Can "you" act and think your way out of depression?

Question

hypothectically speaking of course....

Answer 1

its possible but some people could have depresiion for so long they cant get out of it

Answer 2

No, emotions are not autonomous. Emotions are thoughts, but you will not be able to cover up a deep heavy painful emotions with "happy thoughts" for long. You need to take a look at the thoughts underneath. That is the only way out of depression in the long run. Sometimes medications can be used in the interim while you are learning to become aware of the thoughts in your mind. That is why behavior modification and things such as "positive affirmations" will result only in frustrations. If you use them, you will eventually start to feel mechanical.

Answer 3

Yes, you can.


Taking a pill promotes dependancy, and it doesn't change your behavior. Changing your behavior is the only way to get out of depression, no matter what pharmacutical companies would have you believe. If you don't learn to alter negative thinking, you will only end up being chronically depressed and miserable for the rest of your life.

For those who say that depression is genetic: again, it's behavior. If you grow up around people who tend to be negative thinkers and promote depressive tendencies, you're more likely to be depressed as well, since you learned it from your parents.

For those who say they can't be happy because of a chemical imbalance: changing your diet and exercise routine is the way to go. If you don't exercise and tend toward lethargy, you're likely to be depressed. Exercise releases endorphins in the body and makes people happier. Too many people want to take pills because it's easier to take medicine and go back to sleep instead of working up a sweat and facing their problems.

I don't tend to respect people who try to solve their problems with pills. To me, it's cowardly. Give me a long jog or a swim to cowardice any day.

Answer 4

Yes! You can.

I wasted three years of my life, in a deep depression. Made plans to end it all. Close.

I awoke one morning and said to myself, "Self, you gotta do something, anything, even if it's wrong".

That day, I called a music teacher and took up the guitar. Now, composing music. Have two that my teacher wants to copyright, and play in his band. Working on two more, almost finished, and about 4-5 more in beginning stage.
I occasionally slip, but music brings me back.
Have a great teacher. I owe a lot to him.
Now it's my passion.

My ex even called, and ask me back. No way!

I tried meds, no help. Hate 'em anyway.

Answer 5

I would have to say yes. It takes a certain amount of positive self-talk and positive action to pull yourself out of depression. On the other hand, if the depression is severe, thought and positive action may not be enough and you may need some medication and therapy.

Answer 6

Oh, yes, definitely. Once, I got very depressed due to disappointment in love. I also had the understanding that disappointment in love was not uncommon. It happens to many people. So, in order to divert my mind from depressive thoughts, I started reading "bhagavadgeetaa." It helped me a lot. Also, I did not get angry at the source of my disappointment.

Answer 7

It depends on the cause of the depression. Depression can be caused by a life changing crisis, such as a death, or it can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. You cant act or think your way out of a chemical imbalance.

Answer 8

Dr. Aaron Beck who wrote his own theory of cogntive treatment points to evidence that action precedes motivation- i.e., do something first, and see if you are motivated after- dont' wait to get motivated and then do something. So, in this way, you can act your way further away from the symptoms of depression. And Bob, maybe you are Cary Grant.

Answer 9

You could eat your way out of depression. Food changes the body chemistry, and depression usually is caused by somekind of chemistry mishap in the body. For example, if you eat a chocolate candy bar, that could snap you out of depression. Then again, success could snap you out of the funk too.

Answer 10

i never could i been this way all my life,,most anti depression meds help only a little.but when im off of them i hit rock bottom.i have a chemical imbalance of the brain,,i try church prayer meditation..with no avail..if u have anxiety with it sometimes u cant think at all just feel,,,may be if i get hypnotized

Answer 11

Three words: Thoughts are things. Of course you have to put these thoughts into the universe to stimulate change