Posted by mist on July 10, 2002, at 14:18:10
In reply to Re: the issue to erode » Dr. Bob, posted by Mark H. on July 10, 2002, at 11:41:48
>the issue to erode....
It depends on what issues each person is dealing with. For me, the thoughts that accompany being stuck in inactivity and hopelessness are the most problematic. Something to the effect of, nothing is worth doing because nothing can change. That sounds irrational but part of me believes it enough to influence my other thoughts and behavior.
Regarding whether the feeling comes from the thoughts, or the other way around, I tend to think the thoughts come from a depressed state. But I also believe that (speaking for myself only) my depression is a response to my circumstances (especially past circumstances, but also present, which creates a vicious cycle). Part of how I respond is the way I think. So the cause and effect appear more like a two way street to me.
I believe that insights about how I came to whatever distorted beliefs I have would be the most powerful thing in change. But insights are also the hardest to come by. You can talk forever in therapy and still not gain significant (life changing) insight about the origin of your psychological problems. It depends on too many variables, and talk therapy is just too expensive with no guarantees. So if working with thoughts or taking meds helps me, I would rather do that, even though I believe the change that comes through insights would be the most deeply healing.
>Above all, it gives me permission to indulge "corrective" beliefs -- however fanciful -- to help manage my feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Obviously, every other driver on the freeway isn't really my mother! However, that playful belief was instrumental in dissolving my rage response to bad drivers.
I like this idea. It's easier for me to do things like this than write down a list of my depressed/depressing thoughts, because that can make me feel worse (although I am still planning to try it again, just in case it works differently next time).
poster:mist
thread:538
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020702/msgs/568.html