Challenging Negative Thoughts: How CBT Helps With Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Negative thoughts can feel like facts when you live with depression or bipolar disorder. But they aren’t always true—and they don’t have to control your mood or behavior.

In this episode, Patty shares her decades-long journey with bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidal thoughts—and how discovering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) later in life gave her new tools to challenge destructive thought patterns. Alongside guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands, the conversation explores how learning to question your thoughts can protect your mental health, relationships, and even your life.

Patty’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn skills that can change your future.

Link to article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

Primary Topics Covered:

• Patty’s late diagnosis with bipolar disorder after decades of symptoms
• The impact of manic highs, depressive crashes, and suicide attempts
• How untreated mental illness strained her family and relationships
• The turning point: learning about her illness and building a “toolbox”
• Why sleep disruption is an early warning sign for mania or depression
• How CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) reframed her thought patterns
• A real-life example of using CBT to stop spiraling after rejection
• The “big four” habits for managing bipolar and depression: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, and stress management
• Why it’s never too late to learn new coping strategies

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and guest co-host Dr. Anita Sands
 01:19 - Why it’s hard to keep trying new tools when depression persists
 01:47 - Introducing Patty, diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 30
 02:20 - Early struggles with symptoms and lack of family support
 03:28 - Working in the record industry while masking mood swings
 04:48 - Manic highs, depressive lows, and hospitalizations
 05:24 - Impact on children and family life
 06:34 - Learning more about her illness and building a coping toolbox
 07:42 - Medication side effects and long-term stability
 08:09 - Early warning signs: sleep disruption and mania
 09:18 - Strategies to prevent episodes from escalating
 10:39 - Depression’s “black hole” and negative thought patterns
 11:20 - Discovering CBT and learning to challenge thoughts
 12:45 - Example: spiraling after a canceled lunch
 13:48 - Using CBT to reframe thoughts and protect relationships
 16:34 - Challenging deep, self-critical thoughts with gratitude and love
 17:46 - Why it’s never too late to learn new skills for mental health
 19:48 - Bipolar disorder as a circadian rhythm disorder
 20:45 - The “big four” for mental health: sleep, nutrition, joyful activity, stress management
 22:11 - Wrap-up and preview of next week’s CBT-focused episode

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/GivingVoiceToDepression/
Terry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/givingvoicetodepression/