“We have our own factory of good mood in our heads”

Psychologies: As a clinical psychologist, you often encounter adversity. But you wrote a book about a good mood.

Michel Lejoieux: Over the years, I have noted that more than half of my depression visits end without medication and long-term treatment. To help patients, there are quite a few rules dictated by common sense. I wanted to share them.

A good mood helps prevent certain diseases. This is an important story that needs to be taken seriously.

Your advice is sometimes obvious: sleep well, exercise, love…

M. L .: That was my goal! Nowadays, the idea that physical fitness can be maintained through a balanced diet has been adopted by almost everyone. I would like it to be the same with the psychological form. So that you and I learn: a certain lifestyle and way of thinking is favorable for the state of mind.

We have our own factory of good mood in our heads, but there are no instructions attached to it. I offer “easily digestible” techniques, the effectiveness of which has been proven. Try them – and tomorrow you will see the result!

Is it true that a good mood is good for health?

M. L .: Our biological thermostat is regulated by our psyche. When we are under stress, for example, we release the hormone norepinephrine, which prepares the body for defense or flight. Heartbeat and respiration quicken, blood sugar rises… If we often experience a state of acute stress, it becomes unfavorable. If this situation continues, the corticoid hormones, which are also toxic, take over.

Conversely, a good mood lowers blood pressure and sugar levels and increases resistance to infections. Studies by American scientists have even shown that diabetics with high self-esteem need less insulin.

Do we have a tendency to sadness?

M. L .: According to the philosopher Alain, “pessimism is mood, optimism is will.” The depressive influence of the environment is added to the natural tendency. Terrorist attacks, climate, economic and political crises… We have many reasons to be pessimists. And yet we can swim against the current.

Can you remind us what the difference is between blues and depression?

M. L .: The first difference concerns duration. The diagnosis of “depression” is considered only after several months of symptoms (at least three, most often six). The spleen comes in flashes, attacks, does not linger for a long time.

Depression also includes a sense of loss perceived as irreparable (loss of one’s desires, virtues, achievements). In the case of blues, nothing needs to be restored, rather, we need to remind ourselves who we are and what we stand for, regaining a positive outlook on the world and on ourselves.

Is sadness a sign of health?

M. L .: Yes, as long as it’s not too strong and doesn’t last too long. We have the right to be discouraged without being sick! Anyone who would have remained indifferent on the day of the terrorist attack would have caused me serious anxiety.

Sad people easily succumb to collective emotions, and depressed people are so caught up in their suffering that they are cut off from the world. For them, following my advice is necessary, but not enough, the help of a psychotherapist and / or medication is required.

You yourself are a smiling, cheerful person, you like to laugh … Is this the result of efforts?

M. L .: I keep my good mood. At first it required a little effort (to block negative emotions, for example), then it became a habit, and the mood began to be maintained by itself. Now it’s natural. After discovering that these simple tricks worked and made my life enjoyable, I kept going!