While trauma is something that most people experience (research tells of 70% of U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime), loss and grief are universal – which is precisely why I love the opportunity to chat about these very topics. Although these issues may be tough to face, they are the some of the most profound life experiences that connect us all.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it is the perfect time to reflect on the power of gratitude in our lives. Research tells us the practice of gratitude can significantly enhance our well-being and resilience. At Upward, we believe that proactively cultivating mental wellness is an investment in yourself, as it not only protects against mental health struggles but enhances one’s quality of life. Let us delve into what “mental wellness” means, the purpose of gratitude, its myriads of benefits, and practical strategies to incorporate gratitude into our daily life.
Dear Upward, I’m really struggling with some heavy stuff right now. I’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety, and honestly, it’s hard to see if I'm worth anything at all. Some days, it feels like I'm just going through the motions without any joy. I'm reaching out because I want to know what I can do to work through this and start feeling good about myself again. What can I do to get back on track? --Depressed in Alabama
Dear Upward, I read all the time about sexless marriages, and I am wondering--how can I get one of those? I'm a 40-year-old woman, married, two kids, working full-time. My husband and I were deeply in love, but life is now an endless cycle of stress and busyness. He works hard at his job, but at home, I feel like I’m doing everything. I repeatedly ask for help with household tasks, only for him to complain or do a mediocre job. As I’m finally winding down for the night, he often tries to initiate sex. I’ve asked him to stop doing this, but he still does, and I usually end up having sex with him to keep the peace. But I'm truly not into it with him anymore. Most nights, I want to get sex over with so I can have some time to myself before I fall asleep. I don’t want to leave my husband and disrupt our children’s lives, but I’m unhappy. My husband is unlikely to change, at least not without a lot of complaining and conflict. What should I do? Sincerely, Unhappy in Birmingham