Affirmations for individuals battling depression and their potential benefits explained
Living with depression can be a challenging journey, and incorporating positive affirmations into daily life might seem overwhelming at first. However, these thoughts or phrases, used to increase optimistic feelings and counteract negative thinking, could potentially help manage mood in the short term and be an effective addition to a treatment plan.
Positive affirmations are not a cure for depression, but they offer cognitive restructuring and may help combat depression by counteracting the brain's natural negativity bias and rewiring the brain due to its neuroplasticity. The goal of positive affirmations is to balance negative thoughts, rather than eliminate them completely.
Starting out slow may be the most effective route to practicing positive affirmations when living with depression. Writing an affirmation on a sticky note and placing it on the bathroom mirror, or repeating one right when waking up or immediately before bed, can be beneficial. Adding affirmations to daily exercise, commute, or meditation time can also be effective.
Expert-recommended affirmations for depression treatment are those formulated precisely and realistically, such as "What if I can overcome this?" Instead of simply "I am strong," generic affirmations can sometimes backfire, especially in people with low self-esteem. Integrating mindfulness, acknowledging emotions without suppression, and linking affirmations with new physical experiences are also advised to foster clarity, self-awareness, and constructive emotion management.
Research on the effects of positive affirmations on depression is limited, but a 2014 study suggested that they may help some people gain a broader perspective of themselves and their current situation. Positive affirmations may potentially have an impact on neural pathways in the brain, helping to retrain it to think in a more balanced way.
Visiting Psych Central's guide to seeking support for mental health and wellness can be beneficial when living with depression. Remember, adopting positive affirmations can be done at any time, virtually anywhere. Practicing thinking new thoughts can help one feel more hopeful, and with routine and practice, positive affirmations become easier and more ingrained in one's everyday life.
Positive affirmations may help with developing a more balanced and helpful outlook, offering a potential tool for managing the unhelpful thoughts associated with depression. They may redirect thought processes in the brain and potentially have a significant impact on one's journey towards mental wellness.
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