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Do You Have Problems With Pessimism?

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Administrator
Administrator

14912 Posts
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Very caring Very wise I agree

Posted - 09/23/2007 : 21:39:41

Dear Members,

Research has shown that pessimism is often a problem in depression.

Pessimism is defined as:

Is pessimistic or defeatist.

Could you please tell our community if pessimism was part of your depression, and what made this better or worse.

Your comments will greatly help others facing these same problems.

Phil Long M.D.
Administrator

Niney
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

2393 Posts
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Posted - 09/29/2007 : 16:33:22

Having hope during my depression has been a huge problem. It seemed my life before I became ill was one disaster after another, so when I became depressed it was like being kicked when I was down. I just had no hope left that life was ever going to get better. I was very pessimistic and really believed I was going to be depressed for the rest of my life. This was reinforced when it took over 3 years to find any meds that helped at all.
What helped was feeling better because we found meds that helped plus CBT courses that helped me identify my negative thoughts and help from my present pdoc who has kept me focused on the positive aspects of my life and on recovery.

Niney

"Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible."
Helen Keller

EmergingArtist
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Posted - 10/03/2007 : 14:31:08

Hi,
When depressed, I feel defeatist.

-EA

unemployed
thirty-two-year-old Korean-American
married woman
diagnosed bipolar 1993

rock
Full Member (100+ posts)

146 Posts
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Posted - 10/10/2007 : 23:16:53

Hopelessness is I think one of the major symptoms of depression that is so difficult to overcome. I was told by some people that I didnt care as I had made so many bad decisions and was a sad, sad sack. I did care, but I had given up...there was so little hope and I prayed that I would die peacefully and my suffering would be over....well I am still here struggling to help myself. Tried to get help from mental health, but as I had a drinking problem they refused to help me and sent me to the drug and alcohol group. After nine months of trying to get a pyschological assessment, I walked out as I was suicidal - my counselor wouldnt show up, or if he he was late, wouldnt transfer me to another counselor - I attended group sessions for three months and got little individual help in dealing with major losses.

I was told previously by several doctors that I was bipolar - it was an informal assessment - I needed a second opinion and help...another pdoc said no I wasnt...

regardless, I suffer from extreme anxiety and severe depression. I stopped drinking and am reading self help books..working through the Feel Good book, handbook and another book called When Panic Attacks - all written by David Burns. This doctor doesnt know it, but his books literally saved my life by giving me hope. I still suffer from extreme anxiety and depression, but I am hopeful that I will be able to better control my emothions and try to improve my relations with people in general...

Ken121
Starting Member

1 Posts

Posted - 02/07/2011 : 15:58:40

as a new member i think my experience is with my wife who is suffering depression after her father was diagnosed with alzheimer's which is robbing the person we love of their character and life

this has made my wife pessamistic about alot of things, icluding work, home, and our relationship. sometimes she just wonders whats the point

day by day its different but we need to keep our family together, i am an optimist the opposite of pessimism

my glass is nearly always half full

my wife ws never pessamistic beofore this news of her father, so i think its a trigger

not sure if this helps anyone its my first post

regards

Ken

"happiness is a perfume you can't pour on other people without getting a few drops on yourself"

Jerry1949
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Posted - 02/08/2011 : 11:59:44

There are days when my depression is bad that no matter what I do I know that failure will be the outcome and ask myself why even bother to try they are fewer and more time between them now. But yes pessimism has been a real problem.

FLMgirl
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Posted - 02/08/2011 : 19:29:41

Ken121,

Welcome to MT, which is more than just a name. There is a wealth of info and helpful caring members here that I hope you will find helpful. Glad you're here. Jump in and feel free to post anywhere, no matter what your issues are.

flmgirl

It is what it is...but I'm trying to make it better!

FLMgirl
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)

3703 Posts
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Posted - 02/08/2011 : 19:41:45

Yes, I have had issues with pessimism off and on, and especially when my depression is in full swing. At it's worst I spent time seeming toi recover from one thing after another thing, like someone else mentioned. Some of it was probably due to my procrastination problem, which I also wonder may have a role in depression.

Now, even though I am better, I still have problems with pessimism at times. I think it5 is part5ly from my past experiences with it, but also maybe a learned behavior from my dad. He is in his 80's, has Parkinson's dz, and alzheimers, and is often paranoid and pessimistic. He has had a long time h/o PTSD, but has never sought help. He is one of those who sees psychology as a four-letter word, and as a man, it just isn't done. And I think he is depressed but he doesn't talk about it and is unlikely to seek help.

Anyway, I think I learned some of those behaviors from him. Afterall, it did take me over 30 years to finally make the actual call for help for my depression.

flmgirl

It is what it is...but I'm trying to make it better!

coachSychie
Starting Member

3 Posts

Posted - 05/28/2011 : 00:40:31

The direct effects of pessimism are related to your behavior. Having negative thoughts naturally causes you to act differently than if you have a positive attitude. Some behavioral effects of pessimism include:

* Complain frequently
* Lose hope in the future
* Feel a lack of control
* Avoid challenges because you expect failure
* Put down new ideas
* Resist change

The first step toward eliminating negativity in your life is to admit that it is an ineffective behavior. Once you have the desire to change the behavior, the next step is to become more aware of it. This can be done initially by discussing your pessimistic behavior with friends, family members and coworkers. If you desire, a professional therapist or psychologist may also be helpful.

Through conversations with others and by becoming more self-aware of your pessimistic actions, you can then take conscious steps to eliminate them. Negativity and pessimism are typically a result of irrational thinking. If this stems from depression, it will likely be necessary to treat the larger disorder.

http://psykosyntesforum.se/newsletter.html

Jonathan90125
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)