3 Steps Away from Depression…
Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
Break Free from Brooding: Three Steps to Stop Repetitive Negative Thoughts
Brooding, characterized by repetitive negative thoughts, lies at the core of the depressive experience.
Professor Hans M. Nordahl, a distinguished expert on depression, outlines three crucial steps to combat this detrimental pattern.
Recognize Brooding as Counterproductive…
Professor Nordahl emphasizes that brooding often masquerades as problem-solving or self-analysis but predominantly revolves around self-criticism and negative life experiences. Realizing that brooding serves no constructive purpose is utterly paramount.
According to Nordahl, understanding that brooding is inherently futile is the first step toward liberation from its grip. It neither resolves issues nor brings solace; instead, it perpetuates distress.
Embrace the Present Moment…
Shift your focus from dwelling on negative thoughts to engaging with the present.
Professor Nordahl advises immersing oneself in tangible, real-life experiences to diminish the allure of brooding.
By redirecting attention to current happenings, the power of negative thoughts diminishes. While the thoughts may persist, allowing them to exist without fueling them disrupts their hold. With time, neglected thoughts naturally dissipate, freeing mental space for productive pursuits.
Beware of Escapist, Limbic Distractions…
Many resort to various distractions like television, weed, alcohol, porn, or gaming to evade negative thoughts temporarily.
However, Professor Nordahl warns against relying on such escapism.
Attempting to suppress negative thoughts often backfires, intensifying their persistence. Instead, confront the tendency to brood and channel mental energy towards meaningful engagement. Recognize brooding as a futile mental exercise, akin to a rocking chair offering motion but no progress.
In conclusion, breaking free from brooding requires conscious effort and mindfulness.
Humans can reclaim control over their mental well-being by acknowledging its ineffectiveness, embracing the present, and avoiding escapist distractions.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Professor Hans M. Nordahl is at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s (NTNU) Unit for Psychiatry and Behavioural Medicine in the Department of Neuroscience.
