pressure to always be positive can lead to dissatisfaction and even depression.This book helps you change that.Happiness is Depressing is not a theoretical story, but a practical workbook full of exercises, techniques, and ideas that guide you step by step out of the darkness of depression.Based on hundreds of interviews, scientific research, and his own personal experience, Wassili Zafiris developed a method that has already proven successful for many. With seven concrete techniques, you will discover how to shape your own reality, break free from negative patterns, and find new energy and meaning in life.In this book, you will actively work with questions such as:How do I break through negative thoughts and feelings?What steps can I take to feel lighter and freer again?How can I use my depression as a doorway to lasting happiness?Whether you struggle with depressive feelings or simply feel stuck in your search for happiness, this book offers you practical tools to move forward.It is also a valuable guide for loved ones, coaches, and professionals who want to support people dealing with depression.