Negative thinking
When people are depressed they usually find themselves thinking very negative thoughts about themselves and the world; typically these thoughts are felt to be absolutely true and that there is no way of things ever changing. However, studies have shown that when people are no longer depressed they go back to seeing things in a more positive and balanced way. Negative thoughts affect the way people feel, therefore frequently perceiving things in a very negative way will exacerbate feelings of depression. Negative thoughts are usually- about yourself
- nobody likes me; I'm worthless; I'm unlovable
- I am doing really badly on this course
- I'm a failure; I will be criticised; I will be rejected
- I am a fraud - I should not be here
- nobody will ever want to have a relationship with me
- about your situation
- Cambridge is a horrible place
- I will never be able to do all the work
- I don't fit in; I'm different; I will always be alone
- I have nothing in common with anyone here
- and/or about the future
- it's hopeless; I won't be able to cope
- things will never get any better
- I am always going to feel like this
- feeling lonely and thinking that nobody cares
- finding work difficult and fearing criticism, ridicule or rejection
- thinking that they are a failure, or don't fit in.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk)


