The Sense Of Self And Depression, How Are They Related?

The sense of self and depression are very closely related. The image we have of ourselves is defragmented during these psychological conditions, thus shaping an evident low self-esteem. In addition, the mind does not stop investing time and energy in the concept of the self, further weakening it through constant worry and negative self-talk.

Few clinical realities are as complex as depression. No patient suffers it in the same way. It is a multifactorial, adverse and polyhedral dimension, there is no doubt, but there are common factors that appear in most of the clinical cases, evidencing a well-known enemy. One where our thoughts and the behavior of our mind grow larger and more resistant to this presence.

In this way, something that a work published just a few months ago reveals is that the sense of self is a key component in this type of psychological disorder. It is to the point that the way we perceive, speak and treat ourselves, modifies our brain architecture.

An example has been seen through MRI that people with low self-esteem show a lower degree of gray matter in various brain areas. Furthermore, if we do not improve this aspect of our personality, if we do not work on this psychological strength, depression can become more resistant and last for years. Let’s see more data below.

The sense of self and depression: building the prison of suffering

When a person is depressed they do not live in the same setting as everyone around them. Because depression is, above all else, isolation. It is disconnection from the environment and, in turn, a progressive retreat to that internal universe where you end up being a captive of a body that hurts and a mind that never rests.

This is undoubtedly a first aspect that we must consider: the hyperactivity that certain areas of our brain show and, specifically, those related to our self-awareness, reflection and self-esteem. The sense of self and depression are intimately linked because thought continues to violate our identity, to weaken us with criticism, with memories of yesterday, with mistakes, losses suffered and a wide range of boycotts.

Stress as a prelude to depression and negative self-talk

The University of Calgary in Canada recently published a study carried out by Dr. Dencel Kopala. This work highlights the great erosion generated by negative internal dialogue when shaping a depression. Likewise, it is important to know that this erosion of the sense of self arises especially when we go through periods of high stress.

By not handling these tensions and problems, the mind gets used to feeding a constant pattern of negativity, where little by little it is difficult to maintain self-esteem, optimism or hope in good shape. Almost without realizing it, our ‘I’ will have been completely weakened and, what is more striking, various areas of the brain will also have been altered. 

Low self-esteem and its relationship with gray matter

Dr. Johannes Klakl, from the University of Salzburg, Austria, conducted an interesting study in 2014 to demonstrate something very striking. People with low self-esteem showed a lower level of gray matter. This fact made these patients more vulnerable when it came to depressive disorders.

There was therefore a clear difficulty in managing emotions, in planning and making firmer and more creative decisions when it came to getting out of these states of suffering.

The importance of internal narrative

The sense of self and depression feed off each other. So much so that low self-esteem and a stressful situation can lead to this psychological disorder. But, in turn, depression itself will also cause us to further boycott the sadly fragmented figure of that ‘me’.

On the other hand, from any type of therapy there is one aspect that is always clear: the way we narrate ourselves is key to recovery. In other words, the way we talk, describe ourselves and perceive ourselves favors or weakens our psychological health.

The sense of self deserves dignity and worth; It is therefore vital that we take care of these aspects to strengthen it, to give it moorings and to prevent it from leading to depression.

A healthy (and exciting) connection with what surrounds us

Get out of your interior and connect with the here and now. The idea is to stop being prisoners of that mind that feeds the same thought patterns over and over again. One way to do this is by connecting with what surrounds us, with new stimuli, with other sensations and experiences that bring novelty, emotions and curiosity to a brain that is too focused on anxiety.

The hygiene of a compassionate and non-destructive self-talk

The sense of self and depression are linked because the way we talk to each other weakens self-esteem and, from there, the abyss of that black hole opens. We must therefore learn to speak to each other in a respectful way. Self-talk should always be flawless, compassionate, and resilient.

If we don’t treat ourselves as we deserve, no one will. Self-esteem and healthy self-esteem are arguably the most valuable defenses in preventing most mood disorders. Let’s work on it and never hesitate to ask for professional help when we need it.