Gratitude is a powerful source of healing during the holidays

Shivani Jaiswal, LMSW

Submitted photo/Teen Lifeline

If You or Someone You Know is Struggling

Youths can call Teen Lifeline 24/7/365 at (602) 248-TEEN (8336) or (800) 248-TEEN for free, confidential help. They also can text (602) 248-8336 between noon and 9 p.m. weekdays and 3 to 9 p.m. weekends.

The hotline is staffed by trained teen peer counselors from 3 to 9 p.m. daily, including major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Professional adult counselors are available at all other times.

Adults struggling with suicidal thoughts can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or (602) 222-9444 for help 24 hours a day.

The holidays can be a time of joy, but also of pressure, expectations and comparison. Between finals, social commitments and busy family schedules, stress tends to rise for everyone this time of year, especially teenagers.

But research shows there’s a simple way to improve mental well-being and strengthen relationships for both teens and the adults in their lives: gratitude.

Why gratitude matters for teens

Gratitude isn’t just a polite expression, it’s powerful.

Researchers at the University of California San Diego found that gratitude is linked to higher overall well-being and lower rates of depression. Other research shows gratitude helps improve sleep and immune system function — benefits we can all use during cold and flu season. 

Gratitude also provides teenagers with a natural buffer against daily stressors like academic pressure, social comparison and uncertainty about the future. When young people focus on what’s good in their lives, even briefly, it helps shift their perspective and build resilience.

Helping teens practice gratitude

Like any skill, gratitude takes practice. Teen Lifeline staff and volunteer peer counselors encourage adolescents to think of three things they’re grateful for every day. This simple exercise can take less than a minute, but it trains the brain to look for positive moments instead of fixating on the negative.

Adults can help by making gratitude part of everyday conversation. Ask the teens in your life what made them smile today or what they’re looking forward to tomorrow. These small questions can spark connection and model positive coping skills.

Here are a few other questions to get you started:

• What made you laugh today?
• Who showed kindness today?
• What is a personal strength or talent you enjoy?
• What is your favorite memory?
• Tell me about a hobby that makes you happy.
• What is something you accomplished this week?

Even on hard days, recognizing small wins can make a big difference.

The community’s role

Teachers, coaches, neighbors and parents all play a role in showing teens that appreciation goes both ways, that their contributions matter and that kindness is noticed. When adults express sincere gratitude to the young people around them, it reinforces belonging and reminds them they are valued.

At Teen Lifeline, we are truly grateful every time a teenager calls or texts our crisis hotline. It means they’re reaching out for help when they need it, and that choice can save a life.

Editor’s note: Shivani Jaiswal, LMSW is a clinical preventionist at Teen Lifeline, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing teen suicide in Arizona. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.