As Thanksgiving approaches, we often think about all we have to be thankful for—our health, our family, our careers… For those suffering from a mental health condition, it may be challenging to consider the good they have in their lives. But, with the right tools, we can all learn to be more grateful, no matter what life throws at us. Practicing gratitude can be an easy way to improve our outlook, mood and overall well-being. Help someone discover the benefits of gratitude by sharing the article, Express Gratitude for Mental and Physical Health and the tips for Building Relationships Through Gratitude below.
I want to express my deep gratitude to each of you who play an instrumental role in making our organization successful. Your contributions are pivotal in our mission to empower individuals to enhance their mental well-being and lead their fullest lives.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Annette Conway, PsyD
CEO and President
Help Therapy
November is Adoption Awareness Month, National Career Development Month and Movember Adoption Awareness Month
Approximately 114,000 children and youth in the U.S. waiting to be adopted are at risk of aging out of foster care. National Adoption Month seeks to bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system.
National Career Development Month
National Career Development Month addresses the need for comprehensive career guidance, planning, development and support to help individuals make informed career choices.
Movember
Movember was created in 2003 as a non-profit to transform men’s health services. It’s celebrated by growing a mustache to raise awareness of men's suicide and other health issues like prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Express Gratitude for Mental and Physical Health
Expressing gratitude is more than just being polite. It's about showing your heartfelt appreciation. Practicing gratitude is one of the simplest ways to boost your mood and your outlook on life. All you need to do is notice something good and genuinely appreciate it.
Improves your psychological health
The cultivation of gratitude fosters mental resilience, providing a shield against stress, depression, anxiety, and various mental health challenges.
Research reveals that resilience can counteract elements that heighten the susceptibility to PTSD following traumatic experiences. Plus, for those already managing a mental health condition, resilience enhances coping skills. The practice of expressing gratitude has the power to elevate happiness, diminish depression, boost empathy, and increase self-esteem. At the same time, it reduces feelings of regret, envy, resentment and other toxic emotions.
Improves your physical health
Individuals who practice gratitude report better overall health and reduced chronic pain compared to others. Plus, they tend to be more committed to their well-being, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet.
Start each day with a positive outlook and embrace an "attitude of gratitude." As you wake up, take a moment to think of someone you appreciate. Extend your gratitude not only to those closest to you, such as your partner or children, but also to individuals who contribute positively to your life, like the friend who promptly responds to your messages, the accommodating manicurist, the meticulous dog groomer, or the barista who remembers your name. Later, express your thanks through a text, a call, or a heartfelt in-person acknowledgment.
Dedicating just 15 minutes before bedtime to being grateful can also enhance the quality and duration of your sleep. You can jot down a few thankful thoughts, vocalize them, or simply contemplate them in your mind.
Recognizing all we have to be thankful for—even during challenging times—fosters mental and physical health. Take every opportunity to cultivate gratitude. You can express thankfulness privately or publicly, depending on the situation and your comfort level.
Inflation, Economic Conditions and Mental Health Due to the nation’s current economic climate, many people are experiencing increased stress over their financial situation. The state of our finances has an undeniable impact on our overall well-being. Mental health and financial health are two important aspects of our lives that are intertwined. How We Feel About Our Financial Situation According to a CNBC survey from earlier this year,
74% of Americans say they are stressed about their finances, with 37% describing themselves as “very stressed”
61% say inflation contributes to their financial stress
61% consider themselves to be “living paycheck to paycheck”
According to another recent study, ongoing inflation, the potential of a recession and debt management are top concerns of adults. What’s more, 70% of adults report being in debt, with 42% citing credit card debt as the primary cause. According to a recent Bank of America survey, 85% of Gen Z’s cite one or more barriers to achieving financial success. Of this percent:
53% report a higher cost of living as the primary barrier
36% report not having enough income to achieve financial goals
34% report the economy as the cause
30% report housing costs as a barrier to financial success
Resources
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is a resource for conferences, support groups, educational programs and more. You can search by state and zip code to find events in your area. Visit alz.org for more information.
California Communications Access Foundation (CCAF)
CCAF, in collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission, administers the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP), extending telecommunications services to underserved communities, particularly those with disabilities. DDTP, managed by CCAF, offers free specialized telecommunications devices to Californians who can’t use standard phones. For details, visit ccf.us.
Caring Transitions
Caring Transitions offers relocation, estate sales, downsizing and home cleanout assistance for seniors. They serve 280 locations, including San Diego. Visit Caring Transitions for more information.
Partner with us.
Are you a psychologist, LCSW, LMFT or NP?
We’re always looking for exceptional mental healthcare providers. Visit helptherapy.com for more information and fill out the quick and easy application.
Events
World Adoption Day November 9, 2023 See International Days for more information.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week November 11-18, 2023 See HHWEEK for more information.
World Kindness Day November 13, 2023 See National Today for more information.
Anti-Bullying Awareness Week November 13-17, 2023 See Anti-Bullying for more information.
International Day for Tolerance November 16, 2023 See UN for more information.
National Parental Involvement Day November 16, 2023 See Project Appleseed for more information.
International Survivors of Suicide Day November 19, 2023 See AFSP for more information.
Transgender Day of Awareness November 20, 2023 See GLAAD for more information.
National Family Health History Day November 23, 2023 See National Today for more information. Giving Tuesday November 28, 2023 See Giving Tuesday for more information. Building Relationships Through Gratitude
Just acknowledging someone’s act of kindness or contribution can foster relationships and build new friendships. Showing thankfulness benefits you by releasing oxytocin, a hormone that helps connect people. Here are a few ways to build relationships or friendships with co-workers or acquaintances through expressing gratitude: There are many opportunities to feel and share gratitude in everyday life and connect with others. Here are a few examples:
"It was so kind of you to…"
“Thank you for sharing…”
"I really appreciated it when you showed me…"
“Thank you for saving me a spot…”
“I enjoyed your…”
“I had a great time at your… Thank you for making me feel so welcome."
“Your advice has been invaluable. Thank you.”
“You were a lifesaver! Thanks for coming to the rescue.”
Do you have something to share? We’d love to hear about your successes and accomplishments! Contact us at newsletter@helptherapy.com.