Many people “think” that depression, anxiety, PTSD etc are caused due to their “thinking” negative thoughts. It this really true? If so, why can these people not simply change their thoughts so that they feel better? To answer this question, we need to explore how the brain works. I intend to keep this very brief indeed, as this space does not lend itself to a lengthy thesis. However, if you understood why you seemingly cannot escape negative thoughts, could you do something about it?

The first thing that one has to remember is that most individuals identify themselves with their mind or thoughts. It does not occur to them that they might be able to control these thoughts. Consider this: “Consciousness uses the brain to mindfully process learning and experiences into electrochemical impulses called thoughts.” The brain is a tool; it is not you!

Our brain primarily consists of nerve cells called neurons. Neurons are the most specialised cells and the most sensitive tissue of all biological systems. They process information and pass it to other neuron cells throughout the body. Neurons pass messages to each other via the presynaptic terminal (messages have not yet crossed the synapse =  space between presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals) to the postsynaptic terminal (next neuron receives information). At the presynaptic terminal are minuscule synaptic vesicles, which store chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Dependent on what type of thoughts you think, a different chemical comes into play. They produce the moods that flavour our experiences.

Every time you produce a thought, your whole body may get affected in one way or another. Electrochemical messengers travel via the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system to all parts of the body. This is putting it simply.

With this very short introduction, bear the following in mind:
1. If you focus extensively on a particular type of thinking, such as recurring thoughts of a traumatic event, the brain will create neural pathways that get stronger and thicker, every time the same type of thoughts get triggered.
2. If you consistently think negative thoughts of a particular type, the whole body gets suffused with the type of chemical (neurotransmitters) that is being produced to “comply” with this type of thinking.

In respect of the previous paragraph the following happens:
1. The thicker and stronger certain neural pathways are, the more easily will a certain type of thinking be triggered. Thus, if you suffer from PTSD, the relevant neural pathways will “ensure” that the slightest association with this condition will trigger the same type of thoughts.
2. After a while, if you think the same negative thoughts (for example), the body will have a higher chemical content of certain types of neurotranmitters that have been constantly produced as a result of this negative thinking. The body achieves a state of homeostasis, which means that it is dependent on the specific types of aforementioned chemicals to feel “happy”. Accordingly, some people might even experience panic attacks if they deliberately try to think more positive thoughts. In other words, it is equivalent to your having become a “drug addict”.

You can now see why it is so difficult to recover from depression, anxiety, PTSD and a whole host of other ailments. Yet, there is a way, but it takes effort and a great deal of willpower. A better understanding of how the brain works and the effect that any thought has on your whole body, will be a very useful additional tool in your overall strategy of trying to overcome depression etc.

The above is a very brief, paraphrased snapshot and some extracts from a book called “Evolve Your Brain” by Joe Dispenza. I highly recommend this book. It shows also ways to conquer this vicious cycle of negative thinking.