Negative thinking can be overwhelming and is sometimes a direct result of depression. The negative thoughts come in all forms and can greatly distress and impact a person’s worthiness, self-esteem and pleasure in life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that targets identifying negative thinking to rational reason can be very effective. I work with a cognitive behavioral therapist and it has been a game changer with my episodes of anxiety and depression. To reduce or eliminate irrational thoughts, keeping busy and having a daily structure is helpful.
There are other ways to help offset negative thinking. One is to have a gratitude practice. Spending a few minutes everyday and thinking about things that you are grateful for can help slow down and break the chain of negative thoughts running through your mind. These grateful thoughts can be about anything, no matter how big or small. Sometimes you may be so overwhelmed by the challenges that you face that you have to look for things in your life, to find a starting point. You could be grateful for your morning cup of coffee or tea. You could be grateful for how your dog licks your face everyday or how your cat comes to you for affection.
Take a moment now and think about something you are grateful for. I know I’m grateful for you asking this question and being able to share these ideas with others. I hope it helps!
