By some estimates, as many as 20 percent of Americans will experience a depressive episode at some point in their lives. Depression includes prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and pessimism, along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, aches, slow movements, poor concentration, and persistent thoughts of death or suicide. There are many aspects of depression we are just starting to understand. It appears to include physical components such as inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances as well as psychological components, such as how one interprets events in her life. There is strong evidence that changing how you think with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, can lessen the symptoms of depression, often more effectively than medication. Much of this benefit comes from challenging the lies depression tells you, such as the following.
You’re lazy.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression include fatigue, lack of motivation, excessive sleep, insomnia leading to daytime tiredness, and even slow movements. There is some evidence that these symptoms may be related to inflammation or other physical symptoms that correlate with depression, but when you can’t get out of bed in the morning, you just feel like a bum. When you have the flu, you don’t chastise yourself for not being productive, but when you have depression, you feel like you should be trying harder.
You’re worthless.
When you’re depressed, you see everything wrong with yourself and your life. Those feel like your defining features. Even worse, if someone does point out all the good things you’ve done and how many people care about you, you are likely to discount those for a variety of reasons. Only your faults seem to have any objective validity.
Life will never get better.
Hopelessness is a hallmark of depression. You feel absolutely sure that the total rottenness you feel now will last the rest of your life. The same goes for whatever problem seems insurmountable. In reality, life changes constantly. Most of what we worry about turns out not to be a big deal. Episodes of depression pass and the world looks completely different. Therapy and medication can help with this.
Nobody likes you.
Just because you’re aware of all your faults and obsess over them doesn’t mean everyone else does too. Most of the time, when you feel like people don’t like you, you are only projecting. In reality, you have no idea what other people are thinking, and especially what they think of you. The nature of depression is such that someone could tell you explicitly, “I like you and I think you are a wonderful, kind, funny person,” and you think, “Well, she’s just lying to make me feel better.” We always judge ourselves more harshly than we judge others. Usually, it’s best to accept kindness at face value.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or depression, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
