The big news today is that the government looks set to launch a "happiness index" to measure the mental wellbeing of the nation and presumably the effect of government policy on it. Measuring wellbeing indicators alongside economic ones to gauge the health of the nation is something to be welcomed. A small amount of good news amid all the cuts.

One issue that will need tackling if one is to improve general wellbeing is loneliness. Brain Blogger reports on the mental and physical effects it can have.

The government might also want to look at the "exams culture" that makes school life a bit of a misery for many children. The Telegraph reports that it is causing psychological difficulties.

What it should promote is more exercise. A meta study reveals a host of mental and physical benefits associated with regular exercise.

Finally, Psychology Today explains how psychotherapy works.

(Pic from: CarbonNYC on flickr)

Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/mental-health/2010/11/on-measuring-happiness-and-why.html

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Posted 15 Nov 2010 3:23 PM by Mad World | Report Abuse

Filed under: Mental Health, happiness, exercise, psychotherapy, children, wellbeing, adults, schools