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How to deal with Negative Thoughts...

Writer's picture: Vanessa BondVanessa Bond

In a previous blog post I wrote about how our thoughts can impact on our feelings and in some cases either lead to or exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression.



The concept of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) refers to the interactions between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.


However, studies have also shown that it is very often not the event or occurrence which affects us, but the way in which we view it. For instance, three people are going out for a picnic and it starts to rain.


The first person thinks...

That is the day ruined, it always rains when I want to go out, I never have any luck.

The second person thinks...

That is disappointing, I was really looking forward to going out for a picnic, never mind!

The third person thinks...

Even though I was looking forward to the picnic, there is a good film I would like to see. We can do that instead and have a stay-at-home picnic, that would make a nice change.

Although this is quite a simple example, the principle can be applied to many situations. Often without recognising our thought patterns we can find ourselves thinking about the worst-case scenario rather than looking for the positive.


Here is an example of replacing a negative thought with a positive, less negative thought.



Over a period, continual negative thinking can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. Working with CBT strategies and techniques, these negative thoughts can be challenged and replaced with more helpful and realistic thoughts.


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