By: Ohana Behavioral Health Team and Daisy Surjo Vergara, LMHC, RPT-S, CEO & Founder
September 21st is World Gratitude Day. As we celebrate it, we’re reminded of the profound impact that gratitude can have on our lives, our communities, and our mental well-being. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, gratitude serves as an anchor, grounding us in the present and helping us to appreciate the simple joys that might otherwise go unnoticed.
At Ohana Behavioral Health, we believe that gratitude isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a powerful tool for mental wellness. And no one embodies this belief more than our Founder & CEO, Daisy Surjo Vergara. A passionate advocate for gratitude, Daisy has spent over two decades championing mental health and cultivating spaces for healing, empathy, and growth.
The Power of Gratitude in Mental Health
Gratitude goes beyond merely saying “thank you.” It involves recognizing and appreciating the positives in our lives, even in challenging times. Research has shown that regular practices of gratitude can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance overall well-being.
For Daisy, gratitude is more than just a feel-good emotion; it’s a daily practice that can transform lives. In her recent interview with Medium.com, she shared how gratitude has become a cornerstone of her approach to mental health. “Gratitude is an invitation to connect with others, to see the world through a lens of appreciation, and to acknowledge the resilience within ourselves,” she explains. “It’s about embracing the full spectrum of our human experience, even the parts that feel uncomfortable or difficult.”
Integrating Gratitude into Therapeutic Practices
Gratitude plays a pivotal role in Daisy Surjo Vergara’s approach at Ohana Behavioral Health. Over her career, she has integrated gratitude into her therapeutic practices, recognizing its transformative power. For Daisy, gratitude is not just about recognizing positive aspects but also about fostering a mindset that seeks solutions and possibilities. By incorporating gratitude into therapy, clients are encouraged to reframe their experiences and build resilience, rather than solely focusing on challenges.
How to Leverage Gratitude for Mental Wellness: Insights from the Medium Interview
In her interview for Medium.com, Daisy dives deep into practical ways to cultivate gratitude for mental wellness. Here are a few key takeaways from her conversation:
1. Start Small and Stay Consistent: Begin with a simple gratitude journal by noting three things you’re grateful for each day. Consistency is key. Making this a regular practice helps train the brain to focus on positive aspects of the day, even amidst stress or struggle.
2. Use Gratitude as a Coping Tool: Gratitude isn’t about ignoring difficult emotions but rather about finding light during challenging times. By identifying something, however small, to be grateful for in the face of adversity, we can shift our perspective to build resilience and foster emotional balance.
3. Incorporate Gratitude into Therapy: At Ohana Behavioral Health, gratitude is integrated into therapeutic practices. Clients are encouraged to express gratitude toward themselves, their efforts, and their setbacks. This approach helps clients reframe their narratives, recognize their growth, and avoid getting stuck in self-criticism or defeat.
4. Make It a Community Practice: While gratitude is impactful on an individual level, it becomes even more powerful when shared. Community and connection play a crucial role in cultivating gratitude. By creating spaces for group therapy, support groups, or community events, gratitude can be amplified and its positive effects enhanced.
Embracing Gratitude as a Lifelong Practice
As we celebrate World Gratitude Day, let’s take a moment to honor the power of gratitude in our lives. Whether it’s a small act of kindness, a moment of mindfulness, or a deeper reflection on what we have to be thankful for, gratitude has the potential to bring us back to what matters most.
Gratitude is a journey that we return to repeatedly to find meaning, connection, and peace. Through her work at Ohana Behavioral Health and beyond, Daisy Surjo Vergara continues to inspire us to view gratitude not just as a momentary feeling but as a way of life.
To dive deeper into Daisy’s insights on leveraging gratitude for mental wellness, be sure to check out her full interview on Medium.com. Whether you’re new to the practice or looking to deepen your understanding, Daisy’s perspective offers practical, accessible ways to make gratitude a meaningful part of your daily routine.
Join Us in Practicing Gratitude Today!
At Ohana Behavioral Health, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and connection. This World Gratitude Day, we invite you to join us in practicing gratitude. Share a moment of thankfulness with someone you care about, write down three things you’re grateful for, or simply take a breath and acknowledge the good in your life right now.
Gratitude has the power to heal, transform, and connect. Let’s make it a part of our lives, today and every day.
**To learn more about Ohana Behavioral Health or to schedule an appointment, visit our website.
