Most of us learned early, and learned well, that it was safer to ‘seem fine’. Perhaps feelings just weren’t part of the family lexicon. Perhaps opening up was met with stony silence or, worse, censure. So, we learned to tidily tuck the difficult...
Something I hear a lot from my patients with depression is some iteration of this: “I’ve got a good partner/an okay job/my kids seemed to have survived me; I’ve got so much I should feel grateful for, but I just don’t. I feel dreadful.”...
Cognitive behavioural therapy disabuses you of the notion that your brain is always a wise sage with your best interests at heart. Sometimes, often even, said brain is a deeply committed gossip columnist, with private access to your darkest inner monologue.
Perfectionists like me, pretend, as much to ourselves as to others, that we are in the noble pursuit of excellence. We opine the importance of high standards and distinction.
