this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2023
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Ironically that is kind of a good way to combat depression
You mean saying "no" to depressive thoughts?
I feel that if you can combat depression that way, then you are not really having clinical depression.
It's like asking a type 2 diabetic to stop being so resistant to insuline. If your body can stop resisting insuline, then it's not diabetic.
It is a very slow process taking multiple years, usually. But fundamentally changing the way your mind works and processes problems is key to keeping depression at bay. Negative thought patterns are reinforced in an endless cycle with depression.
Of course external factors play a heavy part in depression too.
Cognitive therapy is a bit more than just saying your thoughts to stop or go away.
You’re not wrong, but fundamentally changing the way your brain processes and interacts with the world takes more than just time. It takes an unbelievable amount of effort, therapy, and support. And even then it’s not a guarantee that you’ll be able to maintain it.
So while you’re right, your comment makes it sound much easier than it really is.
Just like building up your muscle, it takes time. Which is why you don't see memes/people saying: "So weak that you can't lift 100kg? just say no, raise your arms while holding a 100kg weight. It can't legally fall if you don't drop it."
I mean, logically stopping depressive thoughts is the only way to stop depression, the same way as how lowering the caloric intake is how you get rid of obesity, or lowering the resistance to insulin is how you stop being diabetic type 2. Or how the only way to be someone who lifts 100kg is to actually lift a 100kg weight.
But that's so obvious that it's not helpful. It's not like people don't know what makes them depressed... or obese.. or weak.. what they want is advice in how to train themselves, not someone telling them they should "just" stop being the way they are (which is probably something they already keep reminding themselves about! ...most of the time, that's the one thing they don't need help with).
I can understand what you mean to say, I think. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy aims to change the way in which people suffering from depression think in order to cure them. It can be quite effective. However, in many cases with major depression different therapies, trauma treatment or medication is also required. In the worst cases, someone might need electroshocks.
I think the issue is that people with depression and people with eating disorders often get blamed for it and they often blame themselves. They are legitimately ill and it is not their fault, just like having any other condition is not your fault. However, due to society's message of 'just say no' to depressive thoughts or food, they might keep on blaming themselves and feel like they are a failure and should just try harder. This can make them just fall deeper in the pit they are in, instead of getting the treatment they need.
I think the last part is not what you meant, but it sounded a bit that way.