A long time ago, I was fighting depression. I picked up a book called "I'm OK, You're OK". It actually helped me. I tried to figure out what it was that triggered my depression and I realized it was my negative thinking. From then on, (and I still do this today) as soon as I think a negative thought, I would practice thought blocking. I'd force myself to think of something else and get involved in a hobby that would take my mind off of things.
I also realized that most of my negative thoughts had to do with worrying about what other people thought about me or if they liked me or not. For instance, when a group of people at work would head off to lunch, but they didn't ask me to join them, I would feel hurt and it would ruin my day. I would obsess about it. Why didn't they invite me? Don't they like me? They are probably talking about me in a negative way. I realize now that even if they are, who cares! I have to like me and I have to respect me and I shouldn't base how I feel about myself on how other people treat me.
Congratulations! You did good! Negative thinking is one of the causes of depression. I'm glad you came to that conclusion and did something about your depression. You really do have to like yourself because you are all you've got to take care of yourself!
I must admit, it doesn't always work, but I have been practising for 10 years now and I would say that I am 60% better than I used to be. I used to be really bad. Everything I said had a negative twist to it. For instance, if someone said they liked my hair, I would say that it's dry and frizzy. If someone didn't like my work, rather than trying to determine if their criticism was valid or not, I right away said "you're right. I am not good at what I do." I came a long way from those days. I now try to see if someone's criticism is valid or not. If it is valid, I try to improve. If not, I ignore them or defend myself.
Seeing a councellor at school also helped. She made me realize how much happiness is a decision.
The "I'm OK you're OK" book helped me greatly. I hope this info helps someone.
My mom said she read this book in college and it changed her life. I guess I need to read it. You are the only other person I have ever heard mention it.
__________________ Mandi-30 Ron-35 Married 6/14/03 DX-2001
Sprintec, HCTZ, Lopressor 200mg, Prozac 20mg, Metformin ER, Byetta
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My Technique for Fighting Depression 
