Are You Happy Yet?
UP and DOWN metaphors
It’s common knowledge that news sources thrive on negative news. Afterall, we are hardwired to respond to threats as a matter of survival. Unfortunately, a torrent of bad news can produce sadness or even depression.
Depression as a word fits the up-down metaphor as if our brains had a vertical structure for moods where up is good and down is bad. In banter with my cousin Stan (RIP) his response to “how are ya” was “still above ground.” On leaving, I’d say “I’m going underground” as he delivered me to my London tube station.
Religious folks use up and down metaphors for heaven and hell, which I always thought was funny for those DOWN under (Aussies).
When things are DOWN, we often characterize them as LOWER, CUT, NOT WORKING, BROKEN, AT THE BOTTOM, and ON THE GROUND. When people in important positions leave, they STEPDOWN. And naysayers warn the arrogant that they should watch out for a FALL.
If you consume news, check out the DOWNPOUR in recent days.
Back to the news.
The financial markets are DOWN this day, month, and year. Lately, many retirement accounts are LOWER. The newsies report stocks SLIDE because of SLOWDOWN worries.
The US budget is being CUT DOWN as quickly as possible. 2
The US Congress is trying to avoid a SHUTDOWN, which may result in LOWER voter support. The DEADLINE is Friday. 3.
The US government staffing numbers are DOWN due to layoffs, which can obviously be depressing. 4
A picture in today’s news showed an empty space at Toronto airport where young tourists usually queue for trips to the US. Air travel is DOWN as a result of the trade wars. 5
Around the world, soldiers and civilians reach the ultimate DOWN as for example recent deaths in Syria and Ukraine reveal. 6, 7
Pathways to happiness
Many of the depressing events in the news are horribly sad for those personally affected by the reported events. The pain of loss when loved ones die can persist for years. Financial ruin with or without job loss can be very difficult to overcome. In such cases, family, friends, communities are vital to recovery. And often, professional healthcare providers are needed.
But for those who are not in the direct line of fire, to avoid the subtle and not so subtle mood-destroying stimuli, we’ll need to take control of our news diet. Some ideas for changing to an UPBEAT LIFE-GIVING WELL of BUBBLY.
INCREASING intake of positive news stories.
Listening to UPBEAT music.
Reading UPLIFTING essays and stories.
INCREASING time with positive people.
INCREASING walking and other types of exercise
INCREASING expressions of gratitude
INCREASING giving time or resources to others when possible
INCREASING expressions of care for others. A call or text or visit can make someone’s day.
INCREASING the consumption of laughter
INCREASING eating well
INCREASING sleep if needed
INCREASING stable recessionary-resistant investments less susceptible to market swings like CDs if possible and with professional advice as needed.
Avoiding news media broadcasts where we have no control over broadcast selected stories.
Avoiding negative talk shows.
Blocking negative news stories in social media feeds.
Blocking DOWNBEAT feeds in social media.
Controlling Metaphors
It takes some effort to recognize metaphors and the influence they have on how we frame life.
For example, marketplace selloffs are opportunities to buy quality investments at good prices for those who understand markets.
Recognizing the DOWN words and related concepts can help us control persistent negativity by blocking, turning off, or avoiding such stimuli as may be reasonably possible.
It takes some practice. And sometimes a psychotherapist can help reframe life events. Decades ago, I learned to pay attention as patients revealed the narratives linked to anxiety, depression, and other distressing ills.
When you catch on to the UP - DOWN metaphors, try thinking of other confining metaphors like TIME = MONEY and ARGUMENTS = WAR.
References
2. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/06/gop-budget-medicare-medicaid-cuts
3. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-races-avert-government-shutdown-friday-deadline-rcna195312
4. https://www.delawareonline.com/story/money/business/2016/01/04/dupont-workers-learning-their-fate-today/78255924/
5. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122177874464270823&id=61558124703468
6. https://apnews.com/article/syria-alawites-sectarian-killings-coast-assad-hts-610cdee1d5762d3ecb75c700fb7cf5f2
7. https://abcnews.go.com/International/deadly-russian-attack-overnight-ukraine-kills-11-injure/story?id=119583522
Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is www.suttong.com
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Dr. Sutton’s posts are for educational purposes only. See a licensed mental health provider for diagnoses, treatment, and consultation.
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