Know what you mean. I try to ignore the constant stream of mostly negative chatter in my head... or use distraction, mini-meditation, deep breaths, whatever works. But my mind so often seems to want to return to that state of always looking for looming problems or ruminating over the past. I think this is pretty common though, even for non-depressed people. A psychotherapist who has battled clinical depression himself and written several very good books on depression and happiness says that most people's state of mind is one of vague discontent. He says we must constantly battle this, because the more we allow negative thinking to prevail, the more of a reflexive habit it becomes and that it actually strengthens pathways and connections in the brain.

I read another book by a woman psychiatrist who battled depression and she said the pull of depression can almost be like an addiction. Even though it is a state of misery, it is a very familiar one, and our minds like the comfort of familiarity; change is the opposite, it's unknown, it's a lot of work, and so our mind resists. She says we must interrupt the negative thoughts over and over.

They don't disavow the role of medication for some people, but the conscious interruption of negative thoughts to "rewire" the brain is a common theme. I do believe they're on to something, as they both battled clinical depression and have many years experience treating people with depression, and the evidence is now saying that our brains can change from purposeful repeated behavior.

I just wish it wasn't so hard to do, and not so easy to backslide. We all deserve better, and I do think we can get a lot better if we keep fighting.