Author: Alexis Crase

Having a support system when you have a mental illness is essential, but leaning on others can often mean feeling burdensome, or worrying about burning others out. Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to help alleviate these feelings, as well as make the people that have made a difference in our lives feel loved and appreciated.

There are several different ways one can show gratitude. Below are 4 of my suggestions for how you can show people that they mean something to you or have made a profound difference in your life.

1. Give a Gift

One way to show someone you care, which is especially poignant during the holiday season, is by giving them a gift. It can be something small, such as a house plant, or you can also try making them something, which can add a personal touch to any gift.

2. Lend a Hand 

One way our loved ones often help us is by lending a hand. Whether its taking us to appointments, making a phone call on our behalf, or listening when we need to talk, our support system often steps up to help us with whatever we need when we aren’t feeling up to it.To show gratitude, try doing the same for the people in your life. It can be something as simple as listening to them vent about their day, making them dinner, or offering to pick their kids up from school. Lending a hand can seem like a minor thing, but its just as helpful for our support people as it can be for us.

3. Spend Quality Time

Spending quality time with people is a great way to show them you’re grateful to have them in your life. Although it may seem challenging to do so during shelter in place, there are numerous other ways you can spend time with loved ones. Try going for a social distanced hike, scheduling a Zoom meeting to catch up with one another or do an activity together, such as bake or play a game, or consider watching your favorite movie or show together using Netflix Teleparty.

4. Say Thank You

It can be daunting to tell someone how you feel about them, but it’s a simple way to show an immense amount of gratitude. If you’re afraid to tell someone face to face, try calling them on the phone or sending them a text saying something as simple as “thank you for everything you’ve done, you’re a great friend” or “I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am to have you in my life.” You can also post a message on social media letting people know that you appreciate all of the support they’ve shown.