As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect on life’s blessings—family, relationships, and the purpose that gives life meaning. For many, this season brings warmth and connection, but it can also be a challenging time, especially for those who feel isolated or alone.
For individuals struggling with mental illness, holidays like Thanksgiving can highlight the absence of close relationships or the strain in family dynamics. Some may no longer have connections with loved ones, while others might feel disconnected even when surrounded by people. This isolation can be profoundly painful, especially during a season that emphasizes togetherness.
Yet even in these moments, there are ways to find connection and purpose. Gratitude, while not a cure-all, is a powerful practice that can help shift focus from what’s missing to what’s present—even in the smallest of ways. Research shows that cultivating gratitude can improve mood, strengthen resilience, and enhance our sense of purpose. If you’re searching for ways to practice gratitude, I invite you to explore my recent article on this topic [Click Here].
Relationships, whether with family, friends, or even a supportive community, remain central to our well-being. If you’re feeling isolated, consider reaching out to someone—a friend, a neighbor, or even an online community. Sometimes, the act of reaching out can create new connections and remind us that we are not alone.
For those who find themselves without close family ties, Thanksgiving can also be an opportunity to create chosen families. Sharing a meal with friends, volunteering, or even spending time with a supportive group can foster the sense of belonging that so many of us seek.
At its heart, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate what we have, no matter how big or small. It’s a time to nurture relationships, rekindle purpose, and, most importantly, extend kindness to ourselves and others.
From my family to yours, I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, connection, and hope. Together, we can create spaces of gratitude, connection, and healing.
Dr. Christopher Palmer is a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. He is the Founder and Director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program and the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For almost 30 years, he has held administrative, educational, research, and clinical roles in psychiatry at McLean and Harvard. He has been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders—conducting research in this area, treating patients, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. Most recently, he has proposed that mental disorders can be understood as metabolic disorders affecting the brain, which has received widespread recognition in both national and international media outlets.
