That's one of the peculiar things about bad moods - we often fool ourselves and create misery by telling ourselves things that simply are not true.
David D. BurnsRead
Depression can seem worse than terminal cancer, because most cancer patients feel loved and they have hope and self-esteem.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Depression can be more debilitating than terminal illness due to the lack of love and hope often experienced by those suffering from it.
In this quote, David D. Burns highlights the devastating emotional impact of depression as compared to terminal cancer. While cancer patients often receive love, support, and maintain hope, many individuals struggling with depression can feel isolated and worthless, leading to a profound despair that may overshadow even the most dire physical conditions.
Themes
DepressionMental HealthHopeSupportSelf-Esteem
In practice
Example use cases
During a mental health awareness seminar, you can use this quote to illustrate the severity of depression.
More from David D. Burns
All quotes βMost people do surprisingly poorly when dealing with a relative who is hurting, depressed, or anxious - we get defensive and try to solve the problem rather than finding the truth in what the person is saying.
David D. BurnsRead
Negative thinking patterns can be immensely deceptive and persuasive, and change is rarely easy. But with patience and persistence, I believe that nearly all individuals suffering from depression can improve and experience a sense of joy and self-esteem once again.
David D. BurnsRead
A poor self-image is the magnifying glass that can transform a trivial mistake or an imperfection into an overwhelming symbol of personal defeat.
David D. BurnsRead
I'm all for 'tools,' not 'schools,' of therapy. To me, the schools of therapy compete much like religions, or even cults, all claiming to know the cause and to have the best method for treating people.
David D. BurnsRead
It's very rare to have a patient who isn't absolutely delighted when you say, 'I read your feedback. The session didn't go well. You actually got more upset, and I made about three really horrible errors.' If you do that from the heart and not as a gimmick, boy, it's a wonderful thing.
David D. BurnsRead
Similar quotes
Depression on my left, Loneliness on my right. They don't need to show me thier badges. I know these guys very well.
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I speak of a clinical depression that is the background of your entire life, a background of anguish and anxiety, a sense that nothing goes well, that pleasure is unavailable and all your strategies collapse.
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I went to a doctor and told him I felt normal on acid, that I was a light bulb in a world of moths. That is what the manic state is like.
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People are always selling the idea that people with mental illness are suffering. I think madness can be an escape. If things are not so good, you maybe want to imagine something better.
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No pill can help me deal with the problem of not wanting to take pills; likewise, no amount of psychotherapy alone can prevent my manias and depressions. I need both. It is an odd thing, owing life to pills, one's own quirks and tenacities, and this unique, strange, and ultimately profound relationship called psychotherapy
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I have a feeling I shall go mad. I cannot go on longer in these terrible times. I shan't recover this time. I hear voices and cannot concentrate on my work. I have fought against it but cannot fight any longer.
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