Negative thoughts

LegacyUser

I'm not sure how to go about writing this.I don't want to sound self involved.I cant stop feeling sorry for myself.I have seen so much horrible things in the world.I have seen people who have it much worse than me.lepars,drug addicts,homeless alcoholics etc.I'm still such an ass to feel sorry for myself.I have a friend who is a really good guy,he always helps me.I can talk to him but I don't want to keep involving him in my problems.I am quite a paranoid guy and this is what I talk to him about.I only talk to him about this after a few beers,I tell him to tell me to shut up but he encourages me to tell him stuff.I really dont know what to do...I feel I will frive people away with this self involved attitude.Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks

LegacyUser

You could try reading 'The Secret'....worked wonders for me ...

Xiney

Actually, realizing that your negative way of thinking has an undesireable impact on friendships is a very good thing: you've already done half the work of getting well on your own.

However, a counsellor would be what you need to get rid of the negative thoughts altogether. Something like CBT, where you are taught to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones, would likely be of huge benefit to you.

Visit your GP and ask about getting on the waiting list for CBT. Good luck

togster

Hi OP.

This is a subject i can relate to. I have been there. Actually made myself physically ill because of it.

This is my advice and understanding of my mind!

The mind is amazing if used correctly. The majority of people are not in control of it. This leads to constant "noise" often in the form of worry/anxiety and can manifest in a multitude of ways, sometimes in paranoia or "negative thinking".

Firstly there is a way out!!

The key is recognising that your negative thoughts are just thoughts i.e. not real. This may seem a strange concept, but you are not your thoughts! Re-read this sentance and notice how your mind will try to dismiss it as jibberish!

The next step is to become aware of "how" you think and just how often you think. Do you imagine alot? Either positive or negative situations. Of course this is not real either. The past and future DO NOT EXIST!

The next step is to learn how to "let them go".

Recognition is key in order to just let them go.

OP try to focus your attention on the present moment and everything around you. Try not to label or judge the moment.

Watch how your thinking will try to interrupt this awareness.

Simple things like washing your hands can be uselful. Focus on the sensation and be aware of all the thoughts involved. Focus on your senses.
Always try to focus on what you are doing.

learn to recognise thoughts and when they arise, soon you will be able to discriminate between positive and negative thoughts. Soon you will see a patern. You will see how the mind percieves something and attempts to categorsise it as good/bad and then creat a like/dislike or an emotion of sorts.
If you have a pre-dispostion to negativity this will lead to a life of misery.

The ultimate goal is complete control of your thinking. Most people are constantly in a world of future/past or worrying and anticipation.

You are not alone.

For now just "watch" your thoughts. Become aware of just how much you think.

Can you stop thinking? The key is to become aware of the thought and how it arises and progresses. Once you recognise it you can stop it

The problem is not negative thinking, it's the free-wheeling nature of your mind.

Don't allow yourself to project yourself into imaginary situations or futeur and past events. THEY DON'T EXIST!!

Sit with yourself and turn all distractions of. If negative thoughts arise, recognise it as "negative thinking". Say to yourself, "ah thats negative thinking". Sounds crazy but so does paranoia
If worry arises recognise it as "worry" and so on....

If you do find yourself imaginaing or getting paranoid. Take a deep concious breath and look around you. Touch something. Feel the sensation. You are back in reality.
The way out is all around you. It's right here, right now.

One last thing. Don't give up. Your years of pattern thinking will fight for survival. Be strong.

In summary:
recognition ----> awarenes

---

>acknowledgement

---

>
control

---

>freedom + :D:D

LegacyUser

thanks for the replies...some people seem to have a great understanding of the human mind.

togster

Unregistered wrote: »

thanks for the replies...some people seem to have a great understanding of the human mind.

The point is some people have a great understanding of their own minds. It's up to you to try and understand your own.