5 typical negative thoughts of depression

The symptoms of depression can express themselves in many ways, but in all cases it happens that negative thoughts appear. These are ideas related to a pessimistic perception of reality, usually exaggerated to the extreme, and that contribute to the person who experiences them to remain stagnant.

In this article we will see a series of negative thoughts very typical in people with depression.

• Related article: "Types of depression: their symptoms and characteristics"

The most frequent negative thoughts

Negative thoughts not only appear in people with depression, but they are part of the most typical symptoms of this kind of psychological disorder.

On the other hand, it is important to be clear that depression does not arise because of having these thoughts in mind persistently. They are another of the clinical manifestations of depression, a consequence of a phenomenon so complex that involves many mental and neurological processes and that it cannot be reduced to what we can express through language and concepts in general.

So negative thoughts are one of the superficial facets of depression; but not because they are superficial, they are no longer relevant, since keeping the attention on them greatly erodes people's quality of life. Therefore, it is good to recognize these kinds of ideations and be aware that they do not offer a realistic image of what is really happening around us. In the next few lines there are several examples of negative thoughts.

1. There is no point getting out of bed

This is one of the negative thoughts that denote apathy, that is, the lack of motivation and initiative, very typical of those who experience symptoms associated with depression.

What is characteristic of this thought is that it is not only believed intellectually, but also felt to be true. In fact, it responds much more to a state of mind, or to the general lack of energy and enthusiasm for life, than to a rational analysis about what life is and whether it is worth living or not.

Therefore, those who feel this way do not even have to make efforts to improve unless someone helps them, since they cannot afford to invest work in practically nothing.

• You may be interested: "Abulia: what is it and what symptoms warn of its arrival?"

2. Nothing that happens is authentic

Those who hold this belief adopt a completely passive attitude about what happens to them, and interpret reality in a similar way to someone who is watching an uninteresting movie.

It is one of the negative thoughts related to derealization, that is, the feeling that what is being experienced is not real, or belongs to a plane of reality that does not interest or is not one's own.

3. I will never do anything of profit with my life

Hopelessness regarding one's life project is also expressed through low expectations of oneself and of what the future holds. For this reason, this negative thought is one of the most frequent among those who present depressive symptoms.

However, in many cases this belief is not lived in a tragic way. Some people experience depression with deep sadness, but others don't even feel that, and their psychological state has more to do with indifference.

So, the idea that life is not going to progress may not cause discomfort, and being just one more evidence that the future is not relevant because the present is not relevant either.

4. The fault is mine

People who tend to express negative thoughts maintain a style of attributing causes to events in which they are the main victims. The discomfort associated with this pessimism means that in any situation in which there is the possibility of blaming oneself, it is done.

Thus, many times you fall into the trap of believing that practically everything bad that happens is to blame you. The explanation is that low self-esteem and lack of motivation to seek more elaborate explanations it leads to self-awareness, even in situations where you are the victim.

5. Nobody loves me or respects me

This is the definitive negative thought that damages the social relationships of the one who holds it in mind during the day to day. It is a belief that cuts the potential emotional ties that we may have with people in our circle social close, and weakens those that were consolidated (such as those with other family members).

Do not forget that negative thoughts are not only directed against oneself, but also have consequences in the way we relate to others.

What to do to get out of pessimism?

Negative thoughts that have very deep roots in oneself, such as those that appear with depression, they cannot be dispelled only through rationality and reflection. Professional help from psychologists or psychiatrists is needed.

To learn more about how to contact mental health professionals, see this article: How to find a psychologist to attend therapy: 7 tips"

Bibliographic references:

• Beck, J. (1995). Cognitive therapy: basic concepts and deepening. Gedisa Editor.
• Bellino, S.; Patria, L.; Ziero, S.; Rocca, G.; Bogetto, F. (2001). "Clinical Features of Dysthymia and Age: a Clinical Investigation". Psychiatry Review. 103 (2–3): 219 - 228.