• Home
  • About
    • Commenting Guidelines
    • Contact
  • START HERE
    • Blog
    • Archives
  • Self-Help
    • Recovery Stories
  • Recovery Ebook
    • Relationships Ebook

Storied Mind

Recover Life from Depression

portrait magical thinking

Why Talking to Myself Makes Sense

Written by John Folk-Williams

I’ve tried to stop talking to myself, but I haven’t had much luck. I’m referring to the silent internal conversation that accompanies almost every waking moment when my attention is left on its own. I’ve often wondered why the talking has to keep going. Listening with Awareness As part of dealing with depression, I’ve worked a lot with the techniques of cognitive therapy, and I’ve learned some of the methods of mindful awareness. Both help […] Read more »

Depression Therapy - Lonely Talk in a Crowded Room

Depression Therapy: Lonely Talk in a Crowded Room

Written by John Folk-Williams

Therapy for depression usually meant talking about the world I was seeing, the thoughts I had, the pain I felt, the judgments about me I projected onto others – all me, all the time. Once, I was talking to a therapist in that way when I sensed a crowd of people filling the room. The new arrivals were not trying to interrupt but were simply listening – at least I thought they were. It was […] Read more »

Detail of Mixed Media Painting by Choichun Leung

When Words of Depression Block My Mind

Written by John Folk-Williams

The words I hear when I’m depressed are limited, negative and decidedly lacking in color, but they can all too easily block my mind and feelings. I’m stuck on “I can’t” when I want to do something important to me. I’m either in a trance of inaction or caught in fear. Either way, I can’t think around the words of depression to get in touch with the inner energy I need to move. Of course, […] Read more »

Sign Up for the Email Edition

Get updates and blog posts by email.

Recovery Ebook Available

A Mind for Life: From Depression to Living Well


Recovery from Depression Ebook

The inner work of getting your life back from depression.


LEARN MORE or


Buy Now Button


Relationships Ebook

Surviving Depression Together


Surviving Depression Together

"John, this is a ... much needed resource. Thanks for writing it!"

- Therese Borchard, author of Beyond Blue


Click here to learn more...

Relationships in Crisis

One of the hardest challenges of living with depression is holding onto close relationships. This section features posts on how partners can work together to keep their relationship alive.
Read More.

Living Depressed

What's it like living with depression day in, day out? The illness affects emotions, mental abilities, self-concept, behavior, relationships and the entire body. These core posts bring to life the personal experience of living with the varied impacts of depression. Read More.

Choices in Healing

Everyone with depression wants nothing more than to get better, but that strong desire provides only a motive for recovery, not a method for getting there. This section has posts about therapies and healing methods you can work with either on your own or with professional guidance. Read more.

Living Well

If you can get depression symptoms under control, you may still feel the need for something more. You likely want to have a fulfilling life rather than one dominated by fear that the illness might return. In this section, you'll find posts about how to work toward that goal.
Read More

About the Author

John started blogging about his lifelong experience with depression in 2007 at Storied Mind. Psych Central has twice chosen the site as a Top Ten depression blog, and Blogs.com has also recognized it as one of the top ten. In addition to Storied Mind, John blogs at MentalHelp.Net and the My Depression Connection community at Health Central. Read more »

Terms of Use

DISCLAIMER: None of the content on this site should be interpreted as medical or therapeutic advice about the treatment of depression or any mental illness. If you feel you need help, you should seek treatment from qualified professionals.

AFFILIATES: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Privacy and Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Copyright © 2020 Storied Mind