You may experience feeling low or worried lately and notice that this has been an ongoing pattern running for quite a while now. It could be an alarming symptom of depression or it could be depression itself. One notable manifestation of a depressed individual is experiencing worry and anxiety for a prolonged period of time. Many factors cause depression on a person. The condition is generally demonstrated through a person’s disturbed manner of thinking, change in attitude or behavior, decline in social relationships, and problems in physical well-being.

This article will focus on the relation between depression and negative thinking but will also provide an overview of the major causes of depression.

Main Factors Causing Depression

It is known that there are three major factors that trigger depression in an individual. One is caused by an adverse medical condition, mainly because of imbalance on the hormones. However, this does not make depression an illness, although there are evidences of physical symptoms showing the condition. People who are in a depressed state also feel like they are physically not well because they go through feelings of physical exhaustion, physical pain, changes in the appetite, and other physical disorders. Another factor that contributes to a depressive mode is the negative manner of thinking. Lastly, unfortunate series of events and traumatic experiences can also lead to depression.

Negativity and Depression

Being in a depressed state just brings a person down like getting trapped deep in a bottom pit. Some people think that having negative and depressive thoughts is already a case of depression. If there are only a few instances of depressive thoughts, these are mere manifestations of being a pessimist. However, if these distressing thoughts are becoming worse that persist for a prolonged time period, you must be experiencing signs and symptoms of depression.

The following negative thoughts relate to depression whether in a mild or severe state:

• Thinking of life as a mere bad luck and a series of failures
• Not being happy and contented with what one is and what one has
• Perceiving a bleak future
• Lack of concentration and instances of forgetfulness
• Thoughts of quitting more than taking risks
• Inability to think of anything that would generate fun and cheerfulness
• Thinking that the world does not give a care on one’s life
• Thinking that nothing is right and nothing is ever going to go right
• Thoughts of negativity and belittling on oneself or questioning one’s worth
• Treating life as miserable and thinking that there is no more chance to change it
• Focusing on other people’s mistakes and dwelling on them

Vicious Cycle

Since thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interrelated with each other, the correlation of these three aspects that contribute to worsening the case of depression is best explained through a cycle. The state of depression attracts more negative thoughts than positive ones and when you entertain these thoughts in mind, it just connects to the emotions. Feelings of misery, agitation, and apathy are just overwhelming that a person no longer has the will to do anything and no longer feels having the capacity to do things.

To illustrate it, put yourself in the shoe of a negative thinker. Think that no one likes you because that is how you perceive the way they show their actions and behaviors towards you. With this notion, you start to feel isolated, sad, and alone. These feelings start to bring the system down. No matter how hard you try to keep your emotions discreet, unconsciously you are manifesting it through your behavior. You now shy yourself away from people, you do not talk to anyone anymore, or you show in your face that you are despising them for not liking you.

The example given above is simply a light situation that cannot even lead to depression. There are worse cases of such a cycle that really results to an individual’s depressive mode. Some people may not realize what makes them feel depressed, especially that the brain does not function well when the emotions are disturbed. Following the vicious cycle can serve as your guide in tracing the root of your depressive condition.