Happy Sad News Mashup

So which is it? Are we happier than ever or more depressed than ever?

The New York Post says 94% of Americans are happy.

While at the same time the BBC says more people are being diagnosed as depressed than ever before.

Maybe people just don't like telling anonymous pollsters that they are dissatisfied with their life?

Or maybe all those antidepressant prescriptions are working really well? (Despite the fact that Americans pay more for prescriptions than any other county on the planet--Now that's depressing.)

Or maybe the Rupert Murdoch owned New York Post wants to make sure Americans know how we are expected to respond: "Say you are happy damn you or your Corporate Overlords will give you something to really cry about! Oh and by the way, the economy is doing great, pay no attention to the reduction in wages for 80% of Americans or the doubling foreclosure rate in 14 states. You are happy if I say you are happy."

I suspect most people have not taken the half-an-hour of quite time it would take to check in with themselves to see if they are basically satisfied or not. But don't take my word for it, or Rupert Murdoch's, turn off your cell phone and TV and watch the sky for 30 minutes. Then ask yourself if you are happy or not. The answer may surprise you.