Conquer Depression and Build Hope

DEPRESSION is anger turned inward, anger at the self. This may be a temporary reaction to circumstances. Or it may be a set of long-standing mind habits. Depression destroys the joy of life.

Chronic depression makes a person lose hope and stop trying. Sleep may take over. Eating  may change. You avoid friends. Your world shrinks.  You feel like a failure, a disappointment to others and to yourself. Depression can cripple you.

Hopelessness may stem from mental assumptions run amok. Old mind habits can trap a person, perhaps in self-criticism. Current difficult circumstances may be interpreted as “my  fault” when actually there are many causes.

One well-tested approach to conquer depression is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  CBT and its’ offshoots suggest that you change your actions or your thoughts. Your feelings will change in response.

Mindfulness is another approach in depression counselling. It grew from the principles and practices of Buddhism. It may include that old staple of the nineteen seventies, meditation. Mindfulness and its derivatives help you to notice and accept the physical and mental symptoms of your feelings. You gain time to calm your emotions and think more objectively.

Different mental approaches can help you to break out of your automatic, self-critical pattern. A trusted counselor can dialogue with you to help you find what works for you.

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