Gratitude

Gratitude

The key is to remember Him within the difficulty for that is what will make the test lighter to bear. When we remember God’s words of ”surely, with every difficulty, there is relief” (Quran 94:6), we are reminded of the ease within the hardships. This can shift our focus to gratitude, which is the first brick in the building of contentment. Writer, Amy Morin, in her piece titled, 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude, states that “gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret.” These facts are based on studies conducted by Robert Emmons, Ph.D., a researcher on gratitude. His research uncovers how gratitude lessens depression and increases happiness. Gratitude, a concept Islam encourages as well, is a driving force towards contentment. God says, “Be thankful to God: whoever gives thanks benefits his own soul” (Quran 31:12).

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Healthy Us, Healthy Me

As a marriage and family therapist, I am a systems thinker, so even when I am working with an individual, I view the larger picture: mainly, the relationships individuals are a part of. Each relationship we are in impacts who we are as individuals. If we are in a healthy relationship, it leads to our individual happiness. If we are in an unhealthy relationship, it will subsequently be detrimental to our individual mental health. There are a plethora of studies and articles that discuss the importance of healthy relationships and their effects on individuals. One research study performed at the University of Cambridge found that people in healthy relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival than those who are not. Another study conducted at the University of Michigan in 2013 discovered that those who are in unhealthy relationships are more likely to suffer from depression. These studies and many more address the correlation between mental health and unhealthy/healthy relationships that are too vital for us to ignore. Having support can influence our mental health by offering support in times of stress, suffering, and grief, reducing the impact of anxiety and depressive thinking.