Genetics, as well as the environment, play a role in the appearance of depression. Here are a few thoughts on depression:
Belief System:
When beliefs are too rigid they can easily be broken. We therefore need to put more defense mechanisms in place (such as denial, suppression of certain thinking) in order to maintain the status quo.
In doing this, we inadvertently create inner tension and when this is prolonged it can lead to depression. So, it’s about really tuning in to your essential self, so to speak, drowning out the ‘noise’ from around you. Ie. society, what others will think, what is expected of you etc and as far as possible- live life according to your rules.
Watch your thinking:
We all have so many negative automatic thoughts (NAT’s) and these thoughts create emotions which then lead to behaviour relevant to that emotion. For example… If I tell you to get angry, you can’t do this without thinking about something that makes you angry- thought precedes emotion.
Part of the cause of depression is probably genetic, in as far as- you are possibly predisposed to depression (consider whether family members suffer from it).
Distraction:
Work can be a good distraction as long as you do take some time to do an internal audit and check that you are actually happy with what you are doing, where it will lead you in the future. If you don’t do this, it is likely that 5-10 years down the line you will feel empty and dissatisfied.
I see so many clients that say “I have the house, the car, the family, yet I am so miserable!!”
Be true to yourself – tune in to your inner wisdom:
This is because these things don’t make them really happy and they are more tuned in to the ‘noise’ of others and what they ‘should’ be doing than what really makes them happy. Obviously it’s about balance as, to a certain extent, we all have to conform and attend to responsibilities but many people allow it to go too far and completely lose themselves in the process.
If anything, you need to tune into your needs for a change and imagine what would make you truly happy.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:
I am a much better ‘thought manager’ these days though and can self regulate much more. I think getting older and maturity has helped too.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques have been life-changing for me as I don’t take my thoughts as seriously as I used to and challenge my thinking now by asking where the evidence for such a thought is, how the thought actually helps me (does it work for me?), and I am better able to discard thoughts that don’t make me feel good about myself and the world…
Mandy X
Photo by Sasha Freemind on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
