One way to treat mental health problems is to learn how to become happier, clinical psychologist and author Aleks Srbinoski believes.
Mr Srbinoski, who has been studying mental health and psychology for 10 years, is prepared to share what he knows about happiness as a tool for overcoming anxiety and depression at a free talk at the Kogarah Library on Tuesday, August 4.
‘‘Mental illness is a serious and varying issue and of course certain treatments may be required,’’ Mr Srbinoski said.
‘‘However, learning to be happier is one method to improve your life whether you have a mental illness or not.
‘‘The talk is not just for mental illness sufferers, but anyone who wants to learn to be happier.’’
Mr Srbinoski said that through the talk people would learn how to be more motivated, more optimistic, how to develop healthy behaviours, and more meaning and purpose in life.
The talk would be particularly useful for people suffering workplace stress — which carried a risk of mental illness. It’s also about workplace stress and how we are all at risk of mental illness.
‘‘Happiness acts as a protective factor against the stresses of life,’’ he said.
‘‘But people don’t really understand the science of how to become happy. My talk outlines seven scientifically proven ways people can become happier.’’
Mr Srbinoski said that 45 per cent of people will have a mental health condition in their lifetime; up to 20 per cent were diagnosed with anxiety or depression each year and 75 per cent suffered from workplace stress which was affecting their health.
The talk is at 7pm at Kogarah Library. Copies of his books will be available for purchase.
To book, call the library on 9330-9527.
