ABC of Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is Gratitude. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic! 

One relevant recommendation: 

Start a gratitude journal: Take a moment each day to jot down three things you're grateful for. These can be big or small, from a delicious meal to a supportive friend or a beautiful sunset. Then, briefly reflect on why each of these things is meaningful to you. Acknowledging the reasons behind your gratitude can deepen your appreciation and help you cultivate a positive mindset. Finally, reflect on how expressing gratitude enhances your overall well-being by shifting your focus towards the positive aspects of your life.

Two quotes on Happiness and Appreciation for Goodness:

Amy Collette, an author and speaker, believes that gratitude helps us overcome adversities and feel more connected to ourselves and others:

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.”

Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, suggests that gratitude enables us to extend and appreciate goodness and kindness towards the people in our lives: 

“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” 

Three TherapyShorts from TST ^{(on gratitude)}

1. Incorporating Gratitude in our life: This can be as simple as acknowledging the small joys amidst the chaos. Take, for instance, the warmth of a morning cup of tea or coffee on a hectic day—it's a moment to pause, savor, and be thankful for. Embracing such moments of appreciation infuses our days with a sense of contentment and perspective, reminding us of life's abundant blessings even in the midst of challenges.

2. Benefits of Gratitude: Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between gratitude and mental health. Practicing gratitude has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. It acts as a natural antidepressant, promoting emotional well-being. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening social bonds. Expressing appreciation and gratitude towards others fosters positive relationships and builds a sense of connection and community.

3. Gratitude vs toxic positivity: Gratitude involves acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, even in difficult circumstances, while toxic positivity involves dismissing or invalidating genuine emotions by insisting on maintaining a solely positive outlook. For example, expressing gratitude might involve acknowledging the support of loved ones during a tough time, whereas toxic positivity might involve telling someone to "just be happy" when they're experiencing sadness or grief, disregarding the validity of their feelings.

Love and light,

The Social Therapist