Part of good mental health is routinely taking time to look for and acknowledge all the good in our lives. It's similar to celebrating Thanksgiving, except it's a daily instead of yearly practice.
Considering all we have to be thankful for is the most important part of celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, much more important than a stuffed turkey or pumpkin pie. What if this year, instead of hyper-focusing on turkey or pies, we intentionally focus on developing a routine of gratitude?
It's a matter of being mindful: intentionally noticing all the good in our lives, and allowing ourselves to feel the emotion of gratitude.
Do you have shelter? Thank goodness!
Do you have water? Yes!
Do you have food? Score!
Can you read this? Awesome! According to the United States Nation Center for Education Statistics, 21% of adults in the United States are functionally illiterate*. That's 43 MILLION adults who can not read this post.
Do you have access to emergency medical care if you were to call 9-1-1? Wow, that is truly amazing!
Friends, we have so much to be thankful for. This is just the very basics, and already by writing this I feel deeper gratitude for what I have. I hope in reading this you feel better too!
However, please know that on-going low moods may indicate your need to be assessed for depression. Depression isn't "cured" with simple gratitude. Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment by licensed health care professionals. Many physical conditions, such as thyroid disorder, may cause depression too. If you've had an annual physical exam this year, your provider has ruled out any underlying health conditions, and you still have trouble finding the good in day-to-day situations, perhaps you need to talk to a therapist or counselor. If you reside in Idaho, feel free to call my office and schedule a telehealth counseling session with me. I'd love to be part of your healing journey.
Be well! I am so thankful you're here today!
Teresa
* Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/datapoints/2019179.asp on November 2, 2020
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