MIchael and Aspen finally talk about Wellbeing!  

They review the origin of Wellbeing Theory, the term’s history in the positive psychology movement, and why it works better than happiness as an achievable goal.  Then, they briefly explore the five elements of Wellbeing: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement.

Michael and Aspen explore why they chose the term Well Being, and not happiness, in their definition of Mental Health.  Aspen is surprised to learn that Michael has made it her job to convince their listeners that they should abandon happiness as a goal of mental health (he was too afraid to try).  

Despite Michael’s treachery Aspen systematically breaks down the term happiness, showing once and for all why it can’t be used as goal of good mental health.  Just when she has Michael convinced of this, Michael sheepishly confesses he still wants to be happy.  Aspen reassures her embarrassed father by showing how wanting to be happy and making happiness your goal in life are very different things. She presents research showing that while wanting to be happy in an essential part of being human, making happiness your specific goal actually backfires.

Michael takes a stab at defining mental health while Aspen mercilessly plays devils advocate.  

In the process, they explore a number of critical concepts such as the role of our behaviours in influencing our thoughts and feelings, the difference between good mental health and happiness, and the necessary role of painful emotions in good mental health.  

At the end, they test if their discussion successfully debunked three of their least favourite mental health misconceptions.  

The podcast ends when Michael swears to exonerate himself when he only successfully debunks 2 out of 3 myths.