I was amused to read this week that celebrities such as Kylie Minogue can seem to be happy because they have had Botox. Now you may think this is just because their expression has been smoothed out to the point of permafrost and therefore they look more relaxed and this is true to some extent because they physically cannot frown, but it is now being touted in the US as a cure for depression.
It has long been an assumption that there is a link between physical expression of emotions and the intensity of those emotions, otherwise known as the “facial feedback theory.” A intriguing pilot study conducted in 2006 by Dermatologist Eric Finzi, M.D., Ph.D. evaluated the effectiveness of Botox in treating depression and found (in a very small study of only 10 women) that after two months, all were diagnosed as no longer showing signs of depression.
Ho hum, I hear you say – or is that me muttering about why they can always find another use for a procedure that has received bad press? But how does it work? For years, doctors who administer Botox have reported that many women who receive the injections talk about how much better they feel in general but is that merely psychological because fewer lines means they look younger and therefore feel better about themselves?
Well apparently it relates to the fact that there is a long-standing psychological theory called the facial feedback hypothesis which states that when you smile you encourage other people to smile with you, and you increase your own sense of well-being. Botox, because it prevents you from frowning, gives the impression to others — and to you — that the world seems less angry or sad because our faces can’t provide negative feedback such as frowning, scowling and crying? Another aspect is that we are more appealing to others when we look happy and this triggers more positive events in our lives as we respond to that.
A researcher at the University of Wisconsin Madison called David Havas has investigated this and his results I think reinforces the belief that positivity — and happiness is certainly a component of that for me — will make your passage through life smoother and easier, and therefore less stressful. A Stanford psychologist, Robert Zajonc suggests the effect may be due to the relaxed facial muscles cooling the blood flowing to the brain in a manner similar to relaxation disciplines like yoga and tai chi – and both those options are certainly healthier, and cheaper than Botox.
Could I make an even more radical suggestion which will provide you with a no-cost alternative to Botox? I can assure you that this definitely works, and it only involves you smiling at least 10 times a day which will certainly improve not only your mood, but everyone you come in contact with. As a ‘treatment’ for depression or to lift your mood and increase your happiness it has got to be worth a try hasn’t it?
