(559) 460-0715

Family Therapist
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Services
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Relationship Problems
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Postpartum Depression
  • Blog
    • 2016
    • 2017
    • 2018
    • 2019
    • 2020
    • 2021
  • Contact

Recognize Depression’s Bluffs and Play a Winning Hand

Dec 03, 2020

All too often the illogical nature of depression prevents sufferers from finding relief of their symptoms. Many individuals believe that they are doing what is needed to get better but end up feeling worse. The reason? Depression bluffs its afflicted with empty promises, leaving them even more stuck.


Here are a couple examples of how the disorder can trick people into folding to its will along with the corresponding potential unwanted outcome:

  • Depression Bluff: "You don't feel well enough to see your family even though you declined their company on several consecutive occasions. You just need some more me-time and maybe you will feel better."
  • Unwanted Outcome: More social isolation and apathy
  • Depression Bluff: "You might be happier with more sleep; skip your spin class you were looking forward to this morning."
  • Unwanted Outcome: Loss of interest in meaningful activities and guilt

The good news is that the depressed, and not the depression, hold the winning hand in wellness. Often it is the opposite of what the condition encourages an individual to do (or not do) that will end up helping in the long-run. Fortunately, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) can teach sufferers how to recognize when this is the case in order to break from depression's tyrannous grip.


Below are some CBT strategies that can be used to call depression's bluff:

  • Successive Approximation: This term simply means chunking large goals into smaller, more achievable steps. Since depression leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed, this is a way to be more confident in goal-setting.
  • Behavioral Experiments: Many suffering from depression may hold beliefs that may not be completely true. Behavioral experiments can help people test the validity of these thoughts. The spin class "depression bluff" above would be a candidate for a behavioral experiment. Maybe this individual will actually be happier after a workout versus oversleeping. It is worth a try!
  • Pleasant Activity Scheduling: By rewarding progress with activities that one (used to) enjoy and holding time to participate in them, the afflicted individual may see their apathy dissipate and confidence increase.

Depression will always try to bluff and negotiate you out of these tactics; however, it is you holding the winning hand. Now it is your turn to play it. Please contact us to learn more!



Tags: Fresno Therapist, Depression, Depression Therapy, Depression Therapist, Depressed
Category: Depression Counseling

Loading Conversation

Next »
« Previous

Category List

Couples Counseling (34)
Anxiety Therapy (63)
Family Therapy (20)
PTSD (31)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (27)
Depression Counseling (43)

Tag List

improve your relationship (1)
Family Help (1)
Depression Help (2)
CBT Benefits (1)
Fight Anxiety (1)
Death Of A Child (1)
Pets Help Children with Anxiety (1)
Lifestyle Changes (1)
Work Together (1)
Adjustment Disorders (1)
Anxiety Struggles (1)
Alleviate Anxiety and Depression (1)
Severe Anxiety (1)
Benefits of EMDR (1)
Defeating Anxiety (2)
Trauma Therapist (1)
Social Anxiety (1)
Psychology (1)
Help Anxiety (1)
Fresno Therapists (1)
Depression (21)
Fresno Anxiety Therapist (6)
Struggling with Anxiety (1)
Spouse Who Suffers from Anxiety (1)
Loving Your Spouse (1)
Relief from Anxiety (1)
Therapy (1)
Counseling for Depression (3)
How to Deal with Anxiety (1)
Fresno PTSD Therapy (4)
Trauma (5)
PPD (1)
Depression Myths (1)
EMDR Therapy (1)
Couples Communication (2)
Relationship Counselor (2)
Pandemic Struggles (1)
Distressing Thoughts and Emotions (1)
Anxious (1)
Fresno Anxiety Counseling (3)
Fresno Couples Therapist (6)
Fresno Depression Therapy (4)
Corona Virus Anxiety (1)
Thinking Positively (1)
Racing Mind (1)
Frantic Thoughts (1)
Anxiety in Kids (1)
Fresno Family Therapist (6)
CBT Therapy (2)
MBCT (1)
Relieving Your Anxiety (1)
Anxiety and PTSD (1)
Group Therapy (1)
PTSD Symptoms (1)
Self-care (1)
Panic (3)
PTSD Fresno Therapist (1)
therapy for anxiety (1)
Depression Questions (1)
Talk Therapy (1)
Postpartum Depression (2)
Relationship Therapy (2)
Teen Depression (1)
Substance Abuse (1)
Health and Counseling (1)
CBT in Fresno (1)
About Anxiety (1)
What is Ecotherapy (1)
Anxiety Counseling (20)
Successful Relationships (1)
CBT (27)
Game Playing (1)
Life Changes (1)
Fresno Couples Therapy (1)
Dealing with Anxiety (1)
Move Forward (1)
Fresno Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (1)
Suicidal Teen (1)
New Moms (1)
Postpartum Depression Relief (1)
Manage Depression (1)
Find a Depression Therapist (1)
Toxic Relationships (1)
CBT Therapist (9)
Prioritizing Mental Health (1)
Treating Anxiety Disorders (1)
Depression Tips (1)
Therapeutic Journaling (1)
Family Therapy Options (1)
Coronavirus Stress (1)
Relationship Advice (1)
Marriage Counseling (3)
Risk of Suicide (1)
relationships (2)
Beat Depression (1)
Poetry (1)
Grounding Skills (1)
Anxiety Disorders (2)
Child Therapy (2)
Communication Classes (1)
Bankruptcy (1)
Red Flags (1)
What is PTSD (2)
Cannabis (1)
Depressive Disorders (1)
Individual Therapy (2)
Fresno Depression Counselor (3)
Adolescent Therapy (1)
Dealing with Loss (3)
Anxiety Help Methods (1)
Art Therapy for Depression (1)
Therapy Help (1)
Relationship Counseling (7)
Fresno Therapy (14)
Combatting Anxiety (1)
Marriage Counselor (1)
Self-Care Tips for Teens (1)
Self-Talk (1)
Anxiety Attack (1)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (28)
Relationship Help (2)
Counseling Fresno (1)
First Responders (1)
Fresno CBT (2)
Depression Therapy (19)
Acute Anxiety (1)
Mental Health (2)
Trauma Therapy (1)
Depression and Anxiety (1)
Pets for Anxiety (1)
A Partner with Anxiety (1)
Fresno Therapist (77)
Fresno Couples Counseling (5)
Pandemic Anxiety (1)
Anxiety Symptoms (2)
Fresno Anxiety Counselor (2)
Fresno Anxiety Therapy (3)
Working Together (1)
Anxiety Tips (12)
Relationship Therapist (2)
Depression Therapist (7)
Your Mind (1)
Coping Mechanism (1)
Anxiety Treatment (1)
PTSD Therapy (20)
Couples Therapy (9)
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (1)
Ecotherapy (1)
anxiety therapy in Fresno (1)
Handling Anxiety (1)
Anxiety Therapist (14)
Change (1)
Depression Healing (1)
Family Therapist (7)
Family Therapy (24)
Antidepressants (1)
Sadness (1)
COVID19 (1)
Anxiety Relief (2)
Benefits of Couples Counseling (1)
Depression Counseling Tips (1)
Holiday Stress (3)
Starting a New Job (1)
Fresno Family Counseling (1)
family stress (1)
Family Communication (2)
new job stress (1)
Trauma and PTSD (1)
Stress Relief (1)
suffering from depression (1)
communication (2)
Self-Quarantining (1)
Grounding Techniques (1)
Holistic (1)
Anxiety (27)
Therapy for Depression (1)
Counseling Help (1)
Depression Cure (1)
Therapy Tips (1)
Addiction Recovery (1)
CBT Teaching Techniques (1)
Teen Anxiety (1)
Supporting Your Partner (1)
Loss of a Child (1)
PTSD Counseling (2)
CBT Treatment (1)
Therapy Treatments (1)
Anxiety Control (1)
Reasons to Seek Counseling (1)
Fresno CBT Therapist (5)
CBT Help (1)
Covid-19 (1)
Families with PTSD (1)
Parent Relationship (1)
Overcoming Anxiety (1)
Adopted Children (1)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (1)
Family Counseling (1)
Addiction (2)
Blended Families (1)
Living with PTSD (1)
Anxiety Therapis (1)
PTSD Help (2)
Fresno Depression Counseling (1)
Grounding (1)
Fresno Counseling (15)
Fresno Family Therapy (7)
Depression Symptoms (1)
Fresno Couples Counselor (4)
Change Thoughts (1)
Battling Anxiety (1)
Anxiety Counselor (5)
Panic Coping Tactics (1)
Narrative Therapy (1)
Relieve Your Anxiety (1)
Feel Better (1)
Alleviating Anxiety (1)
Young Adults and Anxiety (1)
Holiday Season Help (1)
Major Depressive Disorder (1)
Re-building Relationships (1)
Bilateral Stimulation (1)
Alleviate Anxiety (1)
Anxiety Therapy (41)
Stress and Anxiety (1)
Couples Therapist (5)
Family Drama (1)
Therapy and Depression (1)
Fresno PTSD Therapist (5)
Couple Counselor. Fresno Couples Counseling (1)
Family Counselor (1)
Stress (3)
Relationship Anxiety (1)
psychotherapy (2)
Workplace Anxiety (1)
Business Anxiety (1)
Seeking Guidance (1)
Depressed (4)
Depression Counselor (6)
Depression Counseling (23)
Loss (2)
Holiday Depression (1)
Dating Anxiety (2)
EMDR (1)
Anxiety Help (7)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (5)
Couples Counseling (28)
Anxiety in Women (1)
Get Help (2)
post-traumatic stress disorder (3)
Anxiety and Depression Therapy (1)
Have PTSD (1)
Reconcile Relationships (1)
PTSD Therapist (13)
Fresno Anxiety Therapyy (1)
Cognitive Therapy (1)
PTSD (25)
Banishing Anxiety (1)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (3)
Depression Healing Solutions (1)
Anxiety Attacks (1)
PTSD Family Therapy (1)
Hygge (1)
Fresno CBT Therapy (1)
Nice Guy vs. Bad Boy (1)
Child Anxiety Therapy (1)
Addiction Therapy (2)
Body Image Induced Anxiety (1)
Weight Loss (1)
Couples Counselin (1)
Psychoanalysis (1)
Counseling (4)
Anxiety and Dating (1)
Fresno Depression Therapist (2)
Coping with Anxiety (4)
Reduce Anxiety (2)
CBT Counselor (1)
Benefits of Therapy (1)
PTSD and Trauma (2)
Growth and Healing (1)
Anxiety in Children (1)
Narrative Exposure Therapy (1)
Healthy Lifestyle (1)
Serotonin (2)
Fresno Counselor (17)
Minimize Anxiety (1)
Panic Attacks (3)
Couples Counselor (9)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises (1)
Jodi Mitchell Therapist (1)

Tag Cloud

  • Dating Anxiety (2)
  • Living with PTSD (1)
  • CBT Therapy (2)
  • Help Anxiety (1)
  • Couple Counselor. Fresno Couples Counseling (1)
  • Dealing with Loss (3)
  • Relieve Your Anxiety (1)
  • Depression Myths (1)
  • Panic Attacks (3)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises (1)
  • Depression Symptoms (1)
  • Life Changes (1)
  • Depression Counseling Tips (1)
  • Benefits of Couples Counseling (1)
  • Change (1)
  • Ecotherapy (1)
  • Fresno CBT (2)
  • Couples Therapy (9)
  • Anxiety (27)
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (3)
  • Get Help (2)
  • Family Therapy (24)
  • Feel Better (1)
  • Family Counselor (1)
  • Group Therapy (1)
  • Anxiety Treatment (1)
  • Death Of A Child (1)
  • Psychoanalysis (1)
  • Supporting Your Partner (1)
  • Anxiety Help Methods (1)
  • Narrative Therapy (1)
  • Adopted Children (1)
  • Talk Therapy (1)
  • Grounding Techniques (1)
  • PTSD Fresno Therapist (1)
  • EMDR (1)
  • PTSD Help (2)
  • Coronavirus Stress (1)
  • Weight Loss (1)
  • Families with PTSD (1)
  • Grounding Skills (1)
  • CBT Benefits (1)
  • Thinking Positively (1)
  • Self-care (1)
  • Find a Depression Therapist (1)
  • Fresno Therapists (1)
  • A Partner with Anxiety (1)
  • Therapy Tips (1)
  • Fresno Family Therapy (7)
  • First Responders (1)
  • Beat Depression (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Therapyy (1)
  • Depression Therapist (7)
  • psychotherapy (2)
  • Alleviate Anxiety (1)
  • Pets Help Children with Anxiety (1)
  • Therapeutic Journaling (1)
  • Serotonin (2)
  • Combatting Anxiety (1)
  • Family Therapy Options (1)
  • Holiday Depression (1)
  • Dealing with Anxiety (1)
  • Fresno Couples Counselor (4)
  • Fresno Family Therapist (6)
  • Handling Anxiety (1)
  • Minimize Anxiety (1)
  • What is PTSD (2)
  • Fresno Couples Therapy (1)
  • Couples Counselor (9)
  • Fresno Depression Counseling (1)
  • PTSD Therapist (13)
  • Addiction (2)
  • Relationship Advice (1)
  • anxiety therapy in Fresno (1)
  • Work Together (1)
  • Fresno Depression Therapist (2)
  • Mental Health (2)
  • Red Flags (1)
  • Pandemic Anxiety (1)
  • Depressive Disorders (1)
  • Anxiety in Women (1)
  • therapy for anxiety (1)
  • Struggling with Anxiety (1)
  • Child Therapy (2)
  • Relationship Counselor (2)
  • Fresno Depression Counselor (3)
  • Manage Depression (1)
  • Anxious (1)
  • Self-Care Tips for Teens (1)
  • Couples Counselin (1)
  • Child Anxiety Therapy (1)
  • Hygge (1)
  • Cognitive Therapy (1)
  • Coping Mechanism (1)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (28)
  • Postpartum Depression Relief (1)
  • CBT (27)
  • Addiction Therapy (2)
  • Spouse Who Suffers from Anxiety (1)
  • Marriage Counseling (3)
  • Fresno PTSD Therapy (4)
  • Family Counseling (1)
  • Anxiety Attack (1)
  • Panic (3)
  • Have PTSD (1)
  • Anxiety in Kids (1)
  • Panic Coping Tactics (1)
  • PTSD Family Therapy (1)
  • Art Therapy for Depression (1)
  • suffering from depression (1)
  • Covid-19 (1)
  • Therapy Help (1)
  • new job stress (1)
  • CBT in Fresno (1)
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy (1)
  • Trauma (5)
  • Frantic Thoughts (1)
  • Psychology (1)
  • Racing Mind (1)
  • Reduce Anxiety (2)
  • Risk of Suicide (1)
  • Holiday Stress (3)
  • Pandemic Struggles (1)
  • Substance Abuse (1)
  • Relationship Counseling (7)
  • improve your relationship (1)
  • Acute Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety Therapis (1)
  • Fresno Depression Therapy (4)
  • Depression Healing (1)
  • Corona Virus Anxiety (1)
  • Benefits of EMDR (1)
  • Alleviating Anxiety (1)
  • Suicidal Teen (1)
  • Anxiety and Dating (1)
  • Therapy Treatments (1)
  • Fresno Family Counseling (1)
  • Anxiety Counselor (5)
  • Family Help (1)
  • Body Image Induced Anxiety (1)
  • Depression Questions (1)
  • Therapy (1)
  • Trauma Therapist (1)
  • Relief from Anxiety (1)
  • CBT Treatment (1)
  • PTSD (25)
  • relationships (2)
  • Marriage Counselor (1)
  • Poetry (1)
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (3)
  • Fresno Therapy (14)
  • Depression (21)
  • Counseling Fresno (1)
  • Anxiety Struggles (1)
  • Couples Therapist (5)
  • Battling Anxiety (1)
  • Major Depressive Disorder (1)
  • Antidepressants (1)
  • Depression Cure (1)
  • Your Mind (1)
  • Sadness (1)
  • PTSD Counseling (2)
  • Fresno Anxiety Therapy (3)
  • Relationship Therapist (2)
  • Fresno Anxiety Therapist (6)
  • PTSD and Trauma (2)
  • Anxiety in Children (1)
  • Therapy for Depression (1)
  • How to Deal with Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety Disorders (2)
  • Anxiety and PTSD (1)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (5)
  • Trauma Therapy (1)
  • Anxiety Relief (2)
  • Communication Classes (1)
  • PTSD Therapy (20)
  • Couples Communication (2)
  • Fresno PTSD Therapist (5)
  • family stress (1)
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (1)
  • Treating Anxiety Disorders (1)
  • Relationship Anxiety (1)
  • Move Forward (1)
  • Workplace Anxiety (1)
  • Counseling (4)
  • Nice Guy vs. Bad Boy (1)
  • Prioritizing Mental Health (1)
  • Healthy Lifestyle (1)
  • Counseling for Depression (3)
  • Addiction Recovery (1)
  • Family Therapist (7)
  • Cannabis (1)
  • Depressed (4)
  • Blended Families (1)
  • Reconcile Relationships (1)
  • Anxiety Symptoms (2)
  • Individual Therapy (2)
  • Fresno Counseling (15)
  • Coping with Anxiety (4)
  • New Moms (1)
  • Holiday Season Help (1)
  • Loving Your Spouse (1)
  • PTSD Symptoms (1)
  • What is Ecotherapy (1)
  • Anxiety Help (7)
  • Loss (2)
  • Fight Anxiety (1)
  • Holistic (1)
  • CBT Help (1)
  • Teen Depression (1)
  • PPD (1)
  • Family Drama (1)
  • Bilateral Stimulation (1)
  • Fresno Couples Therapist (6)
  • Couples Counseling (28)
  • Anxiety Attacks (1)
  • Starting a New Job (1)
  • Benefits of Therapy (1)
  • Alleviate Anxiety and Depression (1)
  • Depression Tips (1)
  • Re-building Relationships (1)
  • Stress (3)
  • Lifestyle Changes (1)
  • Adjustment Disorders (1)
  • Distressing Thoughts and Emotions (1)
  • Overcoming Anxiety (1)
  • CBT Therapist (9)
  • COVID19 (1)
  • Bankruptcy (1)
  • Therapy and Depression (1)
  • Anxiety Tips (12)
  • Trauma and PTSD (1)
  • MBCT (1)
  • Depression Help (2)
  • communication (2)
  • Business Anxiety (1)
  • Relationship Help (2)
  • Seeking Guidance (1)
  • Reasons to Seek Counseling (1)
  • Stress Relief (1)
  • Fresno Therapist (77)
  • Anxiety Control (1)
  • Loss of a Child (1)
  • Anxiety Counseling (20)
  • Jodi Mitchell Therapist (1)
  • Depression Counseling (23)
  • Depression Counselor (6)
  • Depression Healing Solutions (1)
  • CBT Teaching Techniques (1)
  • Relationship Therapy (2)
  • Relieving Your Anxiety (1)
  • Stress and Anxiety (1)
  • Severe Anxiety (1)
  • Fresno CBT Therapist (5)
  • Banishing Anxiety (1)
  • Fresno CBT Therapy (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Counselor (2)
  • Depression Therapy (19)
  • Counseling Help (1)
  • Game Playing (1)
  • Social Anxiety (1)
  • Parent Relationship (1)
  • Postpartum Depression (2)
  • Pets for Anxiety (1)
  • Anxiety Therapy (41)
  • Adolescent Therapy (1)
  • Depression and Anxiety (1)
  • Toxic Relationships (1)
  • Self-Quarantining (1)
  • Family Communication (2)
  • Fresno Couples Counseling (5)
  • Fresno Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (1)
  • Health and Counseling (1)
  • Successful Relationships (1)
  • Young Adults and Anxiety (1)
  • Change Thoughts (1)
  • EMDR Therapy (1)
  • Growth and Healing (1)
  • Anxiety and Depression Therapy (1)
  • Fresno Counselor (17)
  • Working Together (1)
  • Self-Talk (1)
  • Grounding (1)
  • Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (1)
  • CBT Counselor (1)
  • About Anxiety (1)
  • Fresno Anxiety Counseling (3)
  • Defeating Anxiety (2)
  • Anxiety Therapist (14)
  • Teen Anxiety (1)
 

Archive

2019

  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

2020

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

2021

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr

Family counseling therapy for marriage, families, behavioral, depression & anxiety by a certified therapist serving:

  • Frenso
  • Kingsburg
  • Oakhurst
  • Vialia

Contact

  • (559) 460-0715
  • jodimitchellmft@gmail.com

©2025 Jodi Mitchell. All rights reserved.