Focusing on negative memories?!
Question: I saw somewhere that a common sign of depression is picking out negative memories [ones that make you sad, angry, or embarrassed] instead of the positive ones and focusing on them. Is this correct?
Because I think I may have it, seeing as for the past five months mind's just been swelling with all of the horrible things I've gone through, and I feel as it's about to burst from sadness. [along with many other side-effects, such as extreme fatigue - yet can't fall asleep, un-motivated, feeling as if I have to cry but can't manage to bring up tears, low self-esteem, the list goes on.]
Any answers provided would be much obliged. =]]
Answers: I saw somewhere that a common sign of depression is picking out negative memories [ones that make you sad, angry, or embarrassed] instead of the positive ones and focusing on them. Is this correct?
Because I think I may have it, seeing as for the past five months mind's just been swelling with all of the horrible things I've gone through, and I feel as it's about to burst from sadness. [along with many other side-effects, such as extreme fatigue - yet can't fall asleep, un-motivated, feeling as if I have to cry but can't manage to bring up tears, low self-esteem, the list goes on.]
Any answers provided would be much obliged. =]]
Okay, let me make this perfectly clear. Depression comes from anger. Period. I'm not going to ask you if you're angry, because I know you are. Negative memories? You wouldn't have the anger if the negative memories weren't there. They invade your being. When they do that, how is it possible to focus on positive ones? How? You can't. I can't. When one is so inundated with horrific past events and memories where is there room for positive? Do we even have any? I don't.
Bursts of sadness -- swelling of horrible things -- I believe you're suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Stay in bed all day, anti-social, etc. etc. etc.
Let me tell you something. Get to therapy, get a good therapist. If the first one, second one, third one doesn't fit, find one who does. You need therapy and a therapist who works for you. You need to find a way to release the anger because that is the root of all of your depression. You need to find a way to work through the negative memories or you will never find the positive ones, regardless of "trying" to focus on them. Focuing is not an option here. We need to find a way to heal and live a real life. You can try to focus all you want, but it isn't going to help you if you can't reach the level of healing you need because focus will just become obsolete in the long run. Heal. Find a way to heal. Find a good therapist and work with him/her and find a way to heal. Then you will be able to focus and have a positive outlook on life. Trust me on this. I've been there.
PLEASE - no benzodiazepines - you could get addicted. Don't start those. Don't listen to people who tell you that. It's like drinking every day.
I've not heard that picking negative memories to focus on is a symptom of depression, but pessimism can be a sign. The best way to know for sure is to seek advise from a professional, even your family doctor can help you there, doesn't have to be a psychiatrist.
Yes, it would seem that you are depressed.
You should ask your internist for a referral to a good psychiatrist; You should also ask him for a good SSRI and benzodiazepine until you can see the psychiatrist.