Changing Emotions by Changing Behaviour

In 1996 Neil Jacobson found that, in the treatment of depression, 'adding cognitive techniques to behavioural activation does nothing to improve outcomes at the end of acute treatment and at two-year follow-up' (Gortner, Gollan,Dobson & Jacobson, 1998) quoted in Kanter et al (2010).

What that means is, during periods of depression, just getting help to get moving again, re-engaging with the world step by step, is a highly effective approach and it isn't actually necessary to change your thinking.  That the feelings can follow the behaviour. 


'The shortest, most reliable way to change how you're feeling is to change what you're doing. When you feel bad, don't wait to feel good to do what you love. Start doing what you love. Good feelings will likely follow.'
If I had known this a few years ago it would have saved me a lot of time and effort trying to get my thoughts 'right'.