*sigh*

[kimberkit]

One of the trademarks of depressive thinking is that it's global -- that is, one thinks "I suck at everything," "I am terrible at all details" -- and so forth, rather than "I made this mistake once, so I need to pay attention to that particular type of error."

The problem with conquering this sort of thinking (and the negative depressive effects associated with it) is twofold:

- Firstly, most managers are AWFUL about not using global criticism. That's because most people are terrible communicators, especially when under stress or when annoyed. Therefore, any feedback you ever get is badly targeted, and likely to simply reinforce global self-criticism.

(I'd like to reiterate that, once more, I think that a tact-and-specific-communications class should be explicitly taught in elementary and secondary school -- so everyone doesn't go around acting assholish ALL THE TIME, which seems to be the case for the majority of people.)


- Secondly, I think I have a really hard time categorizing the type of errors I make at the time. I either dismiss it as a one-off, or think globally. I've been getting better about trying to tell myself that I'll create a specific error-checking mechanism (focusing on fixing the problem rather than on being upset about the mistake or dismissing it), but it's sort of hard. What else do people do to try to avoid the global-thinking error?

Comments

[sir-graeme.livejournal.com]

I try to use the Socratic method to break down instances of destructive global-thinking into manageable pieces. My friends' voices echoing in my head really, really help. It takes a cool, distant rationality that can often only be acquired a while after the fact -- sometimes I'm not ready to do so even if I think I am. And too often, the deepest part of my self isn't ready to accept the validity of my rational mind's probings. But, it is a definite start, which is better than sitting in the same self-destructive loops indefinitely.

[nescio17.livejournal.com]

I focus as best as I can on positive things. Of course, this isn't an easy thing to do with depression, particularly if you're mentally incapable of thinking positive things. As far as improvement goes, I find it important to recognize mistakes and try to be aware of circumstances that increase my possibiilty of making mistakes.

[entropicangel.livejournal.com]

Writing it down, maybe talking it out with someone close (if I'm feeling brave) - those are both methods I try sometimes, with some success (though I am also want to run away and/or escape, if I'm weak) ... but writing it down, or telling it to someone else, forces me to form the thoughts into something cohesive ... which, if they're falsely globalized, can help bring them into perspective. Plus, friends tend to be good at telling me when I've gone way over the deepend into beating myself up *hint hint* (hmmm, remember someone doing this for me yesterday ...)

*hugs*

[kizlj.livejournal.com]

one of the things I count myself luckiest for is having good bosses. at both IDG and my new gig at CRN, I have editors who a) are empathetic human beings, and b) are good at constructive criticism and motivational praise, which seems to be a way hard thing for managers to master. and it makes such an incredible difference. I don't hate my job. how nifty is that?