EMOTIONS AND DEPRESSION [NON WANTING/AFFILIATIVE SYSTEM] ARTICLE1,2

Article 1

This could also be described as the’ contentment and soothing system.’

There are times when we are not under any threat and no do we want to achieve or do something ; we are content with the way things are and simply chilled out.

Our minds slow down , and this feeling of slowing can help us learn to be present in the moment . It turns out that the brain system involved in helping us feel content, calm, not threatened or rushing around doing thing, are also very importantly linked to kindness and affection .

How does that work ?

Well, consider the baby who is distressed .

What will calm the baby ?

Sometimes , stimulating and distracting hi, or her can help, but mostly it is receiving a cuddle and the soothing tones of the mother’s voice.

Indeed, when we are distressed , we often like to turn to other people who(we hope) will be understanding , supportive and kind- – and these qualities often calm us down. It doesn’t necessarily reduce the problem as such, but to feel understand and valued is very important.

Article 2

If you are depressed , you may say.’Yes, but I don’t have anybody who really understands me.’ If this is true at least highlight the fact that you intuitively understand that the quality of relationship is very important to your wellbeing.

Sometimes we need to work to build relationships, and of course that’s a two-way process. If you want other people to take an interest in you, it helps to place yourself in situations where there are people you can relate to- for example , working for a charity or joining a club. Taking an interest in other people helps , too. There is now good evidence that the more interest we take in others the happier we are, whereas the more we get focused on our own problems the less happy we are.

I will complete in article 3 soon.