When I was in the deepest depths of my depression, before getting some professional help, I often talked aloud to myself (at home, in the car or walking the dog). Unfortunately, I used the talk to berate, whip or beat myself up. I was quite good at it. By the time I was done, I'd feel lower than a snakes belly.

After getting some help, I learned to really analyze my thoughts when I was going downward into a major tailspin. Initially, I had to sit down and write them out very clearly and challenge my distorted thinking point by point. It was laborious, but I'd bring the thought log to my next therapy appointment and we'd go over it. She coached me through it and it helped. Now, I can do that analysis in my head or talking it aloud as it's happening. I can catch myself before I go down that route of self destruction.