Depression can have many causes, including genetics, stress, medical conditions, brain chemistry, and difficult life experiences.

Most people know this. However, many people don’t fully appreciate the role their thinking plays in depression. 

There Are Different Types of Thinking

  • People who are depressed tend to think very negatively about themselves. They often convince themselves that they are unlovable, incapable, helpless, and hopeless. They often see the world as unfair, cruel, and uncaring. People who are depressed tend to think pessimistically about their future. This kind of thinking is harmful to emotional health.
  • Depressive thinking is common and not a reflection of intelligence or character. Recognizing it is the first step toward improving your mood and recovery.
  • You will see how it is possible to change the way you think…not to deny the challenges and problems in your life that may be very real indeed, but to be more constructive and hopeful.
  • As you’ll see in the video below, your thoughts have a strong influence on your emotional reactions. We’ll describe the “ABCs” model of depression, in which an activating event is interpreted by the brain, leading to emotional consequences.

Understanding the Connection Between Thinking and Feeling

Based on proven principles of Cognitive Therapy as pioneered by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, the Think Clearly About Depression Program will help you to understand the role of thinking in the development and maintenance of depression.

You will learn to:

  • Recognize and change depressive thoughts that worsen your mood

  • Think constructively and realistically so you can restore hope

  • Be more in control of your emotions

  • Feel good about your life and believe in your future again

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Features include:

  • Self-paced, interactive learning activities

  • Brief multimedia presentations

  • Tools to help you track your progress

  • Online and offline practice of skills

Interactive and Multimedia Presentations:

  • Understand the Connection Between Thinking and Feeling

  • Learn More about Depressive Thinking

  • All-or-None Thinking

  • Catastrophizing

  • Disqualifying the Positive

  • Emotional Reasoning

  • Negative Mind Reading

  • Overgeneralization

  • Tunnel Vision

  • Recognize Depressive Thoughts

  • Labeling

  • Challenge and Replace Depressive Thoughts

  • Negative Fortune Telling

Offline “Homework” Activities:

  • Identify Depressive Thoughts

  • Identify, Challenge, and Replace Depressive Thoughts

  • Practice Constructive Thinking

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Understand how types of depressive thinking prime an individual to feel badly.

Photo by Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash

Learn to recognize, interrupt, challenge and replace depressive thoughts.

Practice managing your thoughts when your emotions are calm and quiet.