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Beat Depression & Be Happy - It’s as Simple as ABC
Hi again and welcome to another thought-posting.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the many questions I get asked about depression and happiness and in particular, many people’s assumptions that it’s “easier” to be unhappy than to be happy. I’m not sure why but this constantly baffles me as I know from having a thorough knowledge of the research literature, combined with years of experience working with literally thousands of individuals, that it is possible to control your mood and accordingly, it is possible to beat depression and to be happy.
Unfortunately, however, the process is often perceived as being very complicated so I’ve been thinking about how I can simplify it, hoping that by doing so more people would benefit and enjoy life. So here it is - my new simplified model for beating depression improving your mood!
As noted in the title of this posting, beating depression and being happy is as simple as ABC. In this case, ABC stands for:
A = Keep Active (we know that activity and exercise are very effective ways of improving mood)
B = Be Optimistic (we also know that positive, realistic thoughts are the drivers of happiness and the best way to overcome depression)
C = Decide to Take Control of your life (there’s no doubt that happy people feel they have more control and actively seek to control more of their lives.
So there it is - just think ABC and you can overcome depression and experience more happiness. Let me know what you think of this model and also, if you’re interested in finding out more about how you can apply these strategies check out the coaching options by clicking on the relevant tab at the top of this page or review our books and workbooks in the products section.
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on Tuesday, July 26th, 2005 at 6:39 pm and is filed under Happy Tips.
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August 13th, 2005 at 1:04 pm
Well your absolutely right! And no I have not mastered this either…..!
In my view we are conditioned from a very early age that life progresses best if you ‘drink this’, ‘eat that awesome cereal’, ‘buy that great outfit’, ‘take these suppliments’, ‘purchase that car’ etc.
As children we accept that what our parents/guardians tell us is gospel and we are also left in no doubt that to question this is not a positive option - so to speak… Then we reached adolescence and we swing in the opposite direction - and back and forth for a few years until we find ourselves in adulthood where we ‘believe’ we make all our own decisions independent of anyone ele’s input (unless we ask for advice etc) . However, I believe that during this period we go from being ‘fed’ by our parents to being ‘fed’ by the media….. So some of us (I’d hate to say most but that may be the case) continue to listen to outsides sources about how to fulfill ourselves and our lives and therefore we don’t listen to that inner voice that is our most powerful source of wisdom….. And if we do occasionally hear it - we tend to by swayed by friends/colleagues etc who either tell us of a ‘better way’ of doing something or have us believing that our decisions or options (that generally come from within us) are wrong/weird/not the norm’ etc …… It’s not easy to listen and adhere to our own inner voices - BUT I know it’s not impossible either! Remember Dory from Nemo…. “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…..
September 6th, 2005 at 2:05 pm
For someone that has a “thorough knowledge of the research literature, combined with years of experience working with literally thousands of individuals” it seems to me you have no idea what depression is at all.
I certainly dont enjoy being depressed but it is definately easier to stay moody and ‘comfortable’ in that mood, than to exert yourself mentally and try to correct any negative thoughts into positive ones. It is in no way (for me that is) a simple task to simply implicate your ABC method into my life when there are so many factors that simply do not dissapear, and my depressive triggers, in my case two small children being the major ones, cannot be ignored. and being active is almost laughable in my state, i sit in a disgusted vegative stae for most of the day, and because im so angry that im like that, i get even more depressed. vicious cycle.
Maybe its just me, we all know there are different degrees to depression, and i wish that everyone would have great effect with your theory, that would certainly change the statistics a bit, but there’s always someone out there that there may be no easy cure for, and maybe it’s me
September 6th, 2005 at 3:05 pm
Kat,
I’m sorry you’re struggling with depression and I’m sorry you’ve not found the strategies I recommended helpful. I do know they work (personally and professionally) but I also know its not always easy to make them work.
Life’s hard sometimes - and overcoming depression is hard most of the time. But this sort of approach has helped many and it may well help you too if you give it one more go and stick at it for a prolonged period of time.
Althernatively, if you think another approach will help you more then go for it. There’s a good argument for saying that it doesn’t matter so much what you try…as long as you try!
October 18th, 2005 at 6:00 am
Does anyone know of a website the gives you daily tasks that requires more detailed dedication. Maybe something that you check off daily.
October 18th, 2005 at 8:45 am
HI again Wendy,
I’m not sure about websites but there are many good self-help programs that provide advice about specific “homework” you can do on a regular basis.
Check out the Depression Manuals at http://www.makingchanges.com.au/products.asp or I could recommend (1) “Beating the Blues” and (2) “Feeling Good”, two excellent books.
March 13th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Hey there all, first things first. I want you all to know that no one has been born with depression and it is not passed on from your parents. Its caused by negative influences around you, like people that are negative you associate with and constant news on tv that is negative. If everybody avoids all this evil and focus on positive things and hang with positive people, trust me, your depression will lift. It worked for me and you dont need medication. Activities for each waking moment is give yourself a positive affirmation and repeat it over and over in your head for a few minutes, whilst you having a shower or having breakfast, say eg( Today is a beautiful day I am happy to enjoy it). Thats just a example, you chose what you want to say, remember positive affirmations. They do work and with constant application of them, your life will dramatically change, I promise. Always focus on what you want eg:(happiness) not what you dont want, otherwise you will get what you always had, (depression). Affirmations may sound corny, but they do work and work very well indeed, if applied right. Before I go, here are the winning affirmations that worked for me, I love myself! and Everyday in every way I am achieving happiness! Give them a try and repeat as often, love to hear from you guys!
March 26th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I’m not not go through the whole story that led to the state of mind I’m but I can tell everyone that no one thing can work for everyone believe me. Me I’m constantly reminded every day every hour every minute of the unfaif and excrutiatingly painful thing that happened to me. I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, I’m 17 it’s not like I can get away sure I have a job and I’m studying but it’s litterally impossible to stop thinking about whats happended. Whats worse is that I know whats happended is going to get worse, emotional wise I don’t even know where i’ll be when it does… I tried the positive affirmations i really did, but I’m reminded by everything I see and everything I do that whats happended has happened and I can’t escape.
March 26th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Hi Kieron. I’m sorry to hear about your situation but glad you found this website.
Obviously, overcoming serious depression is not a simple matter but there are powerful and effective options. I’m not sure exactly what you’ve tried but you might like to consider:
1. www.depressionmanuals.com
2. www.makingchanges.com.au/resources.asp
2. www.beyondblue.org.au
I hope this helps.
March 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Thanks.
Now I’m glad I’ve founf this site to.
the beyond blue website was heaps usefull with helping me to realize that I have depression, what depression is and what it means for me, and I plan on making the most out of telephone counselling services mensline and kids helpline offer. Although I’d like advise as to how I go about getting actual counselling sessions from a phychiatrist (please exuse poor spelling). It’s funny I look back to to before anything happend and remember watching people see shrinks on T.V. and mock these people with problems. But I’m a teenager I suppose thats my job but yeah would really like to know and would really appreciate if you have any tips for me heh…