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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on November 27, 2008, at 8:14:42
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I know that many of us do not feel that we have reasons to be thankful for. I lived that misery for many years. However, even before I began responding to treatment, I would make gratitude lists. I am all but sure that each one of us has things to be grateful for. Shelter and food are not things that come to everyone. Those are the things that I would start my lists with. I know people whom had been homeless - real smart and decent people. I won't bore you with the other items on my list, but the more time I spend making a list, the longer the list becomes, and the greater is my sense of momentary contentment. Gratitude lists can be a valuable coping tool when in the midst of a deep depression. Remember, depression is a liar. You can't always trust your thoughts and feelings. However, if you have something in front of you in black-and-white, it acts as a sort of reality check.
I hope that people can find things that they are thankful for. It might make life seem a little bit more livable. Gratitude lists might work for everyone. I would just discourage people from going out of their way to create an ingratitude list. For just this one day, let us try to reward ourselves with a sense of having some good things in our lives. You can go back to listing your miseries tomorrow.
I imagine this post is going to anger some people. Flame me tomorrow. I'll be watching the parade, the football games, and enjoying a good meal. You better believe that these are things I am grateful for.
- Scott
Posted by Racer on November 27, 2008, at 8:37:51
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving - For What?, posted by SLS on November 27, 2008, at 8:14:42
It's funny, I had made a mental list of what I was thankful for in my life, but yesterday a similar post on the Psychology board motivated me to write some of those things down. And you know what? I felt a warmth flow through me, comforting me, that I think could have improved my condition in the deepest of depressions.
And it's funny just what I am thankful for. Sure, the meds that help and my treatment team are always on the list -- but who knew I'd be thankful for the tears of grief I still shed for that special man I told you about? Go figure, huh?
And whatever else happens in my life, I am thankful that you've been a part of it.
xoxo
Posted by Roslynn on November 27, 2008, at 11:55:38
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving - For What?, posted by SLS on November 27, 2008, at 8:14:42
I am thankful for having food and shelter when so many do not. I am thankful that I am relatively stable, emotionally, at the moment.
I'm thankful for people like Scott and Racer and everyone else on this board who have taken the time to answer my (many) questions with thoughtful responses.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by Maria3667 on November 27, 2008, at 16:24:11
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving - For What?, posted by SLS on November 27, 2008, at 8:14:42
Dear Scott,
You might not feel happy about yourself... But never forget, some people are very happy with you! It would hurt them beyond belief if you're gone... So try to see life through their eyes...
I know it's difficult. But we don't only live for ourselves.
Once upon a time I had this dream. I killed myself using a thick ship's rope. (Stupid, wouldn't work in the real world, but who cares, it was a dream). I ended up DEAD. I came before God. He said: "So, you think you can decide when it's your time to go?" I said: "Yes, haven't I just proved myself?" He said: "Don't be ridiculous. You think YOU can CHOOSE your time? Think again. I DECIDE !! And am sending you back to earth!" I woke up, and was back on earth...
Stupid me.
Maria
> Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
>
> I know that many of us do not feel that we have reasons to be thankful for. I lived that misery for many years. However, even before I began responding to treatment, I would make gratitude lists. I am all but sure that each one of us has things to be grateful for. Shelter and food are not things that come to everyone. Those are the things that I would start my lists with. I know people whom had been homeless - real smart and decent people. I won't bore you with the other items on my list, but the more time I spend making a list, the longer the list becomes, and the greater is my sense of momentary contentment. Gratitude lists can be a valuable coping tool when in the midst of a deep depression. Remember, depression is a liar. You can't always trust your thoughts and feelings. However, if you have something in front of you in black-and-white, it acts as a sort of reality check.
>
> I hope that people can find things that they are thankful for. It might make life seem a little bit more livable. Gratitude lists might work for everyone. I would just discourage people from going out of their way to create an ingratitude list. For just this one day, let us try to reward ourselves with a sense of having some good things in our lives. You can go back to listing your miseries tomorrow.
>
> I imagine this post is going to anger some people. Flame me tomorrow. I'll be watching the parade, the football games, and enjoying a good meal. You better believe that these are things I am grateful for.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Sigismund on November 27, 2008, at 19:37:27
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving - For What?, posted by SLS on November 27, 2008, at 8:14:42
Blake famously said 'Gratitude is Heaven itself'.
I'm struck by how peaceful the state of gratitude is.
Posted by Phillipa on November 27, 2008, at 23:35:49
In reply to Re: Happy Thanksgiving - For What?, posted by Sigismund on November 27, 2008, at 19:37:27
Just home so seriously thankful for going to get a shower and bed with heating pad and book. And seriously Scott for having you here. Love Phillipa
Posted by fayeroe on November 29, 2008, at 15:21:39
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving - For What?, posted by SLS on November 27, 2008, at 8:14:42
Scott, at our Thanksgiving dinner each year we list what we are thankful for. It is pretty empowering to start thinking about the positive things. Pat
This is the end of the thread.
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