What are some of the mental health benefits of going to a ‘friendsgiving?’ A local psychiatrist weighs in

Family Thanksgiving gatherings can be stressful. A local psychiatrist says that a “friendsgiving” could help give you a break this holiday season.

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“It makes sense that friendsgiving, to me, would be beneficial,” said Sam Schiavone, division chief of inpatient adult psychiatry at Inova in Falls Church, Virginia. “It’s more colloquial.”

He said that the tradition could be a good way to de-stress and center yourself.

“It’s (friends) that you’ve made and sought and get along with and now you’re spending ti