We can train ourselves to repress memories, new research suggests. And that may turn out to be useful for people with depression or post traumatic stress disorder, who are troubled by repetitive thoughts.

Meanwhile, choosing when to think over negative emotions or distract yourself from them is a useful skill. People tend to distract themselves from high intensity negative emotions and reappraise less intense ones. But people with depression or anxiety may have difficulty adapting their responses in such a way, scientists believe.

(Pic: breahn on flickr)

Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/mental-health/2011/07/the-benefits-of-distraction-an.html