Is Depression Caused by Underlying Trauma and Negative Core Beliefs?

Depression can be a devastating experience- one that can leave one feeling hopeless, helpless, and without joy. It can be difficult to understand where this feeling is coming from, but the answer may lie in unresolved trauma and negative core beliefs. 

When we experience trauma, our brain is essentially “rewired” to recognize danger and respond with fear more quickly. This can lead to a heightened sense of anxiety, and can also cause us to quickly turn negative experiences into deeply entrenched core beliefs. These core beliefs can be anything from “I am not good enough” to “the world is a dangerous place”, and they can have a profound impact on our mood and outlook. These core beliefs can be further reinforced by our environment and the people around us. If we are surrounded by people who reinforce our negative beliefs, then we may eventually start to believe that our negative thoughts are true. This can lead to a downward spiral, in which we become increasingly pessimistic and hopeless. These feelings can eventually lead to clinical depression. 

It is important to note that unresolved trauma and negative core beliefs are not the only causes of depression. However, they can be powerful factors that contribute to the development of the condition. If you are experiencing depression, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify underlying issues and work with you to develop coping strategies and positive core beliefs. With the right support and treatment, you can learn to manage your depression, and start to live a more fulfilling life.