Beliefs that bind blind us to brighter moments

Beliefs that we install about ourselves and the world can profoundly affect our mental health, contributing to conditions like depression and PTSD. These beliefs create a disconnect between our desired reality and actual experiences, leading to a persistent sense of discontent. The stickiness of these negative beliefs can make them resistant to change, even when external circumstances improve. Research indicates that individuals suffering from depression often report feeling consistently low; however, studies reveal that they experience neutral or positive emotions more frequently than they acknowledge. This disconnect suggests that their entrenched belief systems overshadow their actual experiences, thereby filtering out evidence that contradicts their self-perception. The inability to adapt belief structures in light of new information leads to continued suffering and hinders the ability to recognize positive moments, trapping individuals in a cycle of negativity.