A groundbreaking new study revealed today that happiness may be
a cause for depression. Studies show that there is a darker side
to feeling good and that the pursuit of happiness can sometimes
make you . . . depressed. Too much happiness will make you
gullible, selfish, less successful and, in some cases, suicidal.
Happiness does have benefits. It can protect us from stroke and
the common cold, makes us more resistant to pain and even
prolongs our lives. Yet, June Gruber, a professor of psychology
at Yale University who has studied happiness, warns that it’s
important to experience positive moods in moderation. She
compares happiness to food: Although necessary and beneficial,
too much food can cause problems; likewise, happiness can lead
to bad outcomes. “Research indicates that very high levels of
positive feelings predict risk-taking behaviors, excess alcohol
and drug consumption, binge eating, and may lead us to neglect
threats,” she says. “You don’t want to eat too much cake or
broccoli or meat. Too much