Behaviors as Perpetuators
Just as our thought patterns can reinforce depressed mood, our behavior patterns can also keep us stuck in depression.
Take procrastination for example. Some people procrastinate by watching TV or going on the internet when faced with a task like homework or taking out the trash. We procrastinate and then berate ourselves for the procrastination. We may be thinking, "I am so stupid. Why didn't I do this sooner?" We may feel irritable and hopeless and ultimately we have contributed to the downward spiral of depression. So why do we do this unhelpful behavior when we know it ultimately makes us feel worse?
Initially, procrastination is pleasurable, as it provides relief from having to gather the energy and motivation to complete the task. So people keep procrastinating even though they know it’s not helpful in the long run. With time, procrastination becomes a habit that we do without thinking.
Click here for a list of unhelpful behavior patterns that keep people stuck. Take a moment to review the list and check off/circle/highlight the things that you do. Feel free to add any behaviors you do that you think perpetuate a depressed mood.