According to clinical psychologist Alan Downs, chronic discontent is a malady that affects anywhere from six to ten percent of Americans. "It is a slow and persistent condition that may exist for years, all the while eating away at the quality of life without causing any acute symptoms. Then, after years of slowly sabotaging your happiness and overwhelming you with continuous frustration, it can even turn into a more serious condition of major depression."

What are some of the symptoms of this low-grade depression also known as dysthymia? People talk about being bored, frustrated, irritable, fed up, and lacking in energy. "It's like we're living in a gray fog that dulls the pleasure of every experience. No matter what we try, whether relationships, careers, trips or hobbies — given enough time — everything eventually leaves us feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled."

Using anecdotes from his private practice, Downs describes key aspects of chronic discontentment. At the core of this disability is the shame people feel about their feelings. Whenever things get too emotional or too complicated or too sticky, they withdraw. The author outlines four ways individuals do this: (1) They give up and although their body is present in a situation, their heart isn't in it; (2) They throw themselves into some activity to avoid dealing with what is happening; (3) They sabotage their own happiness; (4) They make a U-turn and head in a new direction. Chronic discontent colors the way these people think about life and relationships: they can become very cynical; they focus on the failures of others; and they divide the world into friends and enemies.

Downs concludes with a five-week program that addresses some of the major warps of chronic discontent. It emphasizes the salutary and healing capacities of joy.