Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

by Julie Smith

When we experience low mood, it may have been influenced by several factors from our internal and external world, but when we understand what those influences are, we can use that knowledge to shift it in the direction we want it to go.

Not all low mood is unidentified dehydration, but when dealing with mood it is essential to remember that it’s not all in your head. It’s also in your body state, your relationships, your past and present, your living conditions and lifestyle. It’s in everything you do and don’t do, in your diet and your thoughts, your movements and memories. How you feel is not simply a product of your brain.

Use these questions as journal prompts to help you reflect on your current coping strategies for low mood. When feeling low, what are your go-to responses? Do those responses provide instant relief from the pain and discomfort? What effect do they have in the long term? What do they cost you? (Not in money, but in time, effort, health, progress.)

The thing about the human brain is that, when you believe something, the brain will scan the environment for any signs that the belief is true. Information

The musts and shoulds are heavily tied up with perfectionism.

Metacognition is the process of stepping back from the thoughts and getting enough distance to allow us to see those thoughts for what they really are.

Physically moving your body can help to shift your mind when it is otherwise very difficult.