Tired of Negative Thoughts

[HockeyDad2526]

I have developed a fairly good set of tools to deal with my anxiety. However, sometimes, my internal dialogue is just so negative - I can see risk and bad things in any situation, no matter how trivial - that I feel helpless against the thoughts. There are too many of them and they overwhelm my efforts to use my tools. I know the problem is with my inner world, not external reality, but the negativity remains. Any suggestions for developing a more optimistic mindset?

[Hypsie]

Good morning. Thank you for bringing up the negative talk. I have so much in my life and about myself that I should be able to THINK kinder things about myself. but I don't. I used to be able to keep it in check, but it seems so artificial.

You are obviously self-aware, willing to share & help others, and have worked hard to fight anxiety. These are all great qualities and valuable to people like me. It matters. Thank you

[Hypsie]

Me again...I think the only option is to "fake it."

[mizzou7016]

this sounds way too much like me....I've done some personal research on this topic because it is something I've dealt with daily for the last 26 years...do some research on cognitive distortions and cognitive behavior therapy...that will help....especially hypervigilance

[mizzou7016]

verywellmind.com/cognitive-...

This is a pretty good article on the topic

[Wakeboarder24]

what about giving yourself affirmations. Things like I a good Dad. Everybody likes me. I’m a good person. Most of my worries never come true.

[designguy]

A good thing that can help with negative thoughts and rumination is learning and practicing a simple mindfulness meditation. My version is just sitting in a quiet place and focusing on my breath and let the thoughts flow in and out of my mind like clouds and don't react to them, jest let them flow. If my mind wanders too much bring it back and focus on the breath. It takes time and practice but you will realize that you are not your thoughts and they can just be. It's the struggling and trying to deny them that causes the anxiety and frustration.