Depression
Just because you have a belief doesn’t mean you have to think about it all the time — Professor Adrian Wells, originator of Metacognitive Therapy
Understanding and Overcoming Depression
Depression often takes root in rumination - the endless cycle of repetitive, unhelpful thoughts that sustain feelings of hopelessness. These cycles are shaped by metacognitive beliefs:
Positive beliefs: Viewing rumination as a way to solve problems.Negative beliefs: Seeing rumination as uncontrollable and overwhelming. Low awareness of these patterns often fuels rumination, while coping behaviours like withdrawal, oversleeping, or using alcohol may provide temporary relief but ultimately reinforce depressive cycles.
At Lazy Therapy, I take a different approach. Using Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), I help you change your relationship with your thoughts, breaking the rumination cycle and paving the way to clarity and emotional freedom.
How Rumination Fuels Depression Depression thrives on rumination, often disguised as problem-solving:
“Why do I feel this way?”“What’s wrong with me?” These persistent “why” questions trap you in a loop, keeping your mind focused on problems instead of solutions. Coping strategies like withdrawal or oversleeping may feel helpful in the moment but often amplify negative thinking, deepening the cycle of depression.
Breaking Free: Lazy Therapy’s Approach At Lazy Therapy, I guide you in challenging the patterns that sustain depression, with practical tools that focus on ease, not effort.
Recognising Triggers Many depressive thoughts masquerade as problem-solving but lead to endless loops. Identifying the triggers that start this cycle is the first step in breaking free.
Heightening Awareness Depression can creep into daily life unnoticed. By increasing awareness of rumination, you can create space for more constructive thinking. Postponing techniques can help reduce its hold.
Abandoning Unhelpful Coping Behaviours like withdrawal or over-sleeping reinforce the cycle. Instead, engaging in meaningful activities can shift your focus and improve overall well-being.
Training Your Attention Using MCT’s Attention Training techniques, you’ll learn to redirect focus from repetitive, negative thoughts to neutral or positive external stimuli. This builds mental flexibility, reduces rumination, and fosters emotional resilience.
Depression Recovery: Taking the First Step Acknowledging your symptoms is a vital step toward healing. A visit to your GP can help rule out physical health concerns that may contribute to your symptoms. If a medical condition isn’t the cause, your GP may offer a Provisional Diagnosis or refer you to a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist for tailored support.
You’re Not Alone It’s normal to have bad days, but when these feelings persist and affect your daily life, it’s time to seek support.
At Lazy Therapy, I offer a compassionate, practical approach to depression. Together, we’ll focus on reducing rumination, changing how you relate to your thoughts, and helping you find greater clarity and peace of mind.
Positive beliefs: Viewing rumination as a way to solve problems.Negative beliefs: Seeing rumination as uncontrollable and overwhelming. Low awareness of these patterns often fuels rumination, while coping behaviours like withdrawal, oversleeping, or using alcohol may provide temporary relief but ultimately reinforce depressive cycles.
At Lazy Therapy, I take a different approach. Using Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), I help you change your relationship with your thoughts, breaking the rumination cycle and paving the way to clarity and emotional freedom.
How Rumination Fuels Depression Depression thrives on rumination, often disguised as problem-solving:
“Why do I feel this way?”“What’s wrong with me?” These persistent “why” questions trap you in a loop, keeping your mind focused on problems instead of solutions. Coping strategies like withdrawal or oversleeping may feel helpful in the moment but often amplify negative thinking, deepening the cycle of depression.
Breaking Free: Lazy Therapy’s Approach At Lazy Therapy, I guide you in challenging the patterns that sustain depression, with practical tools that focus on ease, not effort.
Recognising Triggers Many depressive thoughts masquerade as problem-solving but lead to endless loops. Identifying the triggers that start this cycle is the first step in breaking free.
Heightening Awareness Depression can creep into daily life unnoticed. By increasing awareness of rumination, you can create space for more constructive thinking. Postponing techniques can help reduce its hold.
Abandoning Unhelpful Coping Behaviours like withdrawal or over-sleeping reinforce the cycle. Instead, engaging in meaningful activities can shift your focus and improve overall well-being.
Training Your Attention Using MCT’s Attention Training techniques, you’ll learn to redirect focus from repetitive, negative thoughts to neutral or positive external stimuli. This builds mental flexibility, reduces rumination, and fosters emotional resilience.
Depression Recovery: Taking the First Step Acknowledging your symptoms is a vital step toward healing. A visit to your GP can help rule out physical health concerns that may contribute to your symptoms. If a medical condition isn’t the cause, your GP may offer a Provisional Diagnosis or refer you to a Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist for tailored support.
You’re Not Alone It’s normal to have bad days, but when these feelings persist and affect your daily life, it’s time to seek support.
At Lazy Therapy, I offer a compassionate, practical approach to depression. Together, we’ll focus on reducing rumination, changing how you relate to your thoughts, and helping you find greater clarity and peace of mind.