188 Chapter 16 – The Pleasure Paradox and the pursuit of happiness Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment. Lao Tzu In a recent survey of what people did to improve their mood and to feel better, eating rated very highly. As I came to know the people who come to see me because of their weight, I found that many of them were living unhappy lives where food was the highlight of their day. For many people, eating is one of their primary ways of pursuing happiness in their life. I am acutely aware that people will not give up their pursuit of happiness through food if they have no alternative. For this reason I have felt it necessary that I at least attempt to clarify the issues around happiness. In particular I want to explain how pursuing pleasure can have the exact opposite effect from that desired and cause us frustration and unhappiness. In reducing this entire field to a single chapter, I ask you to forgive me for over-simplifying the subject. My goal is to introduce the key principles to provide you with some direction in the pursuit of this elusive thing we call happiness. Some of the people who have consulted me were suffering from anxiety and depression and they were self-medicating with food. If this is you, you must go and get professional help as you will be unable to lose weight until these underlying issues are dealt with. To find a good therapist, ask around( you will be surprised how many people‘ have a friend’ who has seen one), see your GP or consult the yellow pages. Try two or three until you find someone you feel you can work with. Don’ t be put off by waiting lists – they often, but not necessarily, mean someone is good and chances are you have had your problems for