At the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB), we are committed to helping our community build healthy habits that support emotional well-being. One simple yet powerful habit is practicing gratitude. Gratitude means noticing and appreciating the good things in your life, even on hard days.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says practicing gratitude may help people build resilience. Resilience means being able to bounce back from tough times. NIH encourages people to “notice the good moments” and “take time to note things to be thankful for each day.”
Gratitude does not have to be complicated. It can be as simple as:
- Writing down one or two things you are thankful for each day.
- Thinking about someone who helped you.
- Noticing something positive, like a warm cup of coffee or a kind word.
These small practices can support emotional wellness. The NIH explains that being mindful of positive moments can help people handle stress and improve overall mental health.
Gratitude is not a replacement for mental health care, and it cannot solve every problem. But it can be a helpful tool to support well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, the CSB is here to help.
In a non-emergency situation, our Entry, Assessment & Referral team provides an assessment for mental health and substance use services. Learn more and see hours.
For emergency mental health and substance use services, help is available 24/7.
- If you are in crisis, call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
- You can also reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
You are not alone. Help is always available.