Depression, Gratitude, and Mental Health
With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, ‘grateful’ seems like a buzzword we hear a lot this time of year. But, did you know, there’s scientific evidence that proves how gratitude can change your brain?
Having a grateful mindset can actually help you feel happier and healthier. Studies done with fMRI-guided technology show that gratitude has the ability to boost serotonin and can activate the production of dopamine-known as the feel-good neurotransmitter.
Even though people express gratitude in many different ways, the impact is always positive. You can express gratitude by volunteering your time or by simply taking the time to tell someone how much you appreciate them.
However big or small your expression of gratitude may be, incorporating it into your daily life can help you build a healthier, happier life.
Depression Is An Illness- Not A Choice
Unfortunately, for someone battling major depression, developing an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ can be difficult. One of the common misunderstandings about depression is that it’s similar to feeling sad or down. Someone with depression might be accused of being ‘ungrateful’ or told that they just need to ‘snap out of it.’ In fact, many people believe that feeling depressed is a choice. That kind of thinking only adds to the stigma surrounding mental health.
The truth is, depression is a complex medical condition that should be treated as such. Depression can ruin careers, break up families, disrupt daily tasks, and, in the worst cases, end in suicide.
For someone with depression, it can be hard to adequately express positive emotions like happiness and gratitude because of how depression affects the brain. More specifically, it affects the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex changing the way someone thinks, feels and behaves.
We’re Grateful For…Life-Saving Treatments
COPE is proud to partner with highly specialized clinics around the country that service the most difficult to treat cases of depression, anxiety (specifically PTSD), and opioid dependence. COPE was founded by three internationally renowned psychiatrists who understand the complexity of depression and the need for innovative treatments.
As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, watch out for signs of depression in those you love. Provide support and connection by letting them know about life-saving treatments like IV Ketamine and SPRAVATO, because there is hope.
Our clinics are here for people who need something more revolutionary than the standard protocol in treating depression. We’re helping the people of Philadelphia, Charlotte, New York City, St. Louis, and Houston lift the veil of depression and live a life filled with gratitude, health, and happiness.