Individuals who are depressed think in certain ways, they tend to dwell on how bad they feel which leads to hopelessness and helplessness. Due to the negative thoughts, one’s self-esteem can be very low and decrease that internal motivation to make a change. It ends up being a vicious cycle.
Behavioral Activation is a popular therapy for depression since it looks at one’s behaviors vs the thought process. It looks at changing your behaviors. Depression often keeps us from doing the things that bring enjoyment and meaning to our lives. This means that as long as we are following the lead of our mood, we will continue to feel less motivated and want to avoid and isolate. So, we cannot wait on the brain to give us the motivation to get out there and do things.
Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can start a vicious cycle that can keep on going. It’s important to pay attention to your thoughts, how you are feeling, and what you are doing. By learning coping skills, you can break the negative cycle and work towards a healthier alternative.
