Trust Us, You’ll Be Happier
Welcome! A Message from Susan Thompson
As psychotherapists, our most important responsibility is to provide care for the mind, heart and spirit of our clients and anyone else facing challenges on their life journey. The Higher Ground newsletter is meant to be fun, psychoeducational and uplifting. Hopefully, this week’s topics of trust and connection can be useful to you and maybe something to share with your family and friends!
Here's what we have for you this week:
1. What science says about trust and happiness
2. Want a mood boost?
3. Fun Facts: mind, body and spirit
4. Loneliness cure = connection
Trust Us, You Will Be Happier and Science Says So
Want to boost your mood? Just trust someone. Really. A mega-study of 2.5 million people worldwide found that trust and happiness are like peanut butter and jelly. They make each other better. The more you trust others, the happier you feel. And the happier you are, the more likely you are to trust. It’s a feel-good feedback loop.
Photo by Freddy Kearney on Unsplash
Not All Trust Is Created Equal
Trusting your inner circle, like your family, friends and coworkers, has the biggest impact on your well-being. Believing in humanity helps, too. Trusting institutions like banks and governments? That’s the weak link (but still counts!).
Age Is More Than Just a Number
Kids, teens, and seniors benefit most from trust. Middle-aged folks? Not as much. Maybe because they’re too busy grinding at work to put much faith in the world.
Where You Live Matters
If you live in a country where people generally trust each other (looking at you, Denmark), the happiness payoff is even bigger. Sadly, low-trust nations may not get the same mental health boost.
Photo by Maksym Potapenko on Unsplash
Bottom Line
Trust makes us happy. Happiness makes us trust. It’s science, not a Hallmark card. So go ahead and believe in someone today. It just might brighten your mood 🥰
Fun Facts: Mind, Body & Spirit
Anxiety is basically your brain’s way of saying, “Let’s rehearse the worst-case scenario... 37 times.
Overthinking is the brain’s version of opening 72 browser tabs and forgetting which one’s playing music.
Your eyes can distinguish about 10 million different colors
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Connected Minds. Is It a Cure For Loneliness?
Turns out, talking to other humans isn’t overrated. Who knew?
As loneliness becomes a public health crisis, science confirms what your grandma already knew. Humans need other humans. Yes, even introverts.
🧠 People with strong social ties have 30% lower rates of depression.
📣 The U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic in 2023.
💬 Micro-interactions (texts, smiles, waves) activate oxytocin and lower cortisol.
There’s a digital disconnect despite being "always online." Real-time, meaningful interaction still reigns supreme for brain health.
Key Takeaways:
🏴 Loneliness is deadly.
🙌Small social acts = big emotional payoffs.
💕Connection is the new self-care.
Closing Thought: Group hugs, awkward Zoom calls, and spontaneous coffee chats? All scientifically endorsed.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Grab & Go
📚 Referrals + Resources
Got a book, podcast, practice, or product that inspired you? We love to hear about it!
Email me at susan@lightworkscounseling.com we will share the best ones in future newsletters.
“There comes a point where the mind takes a leap and comes out upon a higher plane of knowledge.’ Albert Einstein
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This newsletter is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.