November was the month when we paid, at the very least, lip service to being thankful. We even had a day on the calendar marked specifically for a whole day of being thankful. It’s an important part of being human. We become more self aware and, frankly, happier, when we think and feel thankfulness.
So what does it mean when someone doesn’t feel thankful, can’t think of anything or anyone for whom to give thanks.
Generosity is one of the human needs, which I wrote about in last month’s Blog. And in so many ways, generosity of one’s time, money, material effects, and even sense of humor has to do with being aware of thanks. But again, what does it mean if one cannot seem to muster those thoughts and feelings?
Dysthymia is low grade depression that brings a person down, more days than not, for two years. That is a long time but since it is not accompanied by a dramatic change in thoughts like suicidal ideas or plans, it can creep in slowly, causing a person to miss this subtle darkening of mood. Over a period of time, a person can develop changes in appetite, difficulty with sleep, and wonder about the lack of energy. Low self-esteem, perhaps finding it a struggle to make a decision, and feeling hopelessness about a specific situation, or about life getting better, are all symptoms of dysthymia.
Those are the clinical symptoms. But let me suggest that if a person lacks an awareness of being thankful, this too may be an indication of low grade depression. No one deserves to live in a space of thanklessness. This brings no joy, no satisfaction, no sense of connection.
Come in and let’s talk about it.