Self-Talk and Depression
I’m really simplifying this, but it is basically true: if you think more positively, you will feel better. Depression is a condition that affects your thinking and your emotions, so self-talk is a major factor.
If you have an event that really isn’t positive or negative, you might characterize that event positively or negatively anyway. Here is an example of an event: there was a sunrise this morning. Two people may say exactly the same thing: “It’s another day”, but one may say it with optimism and the other with pessimism. Even in the morning, we start determining how we will perceive our day.
Applying this to depression, you don’t have to accept the negative thoughts that might dominate your thinking. By fighting back with self-talk, you can gradually improve your moods, thoughts, and even energy. Even if you don’t convince yourself to think positively, an upgrade to neutral is better than negative.
Try paying attention to the messages you give yourself mentally. It may be surprising and helpful to become more aware of your self-talk, and then learn to manage your thoughts more effectively.
When I was working with troubled youth a few years ago, I was given the priviledge of attending a two day workshop on suicide prevention. The main thing I learned was to get said person talking and being a good listener—–reading between the lines, so to speak, as to what the person was Really saying.
The Anatomy of Depression
That is definitely important, Ahuli. Thanks for the comment!
A very useful post. Thank you, Devin.
I have often decried myself in my self talk and now face redundancy. I want to turn this into a positive experience so this blog has been really useful in understanding how to turn my thinking around.
Incidently, is okay to quote you in a blog I am writing? Full links obviously.
Kind Regards.
Hi, Keith. I am glad to hear about the usefulness you have found here. Best wishes to you, and feel free to quote if you like. Thanks!
Devin