When Someone Agrees With The Therapist, But Doesn't Actually Feel That Way

[MainerMikeBrown]

One of the causes of mental illness is an unhealthy belief system. If a person has too many negative beliefs and too many irrational beliefs, it can make his or her mental illness worse.

Usually, a person who is way too pessimistic will feel depressed. And a person who is more optimistic will feel pretty good emotionally.

However, some people with mental illness who go into therapy will say that they believe the positive things the therapist has to say, but it's just not how they feel.

But then a short while later, they'll say something quite negative about life, themselves, or both.

Hence, I think their belief system is a part of why they feel depressed and unhappy, despite the fact that they say that their beliefs aren't the cause of why they feel so bad.

[salvator here]

I agree wholeheartedly with this posting.

I will admit my belief system is poisoned and corrupted from my past experiences, and likely why I've had little luck in therapy. While I (will) say that I'm its a constant fight (inner struggle with self) to not accept that "bad" about life and society (because I want to see only good), I will revert back to being negative to explain away my hurt feeling. I hope that made sense.

[Ponder]

It's easy to cling to what we know - blame the circumstances to which we claim lead to our experiences. "I am prejudiced because of A,B, and C" - When we care less to make the effort required in order to heal ourselves, is it any wonder that we sever the path to peaceful living when it presents itself.

Coming to a realization is one thing, but what we do with that is what really counts.

It's a waste of energy telling lies to oneself in this way - yet we often do it all the time. That is until we finally get real and want to heal. Then we can learn to say what we really think. From such a point most therapists will encourage you for being honest and thus begins a healthy base for rapport and growth.

Additionally, people who are not "mentally ill" also do the same thing. It's just that the sick do it more often and keep blaming their circumstances and cling to the past - they remain entrenched through their own actions/non-action for the rest of their lives. They refuse to acknowledge the power within and lay down and sufferer needlessly - they wallow in self pity and dis-empower themselves consistently blaming "Them" or Whomever ... mummy and daddy - the system - bla bla bla ...

I know that song rather well. Time to change to the tune. :)

[RoderickLariviere]

I agree with the post, our beliefs are the main cause of our depression and anxiety.