Dealing with Negative Thinking Addiction
There are some people who can’t help but think of negative thoughts. These thoughts usually range from feelings of low self-esteem, worthlessness, the inevitability of unfortunate things happening, and hopelessness.
Examples of extreme negative thinking behaviors
There is a close relation between negative thinking and depression. Common symptoms are lethargy and lack of enthusiasm. There’s also the appearance of feeling blue, and the disinterest in things that one was interested in before. Negative thinkers also tend to be withdrawn, feeling that they will fail at every endeavor.
Effects of negative thinking to one’s overall health and relationships
The main problem with negative thinking is that it can be a symptom of, or lead to another disorder. For example, negative thoughts about one’s figure can lead to irregular eating behavior, leading to an eating disorder. Negative thoughts can also be cases of depression and bipolar disorder. Negative thinking also causes people to be more isolated and defensive, as they think that everything is their fault, and that they are not good for anything. The worst case scenario is when these negative thoughts induce one to acts of harming one’s self, either through self-mutilation or suicide.
Dealing with having addiction to negative thinking
First, one has to talk about the situation with friends and family. As most negative thoughts are blown out of proportion, affirmation and support from friends and family greatly help. Another thing one should do is consult a medical professional for a diagnosis of any possible mental disorder. Once diagnosed, the proper treatment can be obtained.
Becoming aware of your thoughts as a first step to recovery
But you yourself can do a lot to abate the onset of negative thoughts. Though the process will be slow, it will give dividends later on. Being positive is made easier once your negative thoughts have been given a reality check by friends and family. Always keep an optimistic view, and put a good spin on negative thoughts that one may encounter.
Addiction to negative thinking can be treated in various ways
As with most addictions, the first step starts with thinking that one is not powerless against it. One can also get the support of friends and family to get one through the addiction. Combined with the advice of a medical professional, the addiction can be treated. Through proper communication, therapy, changes in thinking and behavior, the addiction to negative thinking can be stopped.
Photo Credit : reebs‘
RELATED POSTS
Self-mutilation Addiction – How to get over an addiction to self-mutilation.
Exercise Addiction – Getting over an addiction to exercise.
Compulsive House Cleaning – Getting over your obsessive compulsive house cleaning addiction.
Pornography Addiction – Help a friend through an addiction to pornography.
Spouse’s Sex Addiction – Dealing with a spouse who has a sex addiction.
RELATED SITES’ POSTS
Release Negative Thinking – About releasing negative thinking to attract healthy relationships
Psychotherapy Treatment – Psychotherapy and beating negative thinking habits
Spiritual Self-Confidence – How spiritual self-confidence can boost your positivity
Deliberate Creation – How to make things happen for yourself
August 4th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I agree with everything you have stated in this post. I am in the ministry and I have to deal with all kinds of addictions. Of course you did not list prayer or dependency in God and I think these factors are very important to recovery. It takes the focus off of one’s self and places it in a much higher power who is able to take the addiction if the person is willing to adhere to your advice as well. Good post! I have not thought of the other addictions that you have talked about as addictions, but I can see how anything can be addictive if we allow it access to our minds.
Friends 4 Life!