Be Thankful

There are times in each of our lives when it is hard to be thankful. Maybe a loved one has just died, or a friend is sick. Maybe finances are not what we had hoped, or we are feeling alone. Maybe substance abuse has caused hurt and frustration among us.

This is a time of year when we focus on being thankful, even when we don’t think we have much to be thankful for. Being grateful for what we do have is a healthy way to look at life, and it will help us be happier, healthier people.

Be Thankful for Recovery

People struggling with substance abuse might find it hard to be happy or thankful, but being thankful is a healthy approach to life. Be thankful that you are still alive, that you are able to think and move. Be thankful for any family members or friends that have stuck with you through it all. Be thankful for the health professionals waiting to help you, and for the hope that one day you will be free of this addiction. Sometimes discontentment will lead to a depression that needs to be treated. For many people, however, simply focusing on the good things of life and being thankful can do wonders for our attitude and life.

Be Thankful for Family

It might be hard for family members of addicts to be thankful. A loved one that has been hurt by a drug addict or an alcoholic may not be particularly thankful for that person. It is important to get help for your own feelings, while encouraging the family member to get help for their addiction. Individuals going through treatment for an addiction are more likely to succeed when they have the support of loved ones. Family is important in the recovery process. A family can choose (sometimes with a little help) to stand behind their loved one and to be thankful that they are getting help.

The road to recovery is never easy, and family members and loved ones should keep this in mind when feelings of anger or resentment creep up. Be thankful that your loved one accepted your help and is getting treatment. Be thankful that the person is still alive and there is hope for recovery. Most importantly, be thankful for the person they are deep down, and for the person they will be again one day.

A little thankfulness can go a long way. It can help fight off depression and anxiety, and it can help in the recovery of an addict. Sometimes, though, it might seem as if there is nothing to be thankful for. In those cases we might need to manufacture a little thankfulness. Go out and enjoy a long walk, and be thankful that you have the strength to do so. Enjoy a sunset and be thankful for the beauty. Become a volunteer for people that have real needs and be thankful that you are able to help. It might not solve all of our problems, but being thankful is helpful for overall health of body and mind.

Sources

Giving Thanks Helps Depression, Study 

‘Male depression more often gets undiagnosed’

Thankfulness: In tough times, it helps to build upon our best qualities