HOPING FOR THE BEST, BUT EXPECTING THE WORST: STRATEGY TO NAVIGATE DEPRESSION.

Depression is a pervasive mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. While traditional therapeutic approaches often emphasize optimism and positive thinking, this article explores the paradoxical strategy of "hoping for the best but expecting the worst" as potential coping mechanism for managing depression. Drawing on recent psychological research and theories, this paper argues that this dual approach can help individuals navigate their symptoms more effectively by fostering realistic expectations and enhancing emotional resilience. The findings suggest that this strategy could serve as a valuable addition to existing treatment paradigms for depression.