Trying hard to believe

Hi, when Tim says “try really really hard to believe,” when doing the BB track, are we trying to believe that belief itself, or that the belief has now gone (as it is now in the past tense)? Eg. I was a depressed person – So I'm trying to believe I was a depressed person but now I'm not?
I hope you understand the question, it's a bit hard to put it into words  :
Many thanks
Wendy

Hi Wendy –

You want to believe what you are saying.

I've been a bad person – try as you possibly can to believe this statement to be true aka Yes, I have been a bad person (though it's been in the past I was a bad person) and I believe that is true.

Also it would be preferred to say “I've been depressed.” Short and sweet. Depressed is an emotion. You may or may not get results from this. You would be better served to blast the core beliefs are that are causing you to feel depressed. I'm certain others will comment here to help you.

Please let us know what result (if any) you get on “I've been depressed.”

Great stuff, Brian.

To clarify my point in the other thread, I think working on “I am overwhelmed” would have a positive affect. Similarly, I reckon that eliminating “I am depressed” would do something positive too. Eliminating these would create possibilities, I would suggest. Of course, that is just a theory, as it might not be easily lab-tested, per se.

If someone was feeling a bit deflated for a few days, they might conclude “I am depressed” whereas it might just be a “bad couple.of days.” Eliminating the more drastic belief/interpretation would take the edge off.

As with anything, it would probably depend on the individual's context, mind model, and what meaning they give “I am depressed.” Some people seem to be comforted about “being depressed”, as a diagnosis can give them a sense of greater significance, connection with others (doctors, support groups etc.) or allow them to avoid certain behaviours.

I do not mean that in a crass way, as there are many layers to this. It is just one possibility. Other times, someone will have the experience of depression, after all. I find that asking “how would this belief impact me?” can be useful.

Paul