What about your ANT’s
Automatic Negative Thoughts
You can work to reprocess learned helplessness in our brains by transforming negative thoughts into positive thoughts. Negative experiences form beliefs in our thinking that are either positive or negative and when we experience a new event in similar fashion our automatic thoughts emerge. For some there are overwhelming amounts of negative thoughts that form in their thinking and hinder one’s ability to move forward and experience life to the fullest and or have experiences that are not plagued with anxiety and fear. In general, most people must work harder to think positively due to how messages are processed to us in our lives. Our minds need practice to work on our ability to process thoughts that are good.
Question?
Have you experienced any of the negative thoughts below?
I always fail
Nothing looks good on me
This is not going to work
I should have done
If I change then…
Life stinks
Think back in your week, how many of your thoughts were negative thoughts about yourself? Negative thoughts about the world? Negative thoughts about others? Negative thoughts about the future?
Were those negative thoughts helpful in the moment?
Most times our negative thoughts are not helpful in the moment and they can hinder us from seeing paths to moving forward to solutions. Our thoughts help us to determine how we will Think, Feel, and Behave. If our thinking affects our behavior, then it makes sense to work to change our thinking. This is called the Cognitive Model in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Challenging beliefs is not a simple task and one has to be willing to change, and work collaboratively with a therapist to implement change for yourself.
If you feel that you need help to transform you negative thoughts into positive dialogue working with a therapist to help you with your thinking styles and patterns is a good way to move forward and break the habit of negative thinking.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or take the place of medical advice or take the place of care you receive from your health care professional.
