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THANKSGIVING VERSUS FRIENDSGIVING

Depending on the kind of family that you have -- be it deeply loving and respectful -- to having a few twists in the road of disagreements, unresolved conflicts, and tension. -- the idea of a "Friendsgiving" is catching on in the past few years.   It's a long-held tenet in mental health that we feel better, more productive, and more at home when we're in the right community around important events like holidays.   With that credo in mind, the idea of a Friendsgiving is to see what is' like to extend your world beyond your immediate biological family,  and including in your own event -- or one that you may organize with your friends -- what it's like to assemble the group of the people you have chosen to be in your life - and to express your deepest thanks for their friendship.   In recommending this practice to my clients more frequently over the past several years -- I've noticed a significant decrease in a relapse into either depression, anxiety or addiction for those who make this type of ritual a part of their lives.   It could be good food for thought!  

Author
David Salvage, MD, FAPM

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