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Series / Imprint
Accentuate the Positive
The following release is provided for our media friends. For additional information, email publicity@impactpublishers.com.
Accentuate the Positive
Finding Balance in a Negative World
Consider this scenario: two men experience exactly the same events; they have each decided to take their son to a movie on a Saturday afternoon. On the way to the theater, there is a traffic jam, and they begin to run late. At the movie theater, they have a hard time finding a parking space, which causes further delays. Eventually they get to the box office only to discover that all tickets have been sold and they cannot see the movie.
Who wouldn’t be frustrated or disappointed? Let’s see how this is perceived through the eyes of Bill and Matt:
- Matt’s inner thoughts: “I can’t believe this is happening. The one time I try to do something nice for my son and first it’s the traffic and now we can’t see the show. It’s ruined our whole day... I can’t believe how angry I feel!”
- Bill’s inner thoughts: “This is really disappointing! But don’t let this completely ruin the whole day. The truth is that we missed the show, but I do have time with my boy... let me think... it’s a beautiful day. Maybe we can go and play miniature golf instead.”
Bill was upset and disappointed; of course. But he was also able to step back from his emotions, gain perspective, acknowledge at least two good things (I’m here with my son and it’s a beautiful day) and then engage in some problem solving. This helped his mood and saved the day.
Depression often causes a marked loss of perspective. People get swallowed up in the emotions of the moment, only focus on the negative, and fall into a downhill spiral.
The answer is not some simple-minded or unrealistic “look on the bright side of life” strategy. It starts with honestly acknowledging the truth of the situation and one’s emotional responses to it. But it then moves ahead with a focus on two questions:
- Given what’s happening, what can I also acknowledge as positive?
- What other options can I consider that might make a difference?
Choosing to battle depression by challenging cognitive distortions and, at the same time, giving yourself permission to have and express human feelings are choices that can lead to emotional recovery from depression. There is realistic hope.
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Adapted from You Can Beat Depression: A Guide to Prevention and Recovery (Fourth Edition), by Dr. John Preston. Available at online and local bookstores or directly from Impact Publishers, Inc., PO Box 6016, Atascadero, CA 93423, www.impactpublishers.comor phone 1-800-246-7228.
