Working Towards Our Purpose

How to Break Free From Depression: A Self-Compassion Strategy | E71


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Ever wondered how self-compassion could transform your darkest moments? In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, I open up about my recent struggle with depression and explore the importance of self-compassion for mental health. Through personal stories and insights from books like Resilient by Rick Hanson and Undoing Depression by Richard O’Connor, I share effective self-compassion exercises that help counter automatic negative thoughts. Whether you’re seeking ways to overcome depression, improve your emotional wellbeing, or learn practical self-care strategies, this episode provides actionable tools to help you get through harder times. Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about mental health and self-compassion.

FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way


📍 Timestamps:
00:00 - Episode Intro & Check-In
01:45 - Dealing With a Depressive Episode
02:18 - Avoiding Depression & Destigmatizing Discussion
03:24 - Impact of Routine & Negative Spiral
04:11 - Numbing Distractions & Negative Thoughts
04:41 - Books That Helped
05:31 - Realization: Negative Thought Flood & The Power of Reading
06:40 - Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) Explained
07:13 - Examples of Negative Thought Patterns
09:06 - Visualization Tools & Humor to Combat Negativity
09:26 - Shifting to Self Compassion
10:19 - The Value of Treating Yourself Compassionately
11:17 - Building the Habit of Self-Compassion
11:52 - How to Grow Self-Compassion: Repetition & Neuroplasticity
13:07 - Retraining Your Brain: Practice Makes Progress
14:29 - Self-Compassion Exercise Introduction
15:12 - Guided Self-Compassion Journaling Practice
16:51 - Visualizing Self Compassion & Emotional Healing
18:17 - Why This Practice Works: Giving Yourself What You Needed
19:35 - Holding Onto the Feeling of Self Compassion
20:21 - Closing Thoughts

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to accept negative thoughts and depression
Practicing self compassion and emotional wellbeing
Sharing and normalizing depression
Journaling practices that can help you feel better
Self care routines that can help you cope with mental health struggles
Replacing negative self talk with self compassion

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39


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