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• Depression blog

• Nov. 18, 2009

  Being grateful: Giving thanks helps with depression

  By Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

Depression can zap your confidence.

Need more help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room Call your physician, health provider or clergy National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Some days you may feel like you can't even follow through with the smallest of tasks. Being grateful can do wonders for your mood.

This doesn't have to be elaborate or detailed. I suggest that you write down three things each day that you're thankful for. This can be three sentences or three words, the simpler the better. Keep paper or a journal by your bedside and jot in it daily. This can be at bedtime or in the morning, whichever works best for you.

What's so nice about jotting down why you're being grateful is that it doesn't take a lot of effort and is very powerful. Looking back over what you've written can help you to evaluate and learn where you've been and who you have become. This is a simple, reasonable goal that you can accomplish. This will build up your sense of positive self worth. You can do it, and you deserve to invest in yourself.

Please share your thoughts.

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