We’ve entered the month of gratitude, and while gratitude is something that can enrich our lives and help us think more positively, it can also have negative effects on our mental health. 

 

So, how can gratitude be a bad thing?

 

Pretending to be grateful when you are not can bury your real feelings. 

Forcing yourself to see a silver lining can make you ignore the pain that you are feeling.

Feeling grateful can make you feel indebted to someone, or like you owe someone something. 

 

The bottom line is…

 

The idea that a positive mindset and gratitude can overcome mental health conditions can lead to ignoring mental health concerns and hiding uncomfortable emotions. While research shows that practicing gratitude in your everyday life can have lasting positive effects, it needs to be approached as a lifestyle change – not a forced feeling that you have to have every November.

 

So how can you feel gratitude in a way that doesn’t harm your mental health?

 

Realize that it is okay if you don’t feel grateful in this season of life. Just because it’s November doesn’t mean that you need to feel grateful for everything in your life. 

 

Savor your experiences, and notice positive moments in your day to day life as they are happening. 

Try to make a habit of daily journaling, and write a sentence or two a day. 

Ask others what they are grateful for, and listen to them. 

Comparing your life to others can diminish your sense of gratitude; focus on your own journey. 

Keep a gratitude journal.

Express your gratitude for others – write a kind note to someone you love and let them know you love them.