How to Think Positive When Depressed

Depression can create a feedback loop of negative thoughts and hopelessness when it’s hard to see any light. Even in the darkest times, thinking positively is not impossible. The effort takes a change of thought and, even more so, a change of emotion and connection. Help from a professional is often advisable and recommended by medical professionals. In this article, we will discuss how to be happier and think positive even when feeling at your lowest point and how counselling becomes a transformative tool in this journey.

Knowing Depression’s Grip on Positivity

Depression isn’t just sadness; it’s a whole different way of thinking. It is a kind of filter that makes everything look worse than it is. Hence, being aware of it is important.

Why It Matters:

It’s important to know when depression affects your thoughts. It’s easy to believe that negativity is reality without acknowledgment.

Breaking the Cycle:

With this understanding, you can fight against depression’s hold on your mind. Depression is sometimes the experience of feeling invisible, unimportant, and not valued. Though it can feel this way, it is not a personal failure. Accept that it may be part of your life and start working toward solutions that can change from helplessness to hopefulness.

Start building a Daily Gratitude Practice.

When you feel down, embracing the practice of gratitude might seem challenging, but it has been shown to significantly alter your outlook on life. Taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small, can shift your mindset if you think positive.

Gratitude is more than acknowledging the things you appreciate in your life; it is truly feeling the value inside you. This simple act can help you refocus your energy, accentuate the good in your life, and foster a more optimistic perspective. The results include lifting your spirits, even in difficult times.

Start Small:

Start by writing down one thing that you’re grateful for each day. It could be as simple as having clean water or as big as a kind word from someone.

Alternatively, start by taking a moment to simply feel grateful for something in your world. This is more than just acknowledgment; it is genuinely feeling the benefit of something in your life, something that, if it were not, you would not be the same.

Be Consistent & Open About it:

As you go on, grow your list to three things. When you can’t seem to find anything, you can start small and maybe notice the small, simple things like a warm meal or a good song. Additionally, you can talk about your gratitude with others. Sharing can help you appreciate even more and remind you of the good things in life.

Think Positive When Depressed

Incorporate Physical Activity

Exercise helps the mind, body, and mood. Find what works for you. For example, choose an activity you enjoy, such as walking, yoga, or dancing, to your favourite playlist. You could even stretch on the floor and take a deep breath.

Set Manageable Goals:

Don’t force yourself into long workouts or commitments to write journal entries daily. You can produce feel-good hormones like endorphins to help you feel better. It won’t take long, even as little as 10 minutes.

Make it Routine:

Exercise regularly. Consistency is key to getting the mental health benefits.

Reframing Shifts Negative Thoughts

Negative thought patterns serve as a foundation for depression, often perpetuating feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, these patterns are not set in stone; they can be actively challenged, transformed, and put on a growth path.

By recognizing and addressing these detrimental thoughts, individuals can work towards developing helpful, more constructive ways of thinking, ultimately cultivating a more positive mindset and improving their emotional well-being. This process often involves self-reflection, Cognitive-Behavioural Techniques (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Techniques (DBT), or other helpful therapies through support from mental health professionals.

Spot the Distortion:

Be aware when thinking in extremes—’I always fail’ or ‘Nothing ever goes right.’ Alternatively, you can challenge what you think, such as’ I sometimes fail’ or’ Sometimes things go right. ‘

Question Its Validity:

Do you ask yourself, “Is this thought based on facts or emotions?” Feelings, not truths, are the basis for much of the negativity.

Replace It:

Instead, counter the thought, “I didn’t do well today, but I did in the past and will do so again.”

Negativity

Lean on a Support Network

Depression is worsened by isolation, but connection can alleviate it. Reach Out: Contact a friend, family member, or mentor. A short chat can relieve your burden. Alternatively, find the best therapist in North Vancouver for you and your needs. You want to find someone you connect with and feel comfortable with.

Join a Group:

Empathy and understanding you may not get elsewhere come from support groups for people with similar experiences

Be Honest:

Share your struggles freely with a few whom you trust. Vulnerability can also build bonds and provide that much-needed emotional release.

Find Healing Power in Nature

Nature is very good at calming the mind and soul. Take a Walk: A walk in the park, trails, or at the beach can provide a connection to nature and fresh air. The beauty of nature can help keep you in the present.

Bring Nature Indoors:

If you can’t go out, bring some plants into your space or open a window to let some fresh air in. Practice Forest Bathing: Get into the woods and spend some time in the forest’s sights, sounds, and smells, or bring some of the woods home with you with a rock, piece of timber, or wildflower. You could use this to show gratitude for the small piece of nature.

Get Creative with Your Time

Creative activities help you communicate emotions and escape negativity.

Experiment with Art: It can be therapeutic painting, sketching, or crafting. Skill doesn’t matter; it’s the process.

Write It Out: Journaling aids you in processing thoughts and putting things into focus. Don’t judge the words that flow. Learn Something New: A new hobby or skill uses your brain and distracts you from depressive thoughts.

Become a Lifeline to Embrace Counselling

Managing depression and spreading positivity is a game changer with professional counselling.

What Counselors Do:

They give you a safe space to talk about your feelings, validate your experiences, and give you strategies that work for you. Moreso, working with a counsellor can build parts of your system tha result in feeling better about yourself, which means less Depression.

Effective Therapies:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is just one therapeutic approach that breaks negative thinking patterns and builds up ways to think positive. Many others can support, including EMDR, Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)

Regular Guidance: It’s important to have someone check your progress to keep you motivated and accountable. Counselling is not just a crisis; it’s a powerful thing for self-discovery and growth.

Become a Lifeline to

Put Mental Wellness at the top of Your Priority List.

Taking care of your physical health helps you be more mentally resilient.

Sleep Well:

Depression makes poor sleep worse. Set yourself a routine for 7–8 hours of restful sleep. Eat Nutritiously: Fruits, vegetables, and omega 3s are all part of a balanced diet that can help improve mood.

Hydrate: Water can help you avoid dehydration, which can affect your energy and concentration.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness is staying present in the moment; it takes the worry out of the past or future.

Start with Breathing:

Deep breathing exercises calm the mind and body. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold, and breathe out slowly.

Use Guided Practices:

Beginner-friendly meditations are available on apps like Calm Insight Timer or YouTube.

Be Present:

Watch your surroundings. Pay attention to small details, such as the birds’ sound or the object’s texture.

Conclusion

When you’re depressed, positivity seems out of reach, but with the right tools and mindset, you can change your perspective. Every small step counts. Whether that’s practicing gratitude, connecting with loved ones, or seeking counselling, it’s not linear; remember, progress and setbacks happen.

It’s all about your willingness to keep moving forward. Be patient with yourself; you can get through depression and find joy again. And when you are ready, counselling here at Boomerang Counselling Centre can help support your process. We have a skilled team of caring professionals to help support you through the process.

Specialties

We specialize in a variety of neurodiversity, behavioural, anxiety, attention, learning, social, and emotional problems. We also provide family support through parent coaching, counselling, and reunification.