Gratitude Lists

Dealing effectively with teen depression is one of the ongoing challenges of a therapeutic boarding school. While individual counseling can help students understand the causes of their depression and offer ways to get beyond it, friends who can relate are just as important. One teen girl who struggles with depression was recently encouraged to keep a gratitude list as a way of overcoming the negativity and helplessness she sometimes feels. Recording even the smallest events and observations helps. Passing a test. A letter from home. Beautiful weather. An unexpected compliment. Nothing is insignificant when it comes to counting your blessings, she was told. Everyone has problems and crosses to bear. They are a real part of life, but they're not the only part. "Focus on some small good thing and you'll be amazed how much better you'll feel," one boy told her. "Life is what you make it."

The school agrees. Keeping and sharing a gratitude list is both healing and uplifting, and developing an attitude of gratitude is one of the keys to real happiness.