From Battling Depression to Becoming “The Happiness Ninja” – Jamie Brown

Jamie Brown

"The Happiness Ninja"

Jamie channels her own hard-won recovery from depression and anxiety into her work as a trainer, coach, and “Happiness Ninja,” using positive psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness to help others build lasting wellbeing and resilience.

Caboolture, Australia

Alumni:

🎓 Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

What drew you to study the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

"I felt like I could solve a massive problem in society and I planned to create my own programme targeting people who were having significant struggles in their life (mental health/unemployment)."

I completed the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing in 2015. At the time I was working as both a Business, Leadership and Management Trainer and Assessor, as well as a classroom facilitator for long-term unemployed groups. My personal life was in shambles as I was still recovering from a break up with an emotionally abusive ex-partner 2 years prior, which spiked a massive decline in my already unstable mental health. I was back on antidepressants having had depression and anxiety from the age of 12 years old. My stability would fluctuate up and down depending on my life’s circumstances at the time.

At the time of doing this course I was suffering from significant social anxiety and could only socialise by drinking alcohol which uninhibited me enough to feel comfortable around people, which then made me feel depressed and negative about myself. To say the least, even just showing up to class for the course was quite challenging for me. I was motivated to join the course though because I was studying a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences degree and had stumbled upon an elective subject called Psychology of Wellbeing. This unit sent light bulbs off in my brain and I started to look at the world differently and wondered why I had never been taught such things that seem so basic in retrospect, yet so foreign to me at the time.

I was very interested in learning about the practical, applied side of positive psychology, having learned a significant part of the theory already during this university unit. My plan was to learn more so that I could have more personal growth and development within myself, and I could also see a gap in the market regarding information that unemployment services would find very enlightening and valuable to teach their clients.

How was your experience studying this course?

"This course was responsible for changing my life."

My multiple lightbulb moments came through learning various things that enabled a massive wake-up call to happen! I came to understand that the brain biologically focuses on negatives, and that I was unconsciously repeating the learned helplessness I had been raised to have, and also that I had kept myself miserable by not allowing myself to see and appreciate the things that I did have in life and that I could learn to counteract that and change the way my brain functions. This provided me hope to get off antidepressants again, because at this time, I felt like I was completely broken and would need them for the rest of my life.

Looking back, I now see why my mental stability fluctuated up and down over the years previously: the times when I was embracing activities that encompass PERMA principles, I did well and did not need medication. The times when something traumatic happened and I stopped putting any energy into healthy, intentional activities, and my thoughts were overridden with negativity, I slid downhill and went back on medication again to function. It all made sense after learning what is needed to be happy scientifically, and the ongoing effort required.

 

How has the Diploma helped you spread positive ripples in your world?

"I have completely changed the way my brain functions and overcome 12 years of suicidal thoughts, 14 years of addictive behaviours and 17 years of clinical depression."

Since commencing the Diploma, I have maintained a gratitude journal in which I write down the three best things every day. I can feel that my brain and thought patterns are totally different to what they once were. I have become The Happiness Ninja. I dress in a custom-made ninja costume, and I do random acts of kindness on the streets and at events. This includes handing out free goodies, giving out free hugs and doing motivational and inspirational talks and workshops. I have done this in multiple states in Australia and in four other countries around the world so far. I have also created several programmes aimed at my target market of interest, as I intended.

"My biggest achievements to date include speaking at an international positive psychology summit in Canada; being a finalist for St George Banking Group Business Grant Competition and pitching my business idea at TEDx Sydney in the Opera House; and being a finalist for The Moreton Bay Innovation Awards in two categories."

Inspired by Jamie's ripple story?

Learn what it takes to live a flourishing life and where our courses can take you.

Join our next Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing or Certificate IV in Wellbeing Science intake and start creating your own ripples.

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