Do you think clinical depression is sometimes caused by what we choose to think about?

Question

At one point in my life, I would focus on the negative side of things in a misguided effort to be truthful. I developed depression. When I started to focus on the things that were both true and positive, it pretty much went away.

I wouldn't encourage anyone to go off their medication though (especially this time of year!). I just think we can underestimate what effect things like emotional abuse and lack of proper nurture has had on our habits of how we think about ourselves, and if that wouldn't affect our balance of chemicals. It's a safer choice for doctors to hand out medication, than telling us to deal with ourselves because they can't go into our minds and make those hundreds of little choices for us. I just believe that the medications themselves would be more effective if those who suffer from depression would make conscious changes once the meds give them a leg up.

Answer 1

Willpower is a strong influence and I congratulate you for that, that's not easy.However I do need to add some information because I have clinical depression- it is not about thought processes, it is a chemical imbalance with Serotonin, which regulates the pineal gland, which you have no control over unless the proper attributes apply, meaning medication. Mine was detected late and I'm fortunate to be alive because of the proper dosage, however it is for life. That being said, I really admire your courage to focus on positive outlooks, I can't think of anything more rewarding. Anything that makes me happy I enjoy but I still have bad days like everyone else. Thank you for sharing.

Answer 2

How lucky for you that your depression went away, unfortunatly there are many people who suffer from a depression that is not induced by the circumstance of their lives, but by a chemical inbalance in their brain. For those of us that live with this problem, its an every day battle. Even though many are on a regular regamine of anti-depressants, there can be times where there is break through depression. We learn to do our best and push through these times, but other peoples patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. So you see, everyone suffers from depression occasionally, but for others its an every day thing. There is no choice involved.

Answer 3

yes, i really believe that. there is so much pampering in todays society. there is also alot of greed and u have pharmaceutical companies feeding this so they can make a buck.

people still want to crawl into the womb too often. in any cae, to answer your question - yes. when ur having thoughts that are no good for you, you stop!!

i am glad you realized this but alot of people don't and they keep feeding this thoughts until they become a bad habit.

Answer 4

You have stumbled upon the premise of cognitive therapy. Althoughyou could do additional research by studying journals published by the American Psychological Association, you can get a fairly decent overview of the method at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_therapy.

Answer 5

Clinical depression is a DISEASE, in which no amount of positive thinking will change your attitude. You aren't clinically depressed if you focus on something positive and your depression goes away.

Answer 6

Yes, I think that is possible. I tend to think of myself as a realist, but the truth is, sometimes we have to draw the line between realism and pessimism.

Answer 7

Yes, our self talk and attitude can definetely affect our mood.

Answer 8

If its clinical, it is not of your conscious doing....but ask the doctor...

Answer 9

The glass is half full! ^_^

Answer 10

It always is.