Thanksgiving, a widely celebrated day dedicated to acknowledging the goodness in our lives.

We stop to reflect on things and people we are thankful for. Being thankful is strongly linked with both mental and physical health. Thankfullnes can help relieve stress, depression and addictions, among other conditions. Various studies link counting one’s blessings to health. The simple act of expressing gratitude on a consistent basis has been shown to positively impact key areas in a person’s life. These areas include: relationships and connectedness, emotional well-being, and better physical and psychological health. Better psychological health means that people are more likely to engage in health-promoting activities and to seek medical help when it needed. Of course, it’s possible that mentally healthier people feel that they have more to be grateful for, which may explain some of their extra thankfulness.

Those who are struggling with mental health issues may find it difficult to find positivity in their lives.

The reality of Thanksgiving for some Americans is filled with family tension, arguments, sorrow and loss. Others face the stress of hosting, or the dread of being asked questions about their lives that they are not ready to answer. In a recent online poll conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, nearly three-fourths of participants reported feeling more anxious or depressed during the holiday season. So, being able to maintain a world view that emphasis the positive can be challenging. However, through help and support of a trained mental health therapists, people learn ways to deal with difficult situations in their life. A professional can help you dissect a problem then help you figure out how to solve it. Opening yourself up to a therapist on what you’re struggling with and where you’d like to go allows you to work toward a goal, which can bring confidence, peace of mind and, ultimately, more meaning to life.

Dear blog followers, I would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with love, happiness, and strength to overcome obstacles.
I am thankful for my family, friends, and the rewarding career I have where I get to support and uplift people from their lowest point in life to a life they want and deserve. What are you thankful for? Please share with me in the comments below.

Best Regards,

Shushan Khachatryan, LMFT