Depression is running at record levels amongst women and single females face the biggest risk. According to the Priory Hospital, North London, depression has increased by around 30 per cent in the past five years amongst women aged 30-45 - the Bridget Jones generation. Here Miriam Akhtar describes how she succumbed to and later triumphed over the black dog of depression - using positive psychology, singleton style.

One of the most encouraging aspects of positive psychology is that it is possible to develop our capacity for happiness - approximately 40% is under voluntary control. Even a born pessimist can learn to become more optimistic and increase their potential for satisfaction in life. With this in mind, two positive psychologists in the west of England came together two years ago to develop the Happiness Training Plan, an audio programme of practical strategies for a happier life, which was launched at the 2008 Happiness Lectures at the University of Bristol.

Self-efficacy, or confidence as it is commonly known, is one of the most enabling psychology models to have been adopted into positive psychology. It is the optimistic self-belief in our competence or chances of successfully accomplishing a task and producing a favourable outcome.