5 Reasons Why You Should Stop Preaching Positive Thinking for Clinical Depression!
In a society that constantly promotes the power of Positivity, it’s easy to fall into trap of believing that Positive Thinking alone can solve all of life’s problem. Since childhood you must be hearing this that, you should ‘Be positive’ in all types of situations! But what if this well-meaning advice will do more harm than good? What if ‘too much positivity’ is leading you towards more danger?
Well in the recent years, the notion of Positive Thinking as a cure- all for mental health struggles and situations, including Clinical Depression has gained significant popularity. While maintaining a positive mindset indeed have its benefits but suggesting it as an ultimate medicine for conditions as complex as Depression can be both misleading and harmful. So, in this article you will get to know why telling someone with Depression to ‘Just think positive’ might be one of the most misguided advice you can ever give!
“Telling someone with Depression to think Positively is like telling someone with a Broken Leg to just Walk it off. It’s not that simple.”
— Dr. John Grohol, Founder of Psych Central
Understanding Depression
First, let’s understand what Depression really is! Depression is generally a mental health disorder characterized by persistently sad mood and loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. So, basically Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Like other diseases it is also a disease which needs to be diagnosed and treated. Being associated with the mental health it becomes even more complicated if not treated properly on time, and can lead to serious consequences in one’s life.
Sadness VS Depression
People often get confused between Sadness and Depression. Some mistakes Depression as Sadness or vice versa. But according to mental health experts, both things might appear as same but are different, as Sadness consists of low mood which happens in response to any event in one’s life, but it lasts up to few hours or days then gets good.
Depression on the other hand, causes mood swings which keeps on going continuously which can happen due to any reason or sometimes without any reason also. Thus, one must never get confused between the two terms.
Symptoms of Depression
a) Feeling of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness and hopelessness continuously.
b) Angry outbursts, irritability and frustration becoming common.
c) Loss of interest and pleasure in daily life.
d) Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleeping too much.
e) Persistent anxious or empty mood.
f) Feeling of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness.
g) Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling slowed down.
Why Positive Thinking shouldn’t be Preached for Clinical Depression?
Here are 5 compelling reasons which will explain that why it’s time to rethink your approach to mental health and stop preaching Positive Thinking as a cure-all.
1. Clinical Depression is a Medical Condition.
Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is not as simple as you think. It is not simply a case of feeling down or having a bad day, but a serious medical condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. These symptoms last for weeks, months or even years. Positive thinking may be helpful in dealing with everyday stress, but it does not address the underlying chemical imbalances and the neurological factors that contribute to clinical depression.
2. Pressure to Perform
Telling someone with depression to ‘Stay Positive’ can place pressure on them to suppress their genuine feelings and put a facade of happiness. This pressure to perform positivity can exacerbate feelings of guilt, shame and inadequacy in the people, which can further worsen their mental health struggles.
3. Invalidates Real Struggles
Telling someone with clinical depression to ‘Just think positively’ can invalidate their real and painful experiences. It implies that their condition is a choice and that they are somehow at fault for not being able to ‘Snap out of it’. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, exacerbating their symptoms and potentially discouraging them from seeking professional help.
4. Can Lead towards Toxic Positivity
Have you ever heard about the term, ‘Toxic Positivity’? Well, toxic positivity is a belief that no matter how difficult a situation is people must maintain positive mindset, it suggests that positive thinking alone is the solution to all the problems which often dismiss real emotions and struggles.
Preaching Positive Thinking can contribute to a culture of Toxic Positivity, where negative emotions are dismissed or shamed. This can create an environment where people may feel pressured to hide their struggles and put on a happy face rather than seeking help they need! While in truth sometimes in your life, it’s important to recognize that, ‘It’s okay to not be okay’ and seeking support is sign of strength not weakness.
5. Potential for Harm
While Positive Thinking techniques may be beneficial for the individuals who must manage stress and improve overall well-being, it can be harmful for those with Clinical Depression. Encouraging someone to suppress or deny their true feelings in favor of forced positivity can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair, which after a period can lead the people towards harming themselves physically or committing suicide.
“Encouraging Positive Thinking can inadvertently minimize the very real struggles of those with Clinical Depression and make them feel even more isolated.”
— Dr. Samantha Boardman, Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry and Author
Conclusion
While a positive mindset can be beneficial in many aspects of life, it is not a cure for Clinical Depression. Recognizing the seriousness of Depression as a medical condition is necessary. Hence, instead of promoting Positive thinking as a one-size-fits-all solution for Depression, a more compassionate approach to mental health is needed. Which includes validating the person’s experiences, addressing underlying issues and providing excess to appropriate resources and support systems. Understanding and compassion are far more powerful tools in the fight against Depression than Positivity alone.
So, let’s shift the conversation away from over simplified solutions and move towards a more holistic understanding of Depression, one that can acknowledge the complexity of condition and embrace empathy. By acknowledging the limitations of Positive Thinking and promoting a more comprehensive approach to mental health, a better and more supportive environment can be created for those dealing with Depression.
