Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday? Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with your job or the work you do? Did you eat healthy all day yesterday? Do you feel safe walking alone at night in the city or area where you live? These are some of the questions that Americans surveyed for the so-called Emotional Health Index (EHI) have to respond. The index focuses on finding answers to questions related to America’s overall well-being, as reflected in Americans’ emotional and physical health. 

While more and more studies are showing that happiness, optimism, health and lifespan are interrelated, with a strong accent put on the general perspective upon life and overall health, this new survey, conducted via collaboration between Gallup, Healthways and America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), could be an important tool to help re-orient the health system on those areas that need improvements.

What is that Americans believe constitutes a good life? Who needs a helping hand? Besides giving states grades for the level of their health, the index is a first step of a program that should target all these factors that influence the emotional health of people, especially in a period when people are facing the economic crisis.

The preliminary results of the Gallup-Healthways poll shows many people are worried about their families and they are in despair over economic crisis. They need support to help them cope with depression and this report may also serve as a wake-up call in this direction. The survey is a representative one, as it involved more than 350,000 interviews so far. It may offer a picture on how emotional well-being changes with economic problems.