When I have been the most depressed one constant was a brutally critical interior conversation. This inner critic was loud and menacing, usually communicating to me that I was worthless and weak, not worthy of love, and that getting out of the depression was unlikely.
Over many years of cognitive and spiritual work I have learned to recognize this critical voice and take my power back. The first step always was to identify the voice. Next was to observe the insanity of the critic’s voice. Only then could I talk back to the voice and begin to find my own voice.
I believe the first step is Acceptance of the voice. Then experiencing it, not running from it. Mindfulness is vital even when the inner critic rages and roars.