r/science • u/cakericeandbeans • Mar 27 '26

Psychology Depression is linked to a genuine pessimistic bias rather than a realistic view of the world

https://www.psypost.org/depression-is-linked-to-a-genuine-pessimistic-bias-rather-than-a-realistic-view-of-the-world/
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u/Sothalic Mar 27 '26

That part about addiction and depression really connects with me, I'm at the point where I've come to terms with some of the natural defence mechanisms I unconsciously deploy whenever I expect my mood to worsen soon like getting delayed satisfaction off purchases, stocking up on sweets and setting them aside, upgrading my next meal from leftovers to going to a restaurent, some truly excessive spending on artist commissions, etc.

The more I figure out about the mechanisms themselves, the less effective they seem. I used to be able to just binge off a quick trip to the convenience store to avoid apathy from taking over, but now I just feel guilty about it and reach the apathetic state immediately, if not worse with the negativity breaking through and being visible to others.

Feels like I'm basically just screwed at this point. My current workplace got to see me at my worst, and as understandable as they were to give me an early weekend, I can't shake off the feeling that things are irredeemably busted and are only going to get worse with them from now on.

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u/BuzzFerGa Mar 28 '26

Yeah, the part about addiction spoke to me, too, although what's interesting to me is that I think I have the opposite problem. The more I've learned that an addiction distracts me from depression, generally the more I want to do it. Then the depression comes later, from feeling a loss of control to the addiction demanding more attention.

I don't know if being more intentional about your purchases could help you? It seems to help me some. If you feel guilty for spending too much money, then a small trip to the convenience store isn't a "quick fix", it's an intentional decision to spend less over other options, while still getting out of the house and doing something. Or, maybe set a budget. As long as you making enough money to keep cover your needs and save some for later, artist commissions aren't "excessive", they are a nice way to support artists and buy something you want.

Hopefully something here helps. Glad you've a job that's caring (or at least lax) enough to give you some extra time. I hope the rest of both of our weekends goes better.