Thoughts Are Just Thoughts

[Happyness]

The thought process

I can be conscious of my thoughts

I can choose my own thoughts

Any thoughts regarding thoughts

[Happyness]

Even on a bad day

I'm training myself to hold onto something positive

Self esteem

Confidence

Patience

Its so hard

But I have a hope for a good future

[Dwwmills]

Hi Happiness.

Yes, I agree with what you’re saying or at least what I think you’re saying. This is pretty much what cognitive-based therapy is about. Being conscious of your thoughts, examining them, challenging them where necessary and replacing them with more rational thoughts.

It’s an interesting idea that what you think and what you tell yourself, really controls how you feel, not the other way round. When I’m feeling flat, I generally go back and look at my thought processes and see what I can change for the better. Sometimes it has fantastic results and other times I struggle.

I’m not suggesting for a minute that all anxiety and depression is caused solely by how we think. Only that it is a contributing factor that we can have some control over.

Have you looked into cognitive-based therapy? There are some good books and websites that explain cognitive-based therapy. It may give you a structure you can use to help challenge your thoughts.

Good luck

Dean

[submeg]

For me, trying to control your thoughts by challenging them or pushing them away may work in the short-term for some things, but for others, it causes more hardship. I have been through some Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and found their approach of accepting things as they are, letting things come and go and other methods are extremely beneficial.

[blondguy]

Hey Happyness

Your header on your post got my attention....

What an intelligent post! (and also Dean & Submegs advice too!)

Just a compliment for you Happyness...You are so very very close here....really...

* Anxiety 'feelings' are just that....'thoughts' followed by the sometimes dreadful 'symptoms' that go with it...

* Even the word 'Anxiety' is just a tag for 'bad thoughts/feelings'

* "Fighting' or trying to 'arrest' these 'Thoughts'/Symptoms is counter productive and can make the anxiety worse....(Thankyou Submeg...:-)) It only feeds the anxiety....with more adrenaline...and more 'Thoughts'

* 'Calm & True Acceptance' takes practice but does work..Anxiety cant really have an effect on a 'Calm' person

* Dean has also nailed this well too...CBT can help us with 'the way we react and think...' Invaluable advice Dean

* 'Calm and True Acceptance' I read in 1985.....it made no sense at all to start with having the severe anxiety I did....but it did sink in....and worked..with the CBT too Dean

* I will look up Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) And thankyou for the reference big time 🙂

* If any needs my reference on 'Calm & True Acceptance' (Re: Anxiety/Depression) its called 'Self Help for Your Nerves' by Dr Claire Weeks (Psychiatrist) Even with the dated title using the word 'Nerves' it does work...even if just a little

What an Inspirational post...with great comments too 🙂

Happyness....Well Done!

Paul

[Happyness]

I don't have to accept the 'talk'

But I mean the people talking around me

Talk is just talk

But I can choose my responce or thoughts

And I can choose not to take any notice of the 'talk'

And give a measured responce, as regarding my thoughts

My thoughts are my own thoughts

And in the end, the talk isn't my talk

And I can choose my own thoughts

In the end 'talk' is just 'talk'

[blondguy]

Hi Happyness

Thanks for your reply

You are right, you dont have to accept the talk.

Positive and nurturing talk is the talk I welcome

Paul