If one has got into a negative way of thinking, how does one get out of it?

Answer 1

find anything you can on the subject and read it until you have programmed your mind into a healthier state!!
you can do it, it takes one day at a time!!

Answer 2

By constantly talking back to the negative voice. But don't put the negatives in the sentence - don't say "I will not fail" (As this has fail in it) rather say "I WILL win."

You always have to use positive sentences and positive words, otherwise you will subconsciously get yourself into a negative frame of mind.

It's like when people say "Don't think of a pink elephant" - what's the first thing everyone thinks about? A pink elephant. XD

I can't do this - I can do this.
I'll never get a job - I will get a job.
I'm crap - I'm good.
I'm weak - I'm strong.
I'm scared - I'm brave...etc

Now - write down every single negative thought you are having and counteract them all using only positive words and outcomes. Write down your strengths, or if are struggling to see your strenths ask a friend to point them out for you and then keep them on a list to refer back to. The more you do this, the more you feel better and the more your confidence will improve.

Also - get yourself one of those cheesy "self-esteem" self help books. They sound tacky, but they can really help if you are having a bad day!

I have a copy of Gael Lindenfield's Self-esteem Bible, which I like as it has lots of short positive sentences. But go and have a look in a bookshop or library and pick a self-help book which will help you.

Good luck!

Answer 3

A change of friends would help. Looking at what you DO have rather than what you don't have. Serving others less fortunate
than you.
You know, I used to think just like you, very angry and pessimistic,
and I saw a a therapist (no cost!) and I got to the root of my problem.I looked after others a woman who was very angry who had good reason to be. She had been raped and beaten at 15 and kicked in the head75 times instead of looking after myself and helped her instead and she is better now but I had taken on her anger, and I'm still seeing that therapist.
She was angry because the damage that was done to her left her with two broken disks and she had made a career for herself as a nurse but the pain dint come until she was 34. Suddenly she couldn't move! Its called fibromyalgia. She now has to live on a drug called methadone, and is angry because she has to live a
life in pain and feels like a burden on the state.
Anyway dude good luck. This could have to do with your age.
Things will get better dude okay? TRUST

Answer 4

Its not easy looking for the positive in everything.
Usually having Self confidence and smiling kind of helps get a postive thinking eventually.

Sometimes, negative thinking comes from past experience but history does not always repeat iteself.....therefore, there is always a chance for a postive thing to happen.

Answer 5

It's never simple. But if you practice at a conscious level it eventually can result in thinking more positive. Practice, practice, practice. Read up on rational thinking or cognitive approaches to therapy- David Burns used to have some good books on the subject. I haven't kept up with the current literature.

Answer 6

Read this book "Stop thinking start living" by Richard Carlson"

I always had negative thoughts about everything, even had bad depression, but after reading this book I couldn't think for a week. I recommend that you find it and read it. It will change the way you think. good luck

Answer 7

Try to get help in terms of cognitive behavioural therapy (available on NHS in some areas) it challenges the way you think and established self destructive thiunking patterns

Answer 8

i have been in this situation often i should,the only way i gets out of it is keeping myself busy,you know don't stay lonely.the idle mind they say is the devil's workshop. when ever the thought comes , always Clare it aside by thinking positive.all the best ,i hope you overcome this negative way of thinking soon.

Answer 9

replace negative with positive.
I can't --> I can
I won't be able to --> I will be able to
I don't have enough time --> I do have enough time

Also stop worrying about things and just 'do' them.
Break seemingly impossible tasks into small managable chunks and review and relect on your achievements whenever possible. Keep a diary and keep it up to date!

Hey - and remember the good times!

Answer 10

Cognitive behavioural therapy is one approach.

Try your local library for a copy of 'mind over mood' and see whether you can understand the concept and application on your own. Or, approach your GP and discuss options.

Answer 11

cognitive-behavioral therapy can be helpful with this. i am currently doing this with my counselor, & i seem to be doing fair with it so far. i agree, it is hard to get out of negative thinking--i have a big problem with it, and i am so self-critical that it's not funny.