According to the cognitive theory of depression, cognitive distortions are responsible for depression. American psychiatrist Aron T Beck first worked on cognitive distortions. Due to cognitive distortions, the person can misunderstand reality.
Due to these cognitive distortions, the person's thoughts are negative and his emotions are also negative. In the difficult situation of the person, these deviant thoughts make him depressed. Challenging and changing these faulty thoughts is the key to cognitive behavior therapy. Cognitive distortions responsible for depression are briefly discussed.
Black– and– white (this is called all-or-nothing or polarized thinking):
Individuals tend to view situations in two categories instead of a continuum. Example: If I don't top the exam, that means I fail
Fortune-telling
Negative predictions are made without considering other possible future outcomes. Example: I know, I can't do anything well
Disqualifying or discounting the positive:
The person considers himself by rationally excluding his positive experiences, actions, or qualities. Example: I did well in the exam, that doesn't mean I'm capable; It is a sudden success
Emotional reasoning
These individuals think that something must be true because they feel so strongly about it or discount evidence to the contrary. Example: I know I have successfully completed most of my tasks, feel incompetent, so I still feel incompetent.
Labeling
One puts a fixed label on oneself or others without considering arguments or arguments. Example: I fail, he is not good enough etc
Magnification/minimization:
When the person evaluates another person or a situation, he/she unreasonably magnifies the negative and minimizes the positive. Example: Getting a C grade in Bengali in a test proves how bad I am, but an A+ in other subjets does not mean I am smart.
Selective abstraction (also called mental filter)
Instead of looking at the whole thing, undue focus is placed on one's negatives. Example: Because I have failed a job test it does not mean I am not eligible for a good job
Mind reading:
One believes that he knows what others are thinking, failing to consider other possible possibilities. Example: He assumes that his boss thinks he is unfit for the task
Overgeneralization:
One reaches a negative conclusion that is far removed from the current situation. Example: (Because I felt uncomfortable in the meeting) I don't have what it takes to be a group leader, although this was not discussed.
Personalization
A person believes that others do not explain the alternatives to his behavior, causing him to behave negatively. Example: The rickshaw puller smiled at me because I did something wrong.
Imperatives (Should and must statements):
These people use should, must in words. Example: As a teacher I should not cough.
Tunnel vision
One only sees the negative aspects of the situation. Example: After doing a lot of work well, if his subordinates fail to do a job properly, he will think, my people can't do anything right.
