Thoughts aren't facts
Tony Wiedermann
Partner at EY | Helping clients design and execute their transactions | Destigmatising depression
The person we converse the most with is ourselves. The irony is, much of our inner narrative is not fact based.
Mental illness further exacerbates this.
Depression brings a negative inner critic. One that is self punishing. One that holds onto antiquated thoughts. Depression also drives isolation. I craved solitude. But as someone who manages my depression, I know solitude is not the answer as it leaves me alone with my thoughts. Thoughts that are not facts. As the ancient Stoic Seneca said, we suffer more from our imagination than reality.
One piece of advice i have drawn a parallel to is from Ray Dalio (Bridgewater hedge fund). He says that you can't assume you are correct unless that view is confirmed by a peer.
The parallel is to talk to someone. Test your thoughts and confirm if they are facts. If they are not, try and let them go. Don't succumb to your inner narrative. Talk. See a craving for solitude and a punishing inner critic as an impetus that something is not right. Personally, it's one of my flashing warning signs that depression is around the corner.
Talk. Test your thoughts. I do.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
7 年Neither are intense emotions
Client Advocate at Royal District Nursing Service
7 年But they can be your perceptions and therefore your reality
Whilst the theory of this makes sense, mental health issues such as OCD are caused by chemical imbalances within the brain (I am no psychiatrist so forgive potentially incorrect use of specific terminology) which do not allow for factual connections to be made so even if something is proven to be non fact based, the brain doesn’t process it and the intrusive thoughts remain. Also many of the thoughts are so irrational that people may not want to discuss anyway. You highlight an interesting topic though so good work.
Organisational Psychologist | General Manager | Measured Leadership Qualities
7 年Great message Tony, Depression is so prevalent nowadays.