Negative Thinking

[openbook1]

The past few days I have found myself in a real negative rut. Like, almost looking for negativity. I feel like it's cause there is so much negative stuff going on right now.

Is there anyone else that goes through this? What do you do to get yourself out of it? I spoke with my SO earlier about it but that did not help.

 

[1001 others]

I do know what you mean, and with everything going on at the moment it's completely understandable to feel that way.

A friend wears an elastic band around her wrist, and every time she thinks of something in particular, she forces herself to snap it, which hurts, and she is motivated to replace that thought with something else. Hers is for an OCD trait but it might be worth giving it a go?

Edited to add ... sometimes negative thinking comes into play when you feel you have nothing to look forward to (and that's especially the case with lockdowns changing the way we're used to living our lives). Do you feel that way?

If so, plan little things that will bring you enjoyment - they can be as simple as on Wednesday, you're going to look forward to a huge cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and sprinkles on top ... and on Thursday, you're going to surf the 'net, coming up with a new hobby to immerse yourself in ... just little things that would give you excitement and don't rely on others (who might cancel at the last minute or something). Diarise them, so you can see all that you have to look forward to.

 

[openbook1]

I do know what you mean, and with everything going on at the moment it's completely understandable to feel that way.

A friend wears an elastic band around her wrist, and every time she thinks of something in particular, she forces herself to snap it, which hurts, and she is motivated to replace that thought with something else. Hers is for an OCD trait but it might be worth giving it a go?

Edited to add ... sometimes negative thinking comes into play when you feel you have nothing to look forward to (and that's especially the case with lockdowns changing the way we're used to living our lives). Do you feel that way?

If so, plan little things that will bring you enjoyment - they can be as simple as on Wednesday, you're going to look forward to a huge cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and sprinkles on top ... and on Thursday, you're going to surf the 'net, coming up with a new hobby to immerse yourself in ... just little things that would give you excitement and don't rely on others (who might cancel at the last minute or something). Diarise them, so you can see all that you have to look forward to.

That sounds like a form of self-harm?? I hope your friend is okay.

Yes, I think that is definitely it. It really feels like there isn't a lot to look forward to... overall, life is fine and I am lucky but it is quite difficult not having anything good planned.

 

[1001 others]

That sounds like a form of self-harm?? I hope your friend is okay.

Yes, I think that is definitely it. It really feels like there isn't a lot to look forward to... overall, life is fine and I am lucky but it is quite difficult not having anything good planned.

It's something her psychotherapist recommended ... I imagine it's not the recommended advice for everyone, but it certainly makes her not want to think about doing this OCD-related thing after experiencing the feel of the snap (it hurts!).

 

[Kim Mild]

I think it is abnormal and harmful to be too positive all the time.
I think some events are neither positive or negative, they happen no matter how we view them . Having said that, things are a bit crap with covid and Brexit.

I think recognising you feel glum is a start . Maybe avoid social media cos that can bring you down.

 

[whathastheworldcometo]

The past few days I have found myself in a real negative rut. Like, almost looking for negativity. I feel like it's cause there is so much negative stuff going on right now.

Is there anyone else that goes through this? What do you do to get yourself out of it? I spoke with my SO earlier about it but that did not help.

Ir is an issue that I struggle with as well. I am looking forward to getting some ideas here on how to deal with this and am happy to share what I am doing:

I have some quotes scattered around the apartment that help me think about them instead of the negative though.
Writing a gratitude list.
Challenging myself to do something that requires my focus.
Learning something new, most recently about Aromatherapy - peppermint oil brings me back to the present.

 

[Fizzwhizz2020]

The past few days I have found myself in a real negative rut. Like, almost looking for negativity. I feel like it's cause there is so much negative stuff going on right now.

Is there anyone else that goes through this? What do you do to get yourself out of it? I spoke with my SO earlier about it but that did not help.

I know what you mean. I look at my life and look at all the things I have. I don’t compare it to anyone else’s. I realise I need to be thankful for the things that are on my life at the moment and not worry too much about the future as that’s something I have no control of. When you look at all of the small things, the rest falls into place. If you can be positive about little things, it just gets easier to be positive ability everything x

 

[Ohflogoff]

It's something her psychotherapist recommended ... I imagine it's not the recommended advice for everyone, but it certainly makes her not want to think about doing this OCD-related thing after experiencing the feel of the snap (it hurts!).

I think that’s more to stop or interrupt the compulsions.

OP have you ever read/listened to/watched the secret?

 

[Meh]

The past few days I have found myself in a real negative rut. Like, almost looking for negativity. I feel like it's cause there is so much negative stuff going on right now.

Is there anyone else that goes through this? What do you do to get yourself out of it? I spoke with my SO earlier about it but that did not help.

Firstly, what you’re feeling is completely normal and understandable given the current state of affairs. So, without sounding like a member of the Hinch crew, the best thing is to be kind to yourself. I can be prone to being REALLY tough on myself and it doesn’t help.

If you’re feeling like you’re starting to mull over and dwell on negative thoughts and it’s getting you down, is there something you can do to “reset” your focus? It doesn’t need to be anything major; go for a short walk and listen to some upbeat/good music, have a nice bath and/or pamper session, do a wee bit exercise or even put some music on and dance about, do you have a hobby or something you enjoy (arts and crafts, reading, cookjng/baking etc.?) Basically anything that gets you up out your seat, moving and taking your mind to focus on something else. May not be the advice you wanted or needed but please just take care of yourself and know this all will pass.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Try reading the book The Hapiness trap by Russ Harris. There is a regular book and an illustrated version, both are good. It covers ACT Acceptance and commitment therapy and gives you tools to learn how to not fuse with your negative thoughts.

 

[Rippedjeanmaybe]

I know what you mean, I go through phases like this. I had a difficult childhood and sometimes I just go back to this really dark place, I start drinking, I feel so angry at myself and the world too. I just hate myself and everyone else. It’s hard to explain. Yet there are times where I am so positive and so happy, I don’t understand why I go back to this place.