How to think positive thoughts when depressed

Depression alone kills around 700,000 to 850,000 people globally every year, making it the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.  Depression is a powerful enemy that casts its dreadful shadow on life from all directions, it makes you feel that the world is a dark place and it has the power to distort reality. It drags you down into a deep dark abyss, not only that but also changes your thoughts, and takes you on a path that is full of negativity and hopelessness. 

But as they say, no obstacle is too great for a determined mind there are ways to fight it and how to think positive thoughts when depressed, and you can free your thoughts from the grips of depression. Nevertheless, there are tactics to combat it and free your mind from the clutches of depression, all inspired by personal experience and mindful practices.

Understanding the nature of depressive thoughts

Your mind is drawn toward negative and unpleasant thoughts especially when you’re depressed, since negative thoughts are playing on a loop in your mind making it tough to recognize the bright side of things and situations. These ideas creep into your mind whether you’re working, playing, or just trying to relax thus making you feel anxious. It is okay to feel imprisoned by these negative and self-defeating thoughts which ultimately make you think that you’re a loser. 

Listen! You need to recognize these thoughts don’t define who you are, these thoughts are not permanent even if you think these thoughts are true but let me tell you they are not. My personal experience tells me that the more you think about something the more powerful it gets, if you are continuously indulging in negative thought processes that means you are feeding a monster inside your head. You need to shun such thinking. 

The Power of Positive Thoughts

One of the best strategies to counteract negative thinking is to subconsciously swap them with positive thoughts, I know it is not easy to do especially when you are depressed but with practice it becomes an essential tool for your mental health. For instance, when a negative thought enters your mind, recognize it. 

By admitting that you are having a negative thought you snatch half of their power. Also, make an effort to replace these bad thoughts with positive thinking, for example remembering anything in your life that you are glad about, listening to thought coaches, or listening to uplifting music.   

Read more about the Inspiring Journey of Harwant Kaur

Mindfulness and Acceptance

Staying vigilant is another best method to manage depressive thoughts. This method which is deeply rooted in Buddhist teaching requires you to monitor your thoughts without judging them or trying to change them instantly. It is like keeping track of your thoughts like you are observing traffic on a busy street. 

When you learn to practice mindfulness, it teaches you to become aware of negative thoughts and disengage from them. Of course, it is a skill that comes when you stay vigilant of your mind. This is important since we are not able to stop thinking it becomes a dreadful affliction and creates a false mind-made self that casts a shadow of fear and suffering. However, what mindfulness teaches us is that thoughts are just thoughts they don’t always represent reality.

The Importance of Seeking Help

When you are in the grips of depression it makes you feel that you are the only person who is suffering, however, the reality is that almost every living person is facing some sort of challenges or problems in their lives. You are not the only person who is in the battlefield, all you have to do is ask for help. 

Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do in today’s age but it is one of the most vital steps to take when fighting with depression. If you feel like any of your friends or any of your family members can understand your situation then you should not hesitate to ask for their help, however, if you feel otherwise consider getting professional help which could be a therapy session or joining a support group. Sometimes, it lightens the burden of your heart to know someone else understands your situation.

The Role of Self-Compassion

Depression makes you go hard on yourself for feeling the way feel, it makes you doubt yourself that you are weak for feeling this way and that you should get a grip of yourself. Nevertheless, in your fight with depression, self-compassion is another vital tool. 

Imagine your friend suffering from depression, how would you treat them? Obviously with compassion and consideration. Swayamdaya means treating yourself with the same kindness, comforting yourself rather than blaming yourself, recognizing that you are making an effort rather than criticizing yourself, and telling yourself that it is okay to feel this way. 

The Path to Recovery

The path to recovery from depression is not a straight line, there are going to be good days and bad days. There will be times when you will feel that you are making progress and there will be days when you will feel not progress at all just stagnant. But, hey, you will eventually recover given that if you make conscious efforts to take care of your mental health and regulate your thinking  

It is crucial that you recognize and celebrate your victories no matter how small or big they may appear, anytime you face pessimistic thoughts you turn to mindfulness.  Yes, you will keep pushing depression to the corner each time you ask for assistance, making any tiny progress toward recovery is what matters most not perfection.

And never forget that as you make progress along this path, you can inspire others who are battling with depression. With all of its highs and lows, your experience can bring someone out of their difficulties by sharing your progress and tactics that have worked for you. 

Conclusion

Agreed that depression is a difficult and complicated mental illness, but it is important to remember that you are not powerless. There are always ways and tactics to regain control of your mind and your life by trying to alter your thought process, practicing mindfulness, asking for help when needed, and above all being kind to yourself. 

It is hard to travel on this road alone, yet you must. You need to remember that you are more capable and powerful than realize. Form connections, and ask for guidance with every little step that you take you are inching closer toward the happiness and tranquility that you deserve as well as the healing you need with each tiny step you take.