Stress Center Peer Support

Hey guys, I just got a new CBT book yestaurday and I jumped right into it today and there was something i wanted to share with you guys that just amazed me.

I was reading through on how to replace thoughts on paper and it had mention that when you are thinking of rational responses to the automatic negative thoughts, the aim is not to write out responses that make you feel better...I will repeat that, the aim is not to write out responses that make you feel better. This is something that i've done this whole time for the last 5 years. When i replaced the thoughts i asked myself how can i make myself feel better and i got frustrated when my replacement wasn't able to make me feel better.

Instead of trying to make yourself feel better, the book suggests to make the response expose the lie in the automatic thought in a realistic valid way. That in turn makes you feel better.

So if you are concerned that you won't feel better from doing this, don't worry. You don't even have to think about it! If it helps, make a game out of it.



ie. I had a thought today while on the computer that I'm alone and yet i am in a mental health and addictions center around many people. Before i would have said i'm not alone, i have many friends that i can talk to. Does it sound like this would be really helpful to you? It wouldn't have been to me.Instead I responded with, This is complete BS, I am around many people where i'm at right now and many of them are people in which i consider friends.

It's the same but its diffrent and it feels so much better.

Thought you guys could benefit from this too,

Mike aka Ninjafrodo

Thanks so much for that Mike! That was eye opening. That a more take-charge approach to negative thinking and scary thoughts too.

Hey Mike,

Thank you for taking the time to share your insight. I think this will really help. It's interesting that such a simple/small shift in perspective can change so much. I can see how this will really help re-frame the whole negative to positive thought process.

It's alot like the thoughts you shared about food awhile back. If you are an emotional eater, you shouldn't expect to stop cold-turkey, but allow yourself some comfort via food because it's what you need. (I'm sure I butchered your original concept) Anyhow, I put it into practice (as I understood it) and it has really helped. I allowed the food cravings to satisfy my emotional need for comfort while I worked on the negative thoughts behind the cravings. And I'm happy to report that I'm not eating based on my emotions so much anymore. I still have days...you know!

So thank you for continuing to share what you discover. Your insight is very helpful to others.

Thanks Again!

Your welcome and I'd like to say that first off, I have typed out so many posts that i forget alot of them but It is amazing that you were able to get more control over your cravings, food plays such an important role in our health as it is the building blocks to every cell in our body.

I still have some craving type days too but it happens.

Mike aka Ninjafrodo

Yes, exposing the distorted thought lies and replacing with believable realistic valid thoughts is absolutely the key. No doubt about it. If it's believable and it makes sense to our brains it will make all the difference in the world. A lot of our negative thoughts have been out right lies we have told ourselves, and by exposing them to ourselves and replacing them with a realistic truer view we make a huge difference in how we feel. It's such a simple change of words that can make a very big difference.

Right!

Very true!
That was something that tripped me up a LOT through this program; I wasn't always able to make myself feel better. I wanted to "fix" it, but that just encouraged me to try and control it more. So, having a more realistic approach is so wise and has helped me tremendously!
Seeing the garbage for what it is and telling yourself that truth, even if you don't buy it at the time, is the way to go! I think the other comforting comments do make their way into our thought process, but not always right away.

I'm glad to have read your post it has strengthened the being inside me and brought me out from under the layers of my own anxieties. As I live my life those habits that I cringe to myself about are in my intention to be changed realistically as well.

As I stop and wait in trust in God although this isn't easy for me because I have a strong force to want to take care of everything I surrender for balance and steady decisions. My goal is not to make poor choices any longer and to take advise and to seek understanding, instruction, and wisdom.