014 SelfWork: When Gratitude Backfires

Gratitude is a wonderful thing, right? It definitely is when it’s demonstrated and expressed in relationships, whether they be an intimate one, a good friend, or even perhaps with perfect strangers. But can it be a problem? Today we’ll be talking about the importance of gratitude in partnerships, especially when there are children involved. Two adults are appreciative of one another, and feed each other, when children are being children, and taking.

We’ll also discuss what can happen when someone is grieving or depressed and unable to express gratitude, or when someone hides pain through staying intensely busy, what I term Perfectly Hidden Depression (Check out Episode 003 and 004!).  Sometimes their gratitude is on steroids.

Our email from a listener today asks the question, “What if your partner is in therapy, but you believe the advice their getting is harming or even ending the relationship? What can you do?” You can listen to my answer, as we explore the different aspects of this question. It was a great one.

Only one link today: A book written recently on the history of gratitude. Pretty interesting!

 

 

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

And there’s a new way to send me a message! You can record by clicking below and ask your question or make a comment. You’ll have 90 seconds to do so and that time goes quickly. By recording, you’re giving SelfWork (and me) permission to use your voice on the podcast. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!