Depression is an illness characterized by intense feelings of sadness, emptiness and loss of energy and engagement with life. Symptoms can include feelings of worthlessness and helplessness, excessive sleeping or lethargy and loss of interest in hobbies, sex and other formerly-enjoyable activities.

Depressive symptoms are often accompanied by rumination, or persistent cycles of distorted, negative thinking that undermines your mental clarity.

The good news is that with practice you can interrupt these cycles. Use these eight questions to assess the reality of your negative thinking and consider alternative possibilities.

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