This particular lie that depression tells us goes by many names.
Black-or-white thinking, dichotomous thinking, or even polarized thinking suggests that one cannot see a grey area.
These thoughts might sound like this:
"I'm not good enough," or "I'm perfect at everything."
"Everything around me is getting destroyed," or "Everything around me is splendid all the time."
"Others always leave me behind."
"I will never find love"
These are the lies that depression tells you, especially the all-or-nothing thinking, which makes us feel hopeless, and on the verge of giving up. Sometimes, it is alright to be somewhere in the middle.
Thus, instead of thinking that you're either a failure or perfect, your self-talk could be something like, "I know I'm okay at this... and maybe with time, I will become better."
Our brains process a lot of information every day, every hour, and every single second!
However, the brain, too, has limited capacities for storage.
Thus, it filters out information and keeps the necessary stuff for us.
However, the lies that depression tells us make us exclude or filter out the positives of many things and focus on that one tiny detail or data that becomes like a dark cloud over our heads.
Mental Filtering can look like a class presentation when everyone praises you. Still, one constructive criticism from your professor is the only information to store, and your focus goes away from the positive.
Given that this might be more individualistic and differ from person to person, the recommendation is that you care for this though in the presence of a safe space and person.
The lies that depression tells you don't always start with depression alone. It is often seen as a vicious cycle of thoughts contributing to depression, feeling depressed, then thinking more negatively, thus, feeling more depressed.
However, once you identify these lies, you have the power to not listen to the lies that depression tells you.
A simple thought log that puts your thoughts on trial may be helpful, and you can access it below.
Please note that although this may prove to help you, sometimes the reasons for our woes go deeper, and you may benefit more from seeking a therapist who specializes in the difficulties that you may be facing.
https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/challenging-negative-thoughts
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
Want to talk to a depression therapist?
Many of us are often faced with struggles and hardships and finding help can be difficult. However, at Overcomers Counseling, we are here to help you in your time of need. We are passionate about people and we believe that ANYONE can be an overcomer if they are willing to pursue it. Don't let another day go by without getting the help you desire.
(719) 345-2424 office
(855) 719-2549 fax
5585 Erindale Dr. Ste 204 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 mailing
Support Team Hours
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 8:00am - 5:00pm |
Tuesday | 8:00am - 5:00pm |
Wednesday | 8:00am - 5:00pm |
Thursday | 8:00am - 5:00pm |
Friday | 8:00am - 5:00pm |
Saturday | Closed |
Comments