Ashley, Initially, I played by the CBT "book". I set small goals (i.e. going to a gf house for a glass of tea), babysitting my granddaughter, etc. This made things easier. I started challenging those negative thoughts and realizing that no matter waht happened I always have something to be grateful for.
I forget to pay a bill - grateful I have the money to pay it.
I can't read the newspaper due to focus and concentration - grateful that I have eyes to see
I have major depression - grateful it's something I can live with
So I started off with babysteps and now, I am becoming more aware of things that trigger the depression and avoiding them or developing ways to deal with them (depending on the situation). Also recognizing when I am in a situation that I need to get out of. I've learned not to sacrafice self to help others, it's okay to say no and I've started setting more boundaries. Do I do these things consistently? NO, but I'm taking it one day at at time, one moment at a time and accepting that this is the life I have, not necessarily the life I'd choose and being appreciative and grateful for the many things that I do have in my life.
Initially, as well as making myself get out of the house, I started exercising on my treadill, eating better and (the hard part), not letting myself sleep all day long and all night long, too. I don't think I'm very far along in the program, only being on Session 5; that's where I need to go from here, but taking my time and fighting those negative core beliefs and identifying the negative self-talk was a very important thing for me to do. I know I have much work to do, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I used to have to "fake" smiling and being nice and saying "fine, ty". Now, I can say it most times and mean it. Of course , I comply with medications, keep dr. appts, see a therapist and have been working CBT.
I think I'm rattling, but there are so many answers to that question.
