Don't Believe Everything Your Brain is Telling You

In this video, author and mental health educator Douglas Bloch shares five distorted perceptions that your brain can give you when you are depressed.
To visit my personal website which contains links to all of my books, websites, and newsletters, go to douglasbloch.com
To visit my depression recovery website, go to healingfromdepression.com
To visit my website on suicide prevention, go to www.overcomingsuicidalpain.com
To contribute to this channel so that its healing information can reach more people, visit / douglasbloch
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[@elise6550]

I tell myself "This too shall pass" and "It changed the last times, it will change again." and "Everything will be ok again." It helps.

[@einsteindarwin8756]

Yes that is a good one. My doctor told me to say that affirmation but I didn’t do it. So I am a pessimist now.

[@lucym1383]

"This too shall pass" has always been a particularly helpful one for me

[@TheComedyGeek]

I really like "it changed the last time, it will change again". I've never heard that before. Another way to say it would be "it changed in order to become like this and it will change away from it too. "

[@onelovemon1784]

Hi Elise, I hope you are feeling healthy and doing well.

[@adrianne7045]

Douglas, binge watching your videos got me through an extremely dark period in my life.. as you know depression and anxiety is an ongoing challenge but I continue to use the strategies and techniques I’ve learned from you with great success! I want to sincerely thank you and also let your listeners know how effective your channel is! Much thanks and blessings!!!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks Andrianne. It's good to hear from you again

[@ciarandevaney385]

@@DouglasBloch thank you Douglas

[@lebe6863]

Adrienne how are you now? Just found this channel seems really good ! I had issues understanding core beliefs so came searching for help x

[@marioavila9021]

Adrianne Cardillo what did u feel

[@johnkennedy8795]

Hope your doing good,, I was the same near Suicide thoughts even a month ago,, Feel so much stronger today,, It's keeping busy fight fight fight on always, It's hard I no but keep going forward stimulate the mind,,, Even look up Eckhart Tolle, "Power Of Now" he has got me through aswell,,,, God Bless

[@adrian-oq5om]

"I am going insane" is a common one i think

[@evaj3461]

This is one I have really struggled with in the past and it still comes back sometimes. You’re def not going crazy, I don’t even know you but from what I know of intrusive thoughts I can firmly say you are not crazy. 🙏🙏🙏 God bless!

[@ejk20111]

if you can see your thots, you're definitely NOT insane or losing your cognition.

[@brandonholmes1144]

This is what I'm going through right now it's nice to know that there are others feeling this way

[@faithogochukwu9992]

It seems as if I should jump out of my skin, this is killing me right now

[@ejk20111]

@@faithogochukwu9992 you are on the right track... putting your consciousness in another place is the idea. disidentification is the method. mentally release and separate your inner soul from anything and any thots that you are holding on to.

[@eshalpaari6784]

I keep telling my self I’m a millionaire. That tricks my mind and keeps me happy.

[@marilyntape508]

Eshal Paari yes think big and that we are strong and plan and write down the things that we want to do, places we would love to visit and take up a craft to keep our hands and minds on. As we think so we are 😊💜🇦🇺

[@syoji784]

@@marilyntape508 ww

[@mustacheofgold6846]

My thoughts are my biggest hurdle in the survival of depression. It keeps telling me I'll always be like this, hope is futile, I'll never be the old one again etc. But It's good to know that those thoughts, as real and they may feel, are just another symptom of depression. It helps me cope with them more.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are totally correct. Your brain gives you false information when you're depressed. You can get better and you will

[@andrewbell8458]

I love this video. It makes me realise my illness is not my fault.

[@DouglasBloch]

I agree.

[@battleborn6625]

This man is a god send. He is soothing for some reason.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you. I am glad that you are getting benefit from my videos

[@mitch3726-]

Great video. In the rut of depression it’s definitely hard not to believe your depressed brain when u feel so horrible and numb and empty

[@californiadreaming6560]

"Can you hold please" LOL good one

[@DouglasBloch]

We missed you on the live chat yesterday

[@californiadreaming6560]

@@DouglasBloch thank you, I did miss the live chat, I went to the movies with my granddaughter. It was a nice day. Missed everyone and hope everyone is doing well. If not . This to shall pass And it will. Thank you Douglas

[@kv2749]

During one period of depression, the therapist I talked to said, What if you thought about this in a different way? Try changing your thinking about it and see if that helps." It definitely helped SO very much!!! Thank you for these extremely important videos Mr. Bloch! All the best!

[@paulasynjohnson]

I'm more like Atlas than Hercules, with the weight of the world on my shoulders. Asking and getting help is difficult as I'm scared of other people taking control away from me.

[@coreytaylor4214]

Depression is very tricky and feels so real , there are many hopes out there , stay drug and alcohol free and just watch the thoughts and don’t engage with them .

[@aleksiszukulis4469]

It is very hard, i often talk to my self in my head when im alone, with friends or family. It gets hard to interact with others. Standing or sitting in corner willing to say something, anything. Just to stop hearing my self, but the thoughts push me back from other's and makes me insecure.

[@stanleypierre5042]

Watching the thoughts is so difficult when you’re triggered. They’re running at a million miles per hour. Any advice on how to observe your thoughts when they’re going so fast

[@aaronramsden1657]

Also something I've learned is to decorate my home with plants and water features, it's like a hack for my mind to see where I live as a great place for life to flourish and is deeply calming

[@susaneverts1615]

I have been in a really dark place and recently came across your videos. I love them all, but this one is especially helpful to me right now.

[@DouglasBloch]

Yes, it does make some good points. When we are depressed, the brain is not working properly and so it tells us just some things that are not true.

[@clarinamascarenhas7499]

"you're such a bad person" is one that resurfaces again and again. And I try and focus on the yin and yang, the bad in the good the good in the bad together is life, but it just feels like I'm trying to justify the bad things i've done.

[@DouglasBloch]

It’s hard for a person to read them selves of negative self talk. Here is where finding a good counselor therapist can really be helpful.

[@stevewilliams2917]

Douglas Bloch Im struggle with depression Pstd trauma currently unemployed bad track record for holding a job . It really hits me in the morning get really bad intrusive thoughts currently on paxil losing hope . Please pray for me it truly isn't good right now i feel there is any hope anymore I could hardly function anymore. This PTSD bad images trauma how it wires it self into ur nervous system it seem for ever to process and move out of your system its so terrible. Yes i do have a therapist currently doing session EMDR please pray for me i have multiple trauma since childhood I've been in therapy all my life i feel so defeated complex PTSD multiple traumas to deal with and process i feel so defeated l

[@cliffkonkle3467]

I hope you get well friend. I also share the same struggle. SENDING LOVE

[@SuperSilverJay]

Hope you’re doing okay

[@lazarmaria9171]

How are you today dear

[@SuffocateMe]

in the post-COVID world people need this man now than ever

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you

[@SuffocateMe]

@@DouglasBloch thank you for all your help. i have a lot of pain inside my head every day :/ people line you are the only ones that give me any kind of hope it won't always be like this

[@SuffocateMe]

so many memories i wish i could jus forget

[@DouglasBloch]

I believe that this too shall pass

[@lperformanceartist3227]

Great content. Awesome delivery. A very kind soul of you! Have you made a second episode? If so, where is it?

[@AlisonBryen]

My therapist introduced me to the Serenity Prayer... I find it extremely useful.

[@tomwoolski8557]

This is gold. Thank you Doug!

[@woobie3236]

Thank You! I needed to hear this today!

[@kyleb9143]

So good Douglas...continuing appreciation to you for all you do!

[@marshamiddleton5910]

Thanks. Excellent timing.

[@wilcojunkie]

Thank you, Douglas. Very helpful video as someone who has suffered from anxiety, health anxiety and depression for many years. The mind is a wonderful and sometimes wicked thing.

[@aprylharper7374]

Thank you for continuing to post videos. You help me in many ways Douglas

[@Suraj_Mehra0211]

Thank You Doug.. this happens to me everyday!! Thanks for sharing these techniques!

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Another great video Doug, you're a great help to so many!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you Jason.

[@gopalakrishna2966]

That part about the sun shining beyond the clouds was very impressive and I was able to relate to that. Thank you for the videos Douglas.

[@mathewamschler7604]

Congrats on 48K subscribers Doug. Keep up the great work 👍

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you

[@luguy8347]

Very good topic. Yes, it does take me over. Stinking thinking. Douglas, you light up my life.....💜

[@TheRoadtoFinalLight]

Indeed, depression can be overcome, in my recent treatment my Dr. advised about tackling each of this negative perceptions every time that they surfaced, and that made all the difference in the treatment. Thanks for listing them Douglas.!

[@californiadreaming6560]

Thank you,

[@arnoldstallone938]

i had health anxiety issues.. i still do feel anxious and depressed sometimes..but i'm working on it..one thing which is helping me out is physical exercise and positive self talk..

[@Mel-os3ld]

arnold stallone yes, and conscious breathing ❤️

[@arnoldstallone938]

@@Mel-os3ld yes absolutely ❤️...I hope everyone overcomes whatever adversity they are fighting with and claim back Thier life...❤️

[@Mel-os3ld]

arnold stallone yes it’ can be a real tough one.. and many suffer sadly!!.. there are many techniques that help.. positive speech and say goodbye to the negative chatter with the breathing and positive words ❤️❤️❤️ love you all

[@juliusemperor907]

Start consuming foods rich in magnesium, bananas literally cleard my depression and anxiety

[@bobbpain8005]

This was a beautiful video. Thank you🙏🏾

[@sanmarcoexplorer2726]

I really appreciate the video Mr.Douglas 😊.

[@Kimmm1984]

Good video Doug!

[@SonOfManMusic]

Thank you for these videos. They've been very helpful in trying to push through this life and understanding my meaning within it.

[@wordscaninspire114]

Very well said Douglas 💛

[@catherinegoldie3432]

Thanks again Doug for your positive words and thoughts 💕

[@DouglasBloch]

No problem. I hope to see you on an upcoming live chat

[@brianw.5230]

Great video!

[@nicoleG96]

You have the best channel out there on this topic and are my go to when things get rough. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome. I’m glad the videos are helpful

[@debbiekillewald8384]

Thanks so much. It brought tears to my eyes.

[@shawnbush761]

Me too

[@johnbald9639]

Your videos are supportive and helpful. Thank you!

[@DouglasBloch]

Glad you like them!

[@solar-monk]

Thank you Douglas. God bless you always.

[@DouglasBloch]

Same to you!

[@wen4800]

‘ I will be always feel like this’ . For me I often make the little negative feeling big and keep expanding it in my mind. And when it last a few days I feel I was born as a negative person. From this video i realised that some feeling is our imagination, some is trigged from what happened to us. It is quite helpful. Thanks Douglas

[@DouglasBloch]

I’m glad the video was helpful.

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome.

[@oliviadinges3255]

I'm so glad your videos around been depressed for a while now but handling my mind on my own I found your videos today and I'm not alone

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad you found the Videos helpful

[@kerryirving2949]

Thank you for this Douglas. I actually belive some or the more realist quotes, thoughts, beliefs, statements that you changed from the negertive belief ,thoughts, statements. I belive them now rather than the negertive ones & the reason I can do this now is because I'm starting to get better so my perceptions change

[@chiquitabee11]

Brilliant, as always.🙏♥️🙏

[@zhenya9302]

Thank you. These are so helpful to challenge those depressive thoughts. I wrote them down and will repeat them til they feel more true than the lies of depression.

[@DouglasBloch]

Good work.

[@mpumi6830]

That 4th thought is one I struggle with. I could see in your eyes that it certainly is one you've struggled with as well. I'm so happy you've learnt to create your own narrative to combat that false one. I think, with time and with work that I will be okay with the idea that I am not inherently defective. Thank you for all the work and effort you put in.

[@DouglasBloch]

You're welcome. Good luck in seeing yourself in a new light

[@eattheprogrammingcookie3957]

Thank you God someone talk about this. Douglas bloch you are the reason for curing my depression God bless you!

[@nazneen4271]

Thankyou so much sir this really helped me may god bless you for helping millions of the people suffering from this and the most effective trick that I find is not to respond those thaughts that keep on telling you ur worthless "they are just like barking dogs and we should let them bark". Thank u so much

[@jemgem9593]

The brain can be a very menacing friend at times. Ha ha ha laughed out loud at your urology dept joke. Love your videos, and all your insight due to your own experiences of 'the complex illness' of depression. Thank you Douglas, especially acknowledging about that 'intense pain' for which so many of us have examples of family reasons that engendered that pain to grow in us. Take care and stay bouyant everyone out there struggling with depression xxxx

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks Gem. Where in the UK do you live

[@jemgem9593]

Douglas Bloch Cornwall xxxx

[@jemgem9593]

Yup m.d.e and high very high anxiety 🐚 oh and feeling trap and no way out... Been diagnosed recently with CPTSD and GAD. THANK YOU for your affirmations Douglas. I use 'cancel, cancel' loads nowadays, and the nicest thing is when I say it (to negate the negative thought), I hear your voice and lovely accent, yippee x

[@constancecampbell4610]

Thank you.

[@rylanferrier]

Thank you so much for this man

[@DouglasBloch]

You're more than welcome

[@rvhealthtips892]

Sir, you are amazing. I watch your videos and get motivated all the time. Thank you for helping people coping with depression and let them know that they are not alone and it is okay to be in depression and time shall pass and everything is going to be fine. Regards n love to you 👍🏻🙂

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome Cary

[@grumblekin]

I have GAD and these videos are a Godsend. Thank you!!

[@DouglasBloch]

You're welcome

[@JulietTheGirl]

Thank you for this video. I really struggle with the first two. But I know - it always passes and better times always come after the difficult times.

[@Styrant]

Your channel has been one of the only things to give me the inspiration and confidence to address my high functioning depression, it's gonna be a long process but I'm glad to say I'm taking my first steps into evaluating myself and taking steps to recover - Raul

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you. If you provide your email address I will send you a free copy of the chart with self-care activities to improve your mood

[@Styrant]

@@DouglasBloch [e-mail]

[@luguy8347]

Excellent take on rearranging our thing. ❤️❤️❤️

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks. I’m glad it is helpful

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad you found it helpful

[@jamesshelton237]

Thanks so much for this Douglas this video has really helped me a lot

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome.

[@billmarks9022]

How true, Douglas, in depression bouts, we hold a clouded perspective and are very critical of ourselves, not seeing the good things. I try to remember, "this isn't the true me right now." Today I went to the credit union and thought how much better I felt the last time I was here in December. Thought, that was the REAL me. This is my HOPE. Last year, when down, I watched this video and remembered, "Boy, Doug is right. Our thinking is distorted and negative thoughts prevail." Within a few weeks the cloud had lifted and I felt better. Please know that you're not alone and we are here to support each other.

[@Hot-1LE]

My man 502 likes and not a down vote. Puts time into quality videos with quality content just to help people out. Youve been a major help for controlling my anxiety man.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks. I’m very glad that you were feeling better. This video has also been helpful for me.

[@thetorontogirl]

Thank you for this. Every false belief is literally my thoughts throughout the day...everyday. I've been in a dark place lately and starting to come out of it but I'm filled with fear so these positive affirmations are amazing ✨

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad the video was helpful. It's important that you continue to refute any negative thought that your brain is telling you. One of my favorite sayings, which I made a video about, is "Depression lies about the future."

[@karengriffiths9549]

I have alot of self blame. Which I done for a very long time. Am now learning self compassion xx

[@stevies-w6092]

Great video, thank you 🙏

[@andreaweiser258]

Dear Mr. Douglas.....that was a very good joke......the smile is my face still...and happy birthday...and thanks for all the videos...Andrea from germany🌻🎁🏝🙃😏

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks for the birthday wishes. You might want to come to my side and Sundays at noon Pacific time and join the live chat with people who are supporting each other in depression recovery

[@fmjwest8296]

Just coming out of a very bad depressive period. It is complex PTSD from a hugely traumatic childhood. Thank you for your understanding and advice. It helps.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are Very welcome

[@hparamesh]

I feel like that this feeling will never end.

[@DouglasBloch]

That is how people feel when they are deeply depressed. But the only constant in the universe is change so please remember that this too shall pass. If you leave your email address I will send you a chapter on finding hope from my new book.

[@sharirotheiser8853]

@@DouglasBloch [e-mail]

[@vesharamberran2706]

So ture 😭😭😭

[@fmjwest8296]

Srihari Paramesh It will end. It’s always the same, the long black tunnel of despair will end.

[@faithogochukwu9992]

@@DouglasBloch please I need it because I'm really dawn right now. No hope, nobody to help.

[@k.ravishankar5063]

Thanks Douglas. Very useful vedio.

[@reversefulfillment9189]

Always love your vids!!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you.

[@julieannmaloney7187]

Kickboxing classes are awesome its like im punching and kicking away any negativity

[@thelatenightnomad]

Incredible helpful stuff, I have been through depression a few times and actually failed to graduate because of it, although I went back. I know all these things you are saying but COVID has really overwhelmed me.

[@DouglasBloch]

The pandemic is tough for all of us

[@alanblazek1653]

....thank you--really important content.

[@tski007]

This is incredibly helpful thank you so much!

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re very welcome

[@jacedjohnson3541]

Thank you for this. Im going through a very dark time in my life

[@DouglasBloch]

Hold on. What goes down must come up. I have a number of videos on hope

[@annecampbell2950]

I just watch a video you made in 2015 and now this one 2019. The difference in your face and your voice is wonderful. You are so much better in the second video. It is so encouraging. Thank you.

[@DouglasBloch]

He made a very astute observation. In 2015 I was going through a bad depressive episode. But I kept doing the videos anyway as they gave me something to focus on. What is the name of the video that you watched in 2015?

[@annecampbell2950]

@@DouglasBloch I think it was Don't believe your feelings when you are depressed. I have watched so many really helpful ones it's hard to remember the dates. You and several other you tubers can't realise just how much all your videos have helped people like me. The mental health people here are good don't get me wrong but they are over run with so many cases that they pick the most serious ones especially those who haven't as much support as I have. I am so grateful to you for keeping on with the videos on KZbin as it is all I can manage. Thank you so much. It can't have been easy for you but your work has been so valuable.

[@johnorkutcopero8656]

Thank you Douglas Cheers from Brazil

[@DouglasBloch]

I have friends of been to Brazil And love it

[@johnorkutcopero8656]

@@DouglasBlochI only have to thank, Douglas, your videos are helping me a lot, in my fight against anxiety Btw i like the jokes at the beggining lol

[@Floppyearsmomma]

Douglas thank you thank you thank you! I needed to here this so much! Last night I was highly agitated going back to work after a bout of pneumonia. I let my brain beat me up about the mess I left behind and hammer me with lies about how I would never sort anything out! One thought did break through that helped me. It is from the 12 steps. I decided I was going to “Act as if” I was going to improve. That gave me enough strength to make a reach out call to someone in an inner child meeting I attend. And I have been using it through out today. I had a very productive day at work! 😊 I would love to hear more on this subject! Sometimes I just picture your face or imagine your voice and I relax and believe good will come my way! I take your advice too! I have called the Unity prayer line and have received so much encouragement from them! God bless you for the sincere healing you bring to us!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you. I'm glad you found some good ways to take care of yourself

[@anythingbootneck]

Taking antidepressants makes me feel guilty, but when I try to come off them, my depression returns, I’ve now decided to not try again and just accept that It’s medical science which helps me, and not to feel guilty.

[@ziziroberts8041]

There are at least as many ways to the mountaintop as there are names for God. (And that's a lot here in India, where I've been since the corona curtain fell.) 🕊️❤️🌹

[@DouglasBloch]

There is nothing to feel guilty about if you take an antidepressant. For some people they are quite helpful. People take all sorts of medication for other conditions such as conditions of the heart, kidneys, and pancreas. Taking a medication for a brain disorder should be no different.

[@andream6079]

Thanks Doug

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome

[@debjyotipaul8328]

Thank you very much 😭

[@CreativeLegend2023]

I appreciate this...

[@georgefanning8144]

Thank you Doug

[@DouglasBloch]

Very welcome

[@bojango2]

I thank you for writing the book, Heaing From Depression because it will assist me with understanding how I can help myself cope with depression. Hopefully you will visit Unity of Portland some day again.. I also thought that you know that I wrote various forms of the phrase " And this situation shall pass" on my calendar.

[@DouglasBloch]

Great to hear from you. Do you live in Portland?

[@alyssawinchester2086]

Thank you!

[@gypsygypsy7185]

Made me cry thanks doc

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad it reached you.

[@EAGalvez]

I don't have depression, but I've been in very dark places, making me think I had this illness, a year ago I finally reached out to a doctor and by studies he confirmed I didn't have it. Anyway, I really, really admire what Douglas does with these videos.

[@EAGalvez]

Kelly Don’t worry, the good thing is to recognize it and understand is just a period of life. Keep striving and having in mind what you want for your life. If you need a proper chat, let me know.

[@randomnessanimation6831]

Only believe the good things, if you think you don’t have anything good to believe in, take a moment to realize that your life is not filled with mosquitoes trying to take your blood away from you, and that it’s time to find comfort and support from those who are willing to help. Thank you for this video.

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome

[@meowow2693]

Thank you for this:)

[@DouglasBloch]

You're welcome.

[@josejimenaz]

I wonder we who suffer from mental health disorders get clarity common sense about our illness but to bad we have to read n get clarity from support

[@fidelisanayo9160]

Thank you so much.this video helped me.

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm so glad!

[@acemanhomer1]

Good stuff.

[@sharonendler1467]

every single thing that I have experienced has been traumatic or escaping trauma. You have had plenty of wonderful experiences in your life. Some of us literally have nothing - home, family, income….. It is in our heads because it is our reality not “ bad thoughts”

[@cbarrett6780]

Very true when anxious the brain can lead you up the garden path and not a rosey journey! Very important to seek help to get back on the path you recognise 🌹

[@DouglasBloch]

Yes! Thank you!

[@pmbluemoon]

WONDERFUL VIDEO, thank you so much! I had a mental breakdown, couldn't even look at my front door without anxiety, and watching your videos along with therapy and support groups, I can now help others overcome their afflictions and that is what true help is all about 💖💯👍

[@DouglasBloch]

Good for you for becoming a wounded healer and using your suffering to help others. Remember to tell them that this too shall pass.

[@pmbluemoon]

@@DouglasBloch I do actually 😊👍 I just had a friend today thank me for my help with her intrusive thoughts, I was humbled, always good to know someone was helped by my help for sure!

[@bekahhh8565]

@@pmbluemoon how do you feel rn? after 2 yrs

[@pmbluemoon]

@@bekahhh8565 I'm doing pretty well, I still have my days, but overall, it's been a lot better than it used to be. I'm still helping others in my building, and have even taken up some light dog walking for some of my friends, it helps all parties involved 🙂

[@bekahhh8565]

@@pmbluemoon thanks good wish you best of luck💗💗🦋

[@EC-yd9yv]

Telling myself repeatedly, "My words and thoughts are pleasing to the Lord" (a hundred x's a day) this will imbed the thinking, (almost like hypnosis) and soon (most habits take 28 days).you will be thinking this way normally. Lord is all about positive..thus no neg. Blessings to all🙏🕊️ May you get better n better everyday in every way..♡

[@JAK-cx1de]

wise words brother

[@josejimenaz]

Counter those negative voices with positive voices.

[@johnmccann8319]

I"m sure Eckhart Tolle has listened and enjoyed YOUR methods,experience and wisdom Douglas.✌Another great video!