Negative Thinking:

When we’re depressed, our thoughts can become our worst enemy. We might have:

• Negative self-talk: Putting ourselves down with thoughts like “I’m worthless” or “I’ll never be happy.”
• Seeing things worse than they are: Making mountains out of molehills or assuming the worst will happen.
• Losing hope: Feeling like things will never get better, no matter what we do.

Changes in Behavior and Emotions:

These negative thoughts often lead to changes in how we behave and feel:

• Withdrawal: Avoiding social activities and loved ones, wanting to be alone.
• Trouble focusing or making decisions: Feeling like our brains are foggy or stuck.
• Changes in sleep and appetite: Sleeping too much or not enough, eating too much or not enough.

These changes can make us feel even worse, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.

Getting Help:

Therapists offer different ways to help people with depression, like:

• Challenging negative thoughts: Learning to see things from a more realistic and positive perspective.
• Developing coping skills: Building tools to manage sadness, anxiety, and other difficult emotions.
• Improving relationships: Learning to communicate better and connect with others in healthier ways.

By working with a therapist, you can:

• Think more positively about yourself and the future.
• Learn to manage difficult emotions in healthy ways.
• Build stronger relationships with the people you care about.
• Feel better and start enjoying life again.

Remember, depression is treatable. Reaching out for help is the first step towards feeling better and getting back on track.