Depression can seem worse than terminal cancer, because most cancer patients feel loved and they have hope and self-esteem.
David D. BurnsRead
That's one of the peculiar things about bad moods - we often fool ourselves and create misery by telling ourselves things that simply are not true.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Bad moods can trick us into believing false narratives that lead to our own unhappiness.
In this quote, David D. Burns highlights how our mental state can distort reality, leading us to create negative feelings based on untrue beliefs. By recognizing that our thoughts can misguide us, we can begin to challenge these notions and alleviate unnecessary suffering.
Themes
Bad MoodsMiseryMental HealthSelf-DeceptionCognitive Distortion
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about mental wellness, quoting this can help the audience understand the importance of recognizing negative thought patterns.
More from David D. Burns
All quotes βMost people do surprisingly poorly when dealing with a relative who is hurting, depressed, or anxious - we get defensive and try to solve the problem rather than finding the truth in what the person is saying.
David D. BurnsRead
Negative thinking patterns can be immensely deceptive and persuasive, and change is rarely easy. But with patience and persistence, I believe that nearly all individuals suffering from depression can improve and experience a sense of joy and self-esteem once again.
David D. BurnsRead
A poor self-image is the magnifying glass that can transform a trivial mistake or an imperfection into an overwhelming symbol of personal defeat.
David D. BurnsRead
I'm all for 'tools,' not 'schools,' of therapy. To me, the schools of therapy compete much like religions, or even cults, all claiming to know the cause and to have the best method for treating people.
David D. BurnsRead
It's very rare to have a patient who isn't absolutely delighted when you say, 'I read your feedback. The session didn't go well. You actually got more upset, and I made about three really horrible errors.' If you do that from the heart and not as a gimmick, boy, it's a wonderful thing.
David D. BurnsRead
Similar quotes
It can be difficult for people to talk about it, because there still is that stigma around mental illness. But I would encourage people to do that, because they'll be surprised once they do 'come out' how many other people have had similar experiences.
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One of things so bad about depression and bipolar disorder is that if you don't have prior awareness, you don't have any idea what hit you.
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When I believe, I am crazy. When I donβt believe, _x000D_ I suffer psychotic depression.
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The depressed person was in terrible and unceasing pain, and the impossibility of sharing or articulating this pain was itself a component of the pain and a contributing factor in its essential horror.
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When we are depressed, our thinking blocks us from being aware of our needs, and then being able to take action to meet our needs.
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