subject: What Depression Does To Your Performance [print this page] It's very tough for someone to perform at his or her best when depressed. Many specialists, however, differ on the motive that depression occurs. Is it a low level of serotonin? A difficult upbringing? A tragic life event? All of the above? Truly, from my point of view, none of those factors can cause a long- or perhaps short-term drop in ones state of mind. There might well be a correlation between these factors and depression, however there's not a cause-and-effect relationship between them.
As an illustration, my colleague, Dr. George Pransky, uses the following model: When it rains heavily, there's a good probability that umbrella usage can increase, and, at the same time, a smart chance that storm drains can overflow. Yet, nobody would insist that the reason storm drains overflow is as a result of people are using umbrellas, or vice versa.
The link between depression and the above factors works in the similar way. Often, a person who has experienced a tragedy can become depressed and commonly their level of serotonin will drop. A dreadful event, though, cannot cause depression or a lack of serotonin. Solely ones feelings about the tragedy have the ability to do this. Simply similar to rain is the cause of umbrella usage and storm drain overflow, thought is that the absent link between serotonin and moods. If human beings did not consciously assume, they (like other animals) would not be suffering from variable levels of serotonin and that they may not expertise prolonged low moods.
Why is the understanding that our thoughts create our lows so significant? Rather simply, it represents the difference between growing from our life situations or becoming a victim of them. The same exact tragedy will befall two people: One moves through it- unhappy however elegant. The opposite struggles-miserable and puzzled. The difference: the previous understands the principle of thought; the latter will not. In other words, the degree to which we prevail has nothing to do with our biological makeup or life history; it depends solely on whether or not we realize that our thoughts-not our life events-create our perceptions and outlook.
Simply because you think it, doesnt signify its true.
Remember, too, that this understanding does not mean that you have the flexibility to regulate your thoughts. It means that that your thoughts, irrespective of their content, have no authority to control you. If a
coach loses a massive game, for example, and thinks that his job would possibly be on the line, odds are that a low mood will follow. But, this doesn't mean that his thoughts are valid and need attention. He should not right away walk into the athletic directors office and explain why the loss occurred, or lay out all the reasons why he should maintain his job.
Yes, a drop in mood and a drop in serotonin are most most likely connected- however determining what creates the drop is the sole answer to having the ability to feel better and perform much effectively. The primary order of business is to acknowledge that the events of the globe outside have nothing to do with it, and thus, an external fix (as well as a mental technique, a drink, or venting) will solely sink you deeper in the mud of depression.
Garret Kramer is the founder and managing partner of Inner Sports, LLC. His revolutionary approach to performance has transformed the way players, coaches, professional teams, and even parents view the athletic and life journey.
