12/03/2025
On this - a reminder that some of the most important gifts we give are: time. connection. support. “I’m thinking of you.” “Let me help with that errand.” “Wanted to see if you needed anything.”
I’m all about contribution because generosity is a salve in an angry, divided, individualistic world. I’m also all about it because when I’m working on depression with clients, I want to do what the evidence shows is effective. Sometimes we think- “I can barely give to myself right now. How can I give to someone else?” But it turns out that contribution can be super healing in depression. Here’s why.
• Interrupts rumination → Focusing outward breaks the repetitive negative-thought loop linked to depression (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2000).
• Boosts agency + control → Small acts of contribution increase perceived effectiveness, a buffer against hopelessness (Seligman, 1975).
• Creates positive emotion → Kindness activates the same systems targeted in behavioral activation (Mazzucchelli et al., 2010).
• Strengthens connection → Feeling useful increases belonging and reduces isolation (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010).
• Builds cognitive flexibility → Positive social actions broaden thinking and shift perspective (Fredrickson, 2001).
• Triggers reward pathways → Prosocial behavior activates the brain’s reward circuits (Moll et al., 2006).
• Reinforces self-worth → Helping others provides real-world evidence against the “I’m a burden” narrative (Klein, 2017)
If you love to handwrite cards as much as I do and think this project is cool, too - check out (who did not ask me to talk about them btw! I’m just passionate about what they do!)
