The Negativity Cycle

The behavioral activation model suggests that negative life events such as grief, trauma, daily stressors, or a genetic predisposition to depression can spin you into the negativity cycle…

This is what it looks like…

You’ve been engaged in unhealthy behaviors such as drug use, sleeping through the afternoon, or withdrawing socially…

You’ve been doing this to avoid negative feelings and thoughts…

These behaviors provide temporary relief, but ultimately result in more unhealthy behaviors, negative thoughts, and negative feelings…

THERE IS ONE WAY TO BREAK THE CYCLE

START. DOING. THINGS.

By taking action, even if you don’t believe it will help, you’ll increase forward momentum. By replacing old unhealthy habits with new activities, you will open the door to new possibilities.

Sometimes, holding yourself accountable generates fear and anxiety because it means there is potential for failure and disappointment.

But remember, failure is an event, not a person.

And it’s okay to have failed. Actually, it’s necessary…it provides us the opportunity to grow.