Depression and Thinking
This common symptom of depression makes it hard to focus or think clearly
People often use substances to cope with this emotional state
What is depression (or distress/sadness)?
This type of activity can improve mood and thinking
What is exercise?
Low energy from depression can make it hard to do this daily
What is basic tasks (or responsibilities)?
When your brain feels foggy, one small step you can take is this
What is (take a break / do one small task / move your body)?
Depression can affect this brain function, making it harder to remember things
What is memory?
Using substances to numb emotions is an example of this type of coping
What is unhealthy coping (or avoidance)?
This involves reaching out instead of isolating
What is social support?
This feeling can make recovery seem pointless
What is hopelessness?
If someone is isolating, a helpful step is this
What is reaching out (or connecting with someone)?
This cognitive symptom causes decision-making to feel difficult or exhausting
What is poor concentration (or executive dysfunction)?
What is one reason people with depression might turn to substances?
What is (to cope / to numb feelings / to escape / to feel better)?
This skill helps you stay present instead of stuck in thoughts
What is mindfulness?
Depression can cause people to withdraw from others, also known as this
What is isolation?
When feeling overwhelmed by emotions, this can help you calm down in the moment
What is grounding (or a coping skill)?
True or false: Depression only affects mood, not thinking
What is False?
Depression can act as this in recovery, making sobriety harder
What is a barrier?
Name one healthy coping skill for depression
What is (music / journaling / walking / talking to someone / grounding)?
Negative thinking in depression can lead to this belief about the future
What is hopelessness?
Name one way depression impacts your thinking
What is slow thinking/ruminating (overthinking), indecisiveness/forgetfulness?
Name one way depression can lead to relapse
What is increased cravings / poor sleep / not using coping skills / increased stress / negative self-talk / lack of structure / difficulty focusing / poor-decision making?
This approach involves facing emotions instead of avoiding them
What is emotional acceptance (or processing emotions/distress tolerance)?
Name one barrier depression creates in recovery
What is (low motivation / isolation / negative thinking / fatigue)?
Name one thing that helps improve both mood and thinking
What is (exercise / routine / sleep / social support / coping skills)?