sheephead
13th August, 2008, 01:43 PM
Depression can be devious and cunning. As well as undermining the way you feel, it tries to change the way you think. If left unchecked, it can poke a never-ending stream of negative thoughts and emotions into your head. It cramps your style. It's always telliing you things that aren't true. It makes a huge fuss over every situation and turns a drama into a crisis.
Don't let it...!
One thing that I always try and do is separate out the negative, depressive stuff from the real you. The thoughts and ideas that low mood produces just hold you back and stop you living.
Anyway, here is my list of the top seven recurring thoughts that your low mood might have in store. Show them no respect. Go on...stick your tongue out and blow a huge raspberry at them!
1. I'm useless - a failure:
Not true. You're a unique individual with lots to give. You've done it in the past and you'll go on to achieve in the future. Hang on to your dreams and aspirations. You're a damn fine person.
2. I feel tired, sluggish, off-colour:
That's the low mood again. It tries to convince you that you're not 'up to anything'. and pull you out of situations that you should be enjoying. Boot it up the backside. Go on....I dare you.
3. I'm not half the man / woman I used to be:
You're probably different from what you were five or ten years ago, but who isn't? Your low mood, of course, will tell you that the changes are all for the worse, but it would say that, wouldn't it? This is a lyric from 'Yesterday' in any case. :rolleyes:
4. I'm not really in the mood for this:
Sorry, but that's not the real you thinking this, is it -- that would be the low mood again. Low mood has no value. Its opinions are worthless. In a way, it's trying to protect you - but from what? Having a good time?
5. I'm not on top form today / tonight - people can see that:
You don't have to be on top form all the time. If you try to be, you're just setting unreasonable goals for yourself and it's little wonder you start harbouring self-doubts. Just 'OK' is good enough. Don't beat yourself up because you're not the life and soul of the party / pillar of the workplace / domestic goddess.
6. My decision-making is really off:
Is it?? Stop being so hard on yourself. Not every decision you make is going to work out. Learn from any mistakes and move on. As long as your underlying motives are good then it's not really an issue.
7. People don't like me:
Where is the evidence for this?? This is one of low mood's all-time favourite thoughts. People who love themselves too much think that everyone loves them too....and they don't. By the same token, people who are hard on themselves think that no one really likes them. This is equally untrue.
Recognise any of this? Seven pieces of complete bullshine that depression will replay over and over again in your head if you let it. I'm not saying that by ignoring these thoughts, or by stamping on them, you will feel instantly better....but see these type of thoughts for what they are, show them no respect and give yourself a break. It may just help....:lookaround:
Don't let it...!
One thing that I always try and do is separate out the negative, depressive stuff from the real you. The thoughts and ideas that low mood produces just hold you back and stop you living.
Anyway, here is my list of the top seven recurring thoughts that your low mood might have in store. Show them no respect. Go on...stick your tongue out and blow a huge raspberry at them!
1. I'm useless - a failure:
Not true. You're a unique individual with lots to give. You've done it in the past and you'll go on to achieve in the future. Hang on to your dreams and aspirations. You're a damn fine person.
2. I feel tired, sluggish, off-colour:
That's the low mood again. It tries to convince you that you're not 'up to anything'. and pull you out of situations that you should be enjoying. Boot it up the backside. Go on....I dare you.
3. I'm not half the man / woman I used to be:
You're probably different from what you were five or ten years ago, but who isn't? Your low mood, of course, will tell you that the changes are all for the worse, but it would say that, wouldn't it? This is a lyric from 'Yesterday' in any case. :rolleyes:
4. I'm not really in the mood for this:
Sorry, but that's not the real you thinking this, is it -- that would be the low mood again. Low mood has no value. Its opinions are worthless. In a way, it's trying to protect you - but from what? Having a good time?
5. I'm not on top form today / tonight - people can see that:
You don't have to be on top form all the time. If you try to be, you're just setting unreasonable goals for yourself and it's little wonder you start harbouring self-doubts. Just 'OK' is good enough. Don't beat yourself up because you're not the life and soul of the party / pillar of the workplace / domestic goddess.
6. My decision-making is really off:
Is it?? Stop being so hard on yourself. Not every decision you make is going to work out. Learn from any mistakes and move on. As long as your underlying motives are good then it's not really an issue.
7. People don't like me:
Where is the evidence for this?? This is one of low mood's all-time favourite thoughts. People who love themselves too much think that everyone loves them too....and they don't. By the same token, people who are hard on themselves think that no one really likes them. This is equally untrue.
Recognise any of this? Seven pieces of complete bullshine that depression will replay over and over again in your head if you let it. I'm not saying that by ignoring these thoughts, or by stamping on them, you will feel instantly better....but see these type of thoughts for what they are, show them no respect and give yourself a break. It may just help....:lookaround: