Monday, June 30, 2014

Happy Monday!

I didn't do much today. The calm before the storm. I go back to school tomorrow - second summer session. One of my key classes, however, was cancelled due to lack of enrollment. This now pushes my graduation back once again - to December! I cried when I got the email; it is so frustrating. 

But it is what it is. 

On the lighter side, I'm feeling fairly good lately - very productive. I've been trying to employ CBT in my day with thought stopping (catching myself when an automatic negative thought pops to mind) and with positive affirmations - which I've incorporated into my morning and before bed routines. 

It's hard, though, when one's brain is so programmed to filter out the positive, especially about oneself. Change takes time, patience, and persistence, that's for sure!

I wish I had something more profound to say, but that's it! Hope your Monday was a good one, and your tomorrow is even better!




Sunday, June 29, 2014

CBT

Treating depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses often involves medication; however, another key component to treatment is something called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I think I've been focusing too much on whether or not my medication cocktail is working, and have neglected CBT.

CBT is exactly as the name suggests: changing the way one thinks and behaves from negative and harmful to positive, healthy, and life affirming.

For depression and anxiety, the cognitive component entails things like:
  • identifying and monitoring automatic, distorted thinking
  • thought stopping
  • thought replacement
  • positive affirmations
The behavioral component entails things like:
  • healthy eating
  • exercising
  • getting adequate sleep each night
  • practicing new, healthy coping skills
For more information about CBT, checkout the following:

Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Well, CBT is going to be my focus for the month of July. I'll let you know how it goes.