Is There A Science To Happiness?

College Pressures

The mental health crisis on college campuses is a pressing issue, with many students experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. Laurie Santos highlights that despite having access to more resources and technology than ever before, today's youth are more unhappy than previous generations 1. She notes that 40% of college students are too depressed to function on most days, and over 60% report overwhelming anxiety 1.

Our young people are really voting with their feet. They want strategies they can use to feel better, to not be so stressed out, to not be so depressed.

--- Laurie Santos

Santos emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches to improve mental well-being, as students seek practical solutions rather than mere platitudes 1.

   

Navigating Challenges

Young people today face numerous global challenges, from climate change to economic instability, which can impact their mental health. Laurie Santos remains optimistic, believing that behavioral and mindset changes can significantly improve happiness 2. She stresses the importance of addressing both individual strategies and root causes of unhappiness, akin to treating a headache while investigating its underlying issues 3.

It's like, what are these individual strategies you can do to kind of get yourself out of not feeling so great, but also, what are the bigger issues that led you to feel that?

--- Laurie Santos

By focusing on both personal and structural changes, Santos argues that young people can better navigate these challenges and improve their overall well-being 3.