The saying “fake it till you make it” may seem cliché, but it has some value for mental health professionals. Mental health professionals explain the meaning and effects of behavioral activation and how it can be used in your daily life.
Behavioral Activation
When someone is depressed, they may not be able to engage in activities that used to bring them joy, even if those activities would likely alleviate their depression. A downward spiral results when people feel sad or lonely and seek situations or patterns that confirm their feelings of loneliness and isolation.
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How Does It Work?
Behavioral activation therapies can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition to helping people better understand which activities are likely to produce positive emotions, behavioral activation can also improve mental health by assisting them in identifying which activities have the opposite effect. Healthy mental behavior creates a positive ripple effect that, in turn, encourages participation in those activities in the future.
Is It Identical To “Fake It Till You Make It?”
- It’s like pretending that you’re feeling better by engaging in behavioral activation.
- Intent determines the difference in behavior.
- You may not be able to accomplish the desired outcome if you think of behavioral activation. as “faking” your motivation to do something.
- In other words, energy begets energy.
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How To Implement It
- Keep a close eye on your feelings and actions.
- Decide what positive behaviors you want to achieve.
- Reduce the negative behaviors.
- Activating your behavior is not the same as being busy.
- Combined with other coping strategies, use the technique.
- Mental health professionals may be able to provide holistic treatment in partnership with their medical teams when behavioral activation alone does not reduce symptoms.