Economic growth helped many be rich, in developed and developing countries

In recent times, economic growth has helped many become richer, both in developed and developing countries. However, those in developed countries are not as happy as they were in the past. Why is this? What can be learned from this? Nowadays, economic prosperity in many countries, both developed and developing, has made people richer but those living in developed countries are not as happy as they were before. This finding explains why money is not the only source of happiness and self contentment, self satisfaction and other factors play a crucial role in the attainment of happiness. Indeed, those living in developed countries are not as happy as they were expected to be, being all wealthy and well off. This is because happiness is not determined by wealth alone, although it does make a difference. A healthy family life, a good work life balance, a good social life and, most importantly, satisfaction and contentment with life is required to be happy. In recent times, divorce rates in developed countries have risen and broken families with single parents are not a rarity. Living in such troubled families is bound to affect mental well being adversely since it is no secret that loneliness is one of the major reasons for depression. Likewise, the competitive environment existing in developed countries forces people to work strenuously, leading to detrimental effects on their family life and mental well being. Moreover, in this day and age of social media, comparing oneself with others living apparently perfect lives, leads to feelings of unhappiness and depression. Self satisfaction and contentment is the key to happiness which is missing these days. This development is a learning opportunity for us all. In modern culture, measure of happiness is done on the basis of wealth alone and people work endlessly to attain wealth, only to find that becoming wealthy was not the solution. Self contentment and satisfaction should be stressed upon and people should improve their family ties and prioritize things that matter. Once everyone realizes that happiness is a state of mind and cannot be found in materialistic things, they will live a stress free and happy life. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that people in developed countries reported a decline in happiness because wealth alone is not an indicator of happiness and other factors like a healthy family life, a good work life balance and self contentment and self satisfaction are the key to happiness and should be stressed upon.