Dysfunctional Belief Systems

Dysfunctional belief systems are negative thought patterns exhibited by individuals with depression and other related mental health concerns. This was developed by Aaron Beck, an American psychiatrist. Beck specified three dysfunctional belief systems: “I am defective or inadequate”, “All of my experiences result in defeats or failure”, and “The future is hopeless”. For instance, someone suffering from suicidal ideation often feels that he is not good enough and that everything he does is merely mediocre or a letdown. Hence, he has an equally bleak perception of the future.