November 26, 2008 Archives

Can't see the film? Click here to watch.

Four months ago we asked for the most pessimistic One Show viewers to contact us via our Get Involved pages, to take part in an experiment to see if we could make them happy.

We were inundated with people who didn't think we would pick them, but One Show viewer Tony seemed to be the most negative of the lot.

In today's Stress Week film The One Show's Michael Mosely met up with Tony to see if he could change his outlook by sending him to 'Happiness School'.

Dr Alex Linley gave Tony two simple things to do for just one week. The first is to list his personality strengths and use one of them in a new way each day. The second is to write down three good things that happen each day.

To find out what happened to Tony check back tomorrow.

If you haven't already, why not take our Stress Test?
See also: Read all our Stress Week blogs.
See also: Watch our exclusive Stress Week videos.

What is happiness to you? What makes you happy? Are we even meant to happy? Is happiness overated? Are you grumpy and proud?! Tell, us please.

Andrew Gosden update, December 3, 2008: Last week we asked you to look out for two missing people - and we
might just have some good news on one of them. Fifteen-year-old Andrew Gosden went missing 15 months ago from his home in South Yorkshire and had not been seen since.

However, police in the Midlands may be on to something. They're desperate to hear again from a man who saw Andrew's picture on The One Show and strongly believes he's seen him in Shrewsbury.

The man tried to leave details at Leominster police station - and we think the same man's now written to us. What he hasn't done is leave a name or contact details of his own.

So, if you are that man, please go into any police station in the country and tell them what you know. The Missing People number is 0500 700 700.

See below for more information on Andrew, and useful weblinks.

November 26, 2008: Tonight The One Show highlighted the 210,000 people who go missing in the UK every year, and the pain felt by the families that they leave behind.

The film focussed on two missing persons - Andrew Gosden, just 14 when he disappeared from his home in Doncaster last year. And Sean Durkin who went missing back in 1993 when he ran into serious financial struggles.

Andrew's parents shared their story and told us of the pain of "not knowing".

Glenis Durkin, Sean's wife, was left to pick up the pieces after he vanished from her life. Fifteen years on, she says she has never lost hope that Sean will one day come back into her life.

Andrew Gosden

Andrew has been missing from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, since 14 September 2007. Although he was seen on CCTV footage at King's Cross Station in London later that morning, he has not been heard from since.
His family are extremely worried for Andrew's safety and they urge him to get in touch. He can call the Runaway Helpline on Freefone 0808 800 7070 where he can get confidential help and support from the Missing People charity.
Andrew, who has since turned 15, is 5ft 4in tall, of slim build with collar length, light brown hair and brown eyes. He wears strong prescription glasses and was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and jeans, and carrying a black canvas satchel with patches of rock/metal bands on it.

Sean Durkin
Sean has been missing from his home in Bradstock, Dorset, since 9 May 1993. Despite enquiries he has not been heard from since and his current whereabouts remain a mystery. There is great concern for Sean's welfare as it has been so long since he was last seen. He is urged to get in touch with someone, even if it is just to say that he is OK. He can call the confidential service Message Home on 0800 700 740 where he can get help and support from the Missing People charity. He can also leave a message for his loved ones that we can forward on his behalf. He does not have to say where he is if he does not wish to. Now 55, Sean is 6ft 1in tall and has blue eyes and brown hair.

Missing People is the charity featured in the film. It works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people. Missing People can be contacted on 0500 700 700. They also have a Runaway Helpline - Freefone 0808 800 70 70 & text service 80234. Their website is: www.missingpeople.org.uk.

Do you know the pain of being left behind by a missing person? How do families cope?

Can't see the film? Click here to watch.

Click here to add your comment.

All this week on The One Show Michael Mosley is looking at how stress can affect our daily lives.

See also: How stressed are you? Take our test.
See also: Read all our Stress Week blogs.
See also: Watch our exclusive Stress Week videos.

Michael Mosley meets Jenny, a recently retired teacher currently struggling with the change in pace. She's found that having little to do and few people to talk to is making her anxious.

Retirement stress is quite common, says Michael. The people that struggle with it, often mention dealing with boredom and the feeling that they have lost their role in society.

Michael convinces Jenny to join a local art group to socialise. Research shows that retired people with support networks report significantly lower levels of stress and a greater satisfaction with life. Not only that but studies have shown that people with a wide range of social contacts are better protected against colds and some diseases.

Ways to cope with retirement stress

Think positive - A 2002 study at Yale University found that thinking positively helps you to live longer.

Create a structure for your new phase of life - Get yourself some interests, consider a part time job or even volunteering.

Get a hobby - If you're getting close to retirement and you don't have any hobbies already - find some! The state of being absorbed in a creative or fun activity is a great way of relieving stress.

Can retirement really be that stressful? What do you think? Have your say, below.