Depression often operates as a self-reinforcing cycle. A stressor triggers negative thoughts, which produce painful emotions, which lead to physical symptoms and behavioral withdrawal—which in turn create new stressors. Research in cognitive-behavioral models of depression (Disner et al., 2021) confirms that each component feeds back into the others, keeping the cycle going. By mapping your own cycle, you can identify specific points where you can intervene to disrupt the pattern and begin recovery.