How to challenge your negative thoughts

Hearing you @BlueBay .

Very much of what we experience as children affects how we cope later in life. I know that's what happened to me.

Therefore, having spent all those years exercising these unhelpful thinking patterns, it feels it takes extended support to change those thinking patterns.

One thing my psychologist used to always do is not let me use the word 'but'. That way, it trains my brain to allow two things to exist together simultaneously which eliminates the black/white thinking. So instead of saying 'BUT", I had to practice saying 'AND'.

@BlueBay

I'm 50. I've had to come to the realisation that pretty much EVERYTHING in my life has been a condition that was "abused" into me. Personality, behaviours, traits, etc...

To be honest, I really don't know who I am. It's pretty depressing. I hate when people say shit like, "just be positive".

I don't know how this plays out. It's like trying to climb out of glass jar covered in oil. Every time I feel like I'm making progress, my brain says, "I don't think so".

@BlueBay dear! How are you?

hi @tyme

sorry for late reply. i have been having a rest today as i have a horrible headache. it is cold 7deg and very gloomy.

now in my pj's watching some tv.

can't be bothered.

yesterday i saw my counsellor and when i left i thought to myself 'what have we done in therapy today' - my answr to myself was not much!!

all we did was basic chit chat. i think i need more than that; i need things to work on

was thinking of what to cook for dinner as i have lamb mince out. I think a pie with mashed potato. it's that kind of day for some warm food.

how are you?

Hey @BlueBay ,

Thanks for the post.

As for counselling, sometimes it may be the 'chat' or 'talking' that you needed for the session? Or do you feel that you need to 'achieve' something each time?

I hope your headache clears.

I had pork chops with caesar salad and rice today. Your food sounds yum too!

I'm pretty good. Not bad at all. Getting things done - slowly....

@BlueBay I am glad I could help reflect back what you were saying, it really does make sense.

When will you see your psych next?

And I'd love to hear your thoughts on the link I sent!

Always here for you. How are things feeling for you this week? 💕

hi @AuntGlow

sorry i haven't read your link yet.

I am so angry this week, frustrated, emotional, sad, horrible

i hate myself so much

i am jealous with someone (which i should not be jealous as that is a bad thing to be)

hubby home all week - driving me crazy to the point that i am very snappy

i am about to cry, sorry

@tyme @rav3n and others

That's okay @BlueBay!

You're allowed to take your time.

It sounds like your inner critic is very loud today, I wonder why that might be?

Jealousy is a complex emotion, but it's one that can hold a lot of information about what we desire and what we deep down know we are capable of (but might be inhibiting ourselves from exploring). Can you apply that idea to your sense of jealousy at all?

I get that - having someone in your space all the time can be very overstimulating.

It sounds like your body is holding onto a lot right now, it's okay to let yourself cry it out. 💛

@AuntGlow

hubby has just gone out to get petrol for his car

i need to get out of my horrible headspace

i think i am jealous of this person because she has all her children married; she is financially stable and well off; it doesn't matter. i can't do this. i need to go away for a bit and will come back later on.

i am sorry @AuntGlow

i sometimes why i deserve help and support;

i can't start crying because if i do i don't think i can stop

i am thinking i should make a drs appt for tomorrow morning; he has only 1 appt left at 8am.

but then i only saw him on tuesday and he will prob be angry with me for going again.

grrrrrrrr mental health sucks

i am sorry i am not in a good space right now

hi @AuntGlow @tyme and others

so ........ after my very emotional moments I took a nice warm shower and washed my hair.

then i took a medication to help me calm.

had dinner and now resting with a cup of tea

taking another med to help me sleep tonight; i didn't sleep very well last night

my psychiatrist is back from overseas holiday tomorrow. i have the first appt on tuesday at 9.30am. i cannot wait to see her. so much to say.

thanks for the support i really appreciate it xxxxx