Depression can often feel like a constant spiral that is difficult to stop, but it is crucial to remember that there is always a way to break out of the cycle. When you have negative experiences, instinctually your mind turns to avoidance in order to cope. Avoidance will just lead to more avoidance, and you will become trapped in a cycle that is just feeding your depression. It is important to work against your instincts in order to properly heal.
Conceptualizing depression is still incredibly difficult, even though it is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. In an article by Gregg Henriques Ph.D., he argues that depression can be thought about as a state of behavioral shutdown, not a disease of the brain. He states that this is a more logical and productive way to regard your state of depression. Behavioral shutdown accounts for why individuals with depression often experience fatigue, have difficulty starting new tasks, and may find themselves having trouble with eating and sleeping.
Our modern lifestyle makes us more susceptible to getting trapped in cycles of shutdown. Our ancestors congregated in close-knit tribes as a method of survival while we now can become socially isolated significantly easier. However, not everyone living in the modern world experiences depression. Everyone has a different temperament and ways of coping with stress and negative experiences. The degree each individual experiences trauma also varies by person.
Depressive shutdowns are most frequently caused by a downward spiral. Typically, difficult scenarios will trigger an individual, leading to a strong negative emotional response, which results in the instinct to avoid and withdraw. Giving in to this natural feeling will lead to more negative emotions and only end up making things feel worse.
If you are being hit hard with depression, it is likely that hopelessness and helplessness are the most prominent in your mind. So how are you supposed to stop the negative feelings and downward spiral? First, do not dismiss your pain. Acknowledge it and be aware. Next, do not give in to your impulse to avoid, not matter how tempting it may be. Be aware of the situations you put yourself in, and avoid individuals that expose you to neglect and emotional abuse as much as you can.
Remember that avoidance may feel like the most natural response to feeling depressed, but it will not help pull you out of your spirals. Do not be afraid to reach out for professional help when you need additional support. There is nothing wrong with needing outside assistance to help organize your thoughts and emotions. You are strong enough to get through this.