Hopes fall as living costs rise
Fewer West Australians are happy with their lot, according to a survey, with key indicators such as standard of living, future security and safety contributing to a slump in community contentment.
The annual HBF Wellness Survey revealed the number of people rating themselves as "very happy" had fallen from 60 per cent last year to just 52 per cent this year. Seventy per cent rated themselves "very happy" in 2011.
The percentage of "unhappy" people has increased from 7 per cent last year to 17 per cent this year.
Marisa Guerrini, director of WA-based Positive Force, which offers workshops and coaching on living a happier life, said external factors such as a recent downturn in the economy, high rents and increased cost of living pressures meant many West Australians had less hope.
"External factors have a big impact on people's happiness - stress about money can put strain on personal relationships, it may mean you can't go on holiday, or spend time with the family - all these things that affect your general wellbeing and happiness," she said.
"But it is also important to pause and reflect.
"People often need to just put things in perspective and think of ways to give back, share and spread kindness - these are the things that make you happy."
Margaret River mother Maureen Kollman's perspective on life and happiness has changed dramatically since she was diagnosed with breast cancer more than two years ago.
Mrs Kollman had just stopped breastfeeding her daughter Lucy, now three, when she felt a small lump in her breast.
It turned out to be a grade-three tumour - one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
She had the tumour removed and endured more than six months of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Now, 39, Mrs Kollman intends to run the New York Marathon this year to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer, which recently killed her best friend's mother.
"When I was diagnosed with cancer I didn't want to tell anyone about it," Mrs Kollman said.
"I didn't want people to feel sorry for me. Now I realise it's important to share my story, for me to be able to use it to do something good, to help others."
Mrs Kollman said her ordeal had changed her outlook for ever.
"Until you go through chemo, you have no idea how good it feels to be just normal," she said.
"I am so lucky I found the lump when I did. I'm lucky I had Lucy before all this. "I'm lucky and grateful that I can now run around with her - that I can watch her grow up.
"Knowing all this makes me happy."
Mrs Kollman will run the New York Marathon for Project Purple which raises awareness and funds towards a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Donations can be made at crowdrise.com/ProjectPurple2013/fundraiser/maureenkollman
