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Challenging Negative Thoughts


15 years ago 0 910 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey Windsy,

I am really glad to see the though records helped you with the situation with your sister. I find that too, that sometimes the thought records really helped me think and put things into perspective. So I am really glad to see you are keeping at it!
15 years ago 0 456 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi windsy,
 
you ask if the nasties leave after  challenging a negative thought. 
YES,  the misery does fade.  There was a time when I would go to work and as soon as the others were not smiling their stress and seriousiness was a negative reflection of my shortcoming... everything seemed to be my fault!!! And then coming home to a difficult daughter and a tired husband; only eroded what was left of my self!!! 
 
I would have to cry to get myself to sleep and forget every negative second.  And by challenging these notions that I am the cause of every problem I have learned to let go.  By challenging the idea that I am a negative influence to others I see myself as more neutral ... I am not responsible for how others face their day; they are grown adults ....
 
But aHHHHHHH the work!  it often felt like I was digging a ramp to get out of a deep dark pit.  The first efforts were just shovels of dirt tossed over my shoulder with no real results to show ... it was a long term task with lots of paper.  THe Forst industry has an award in my name 
15 years ago 0 955 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
windsybarbie,
 
First off, welcome to the boards! While you are here, take the time to read through all the resources available. these are an essential part of the program.
 
When you allow pop-ups on the site, be sure to select that you would always like pop-ups to appear on this site. In addition, make sure that you have selected "on" for your protected mode on your computer. If that does not work, try these links to each statement:
 
 
Hopefully these work for you but please let us know if you are experiencing any other difficulties.
 
CBT is only effective when you do the homework. Worksheets help you track your homework exercises and CBT is a lot of work! As you move through the Depression Program the worksheets will change as you change. Make sure you give yourself time to do the homework properly - you know your depression best so it's really up to you to decide how often you do your homework. Most members move through one session each week. Take your time when you do your homework, there is no rush!

Each session in the Depression Program is based on previous sessions, and if you track your mood with your Mood Tracker (and keep notes in the spaces provided) you'll see much improvement over the coming weeks.

At the beginning of each session we give you a Weekly Review, which allows you to see how far you've progressed. We save your Weekly Review results in your Session Diary, so you will see a collection of results, which are all based on what you write in your worksheets.

CBT is a lot of work but the good news is that if you follow the program it will all come together for you as you start to feel better. It is good to hear that you have found the thought record helpful. As you can see, these tools are useful in a variety of situations and can be used repeatedly whenever the need is there.
 
Keep us posted on how your week goes Windsy, we are here for you.
 
 
Sarah, Health Educator
15 years ago 0 72 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi There Everyone:
 
In section 6 I cannot see the 5 statements for challenging negative thoughts.  I have allowed popups and the link does not move.  Do you have any suggestions....Thanks....Windsy
 
Also I have had problems with thinking in a new way and I bought the depression workbook and there is a chapter that I finally finished on 06/11/04.  I was in the local crisis unit at the time and I was very proud that I was able to work on these distortions.  I have many books on this topic but I have avoided it in the past.  Now I am re visiting this negative thinking and cognitive distortions by doing this CBT program.  It is not so bad after all when I break it down into little facts. 
 
When I do these distortions I have problems thinking if I am having the right attitude or do I really understand what the distortion is about.  I know intellectually, but again, I don't know when it is time to change my way of thinking.
 
By the way a thought record is really helpful for me.  I had a disagreement with my sister again.  I made the mistake of questioning her about restarting smoking.  Her and her husband quit about 1.5 yrs ago and I was very disappointed that she started again.  I was more concerned about her health and the cost etc....
 
However she turned the tables on me again and Blamed me.  She tried to tell me that she started when my employer called to say I was at the ER.  This is untrue, which is usally about her statements, as I asked the school only to say I was there b/c the physical pain was so bad.  Also she was not more stressed b/c I went into ER.  She was rude to me when I called when I was at ER and she would not help me get my car back to my apartment.  My teacher had to bring it back, which I was very embarassed for, that my family could not help me.  I would have helped them right away, b/c in my family it is expected of me, that even someone asking me.  So therefore I am not buying into her statement she started smoking b/c of me.....
 
The thought record allowed me to understand the reason why she lashed out at me.  She felt guilty and needed to blame someone and I was there, a scapegoat.  I did not call the crisis line and vent b/c I thought about it, that I was not to blame for her own actions. I was able to write the thought record today and my depression was a 70 after the confrontation and a 30 after the thought record.  I was afraid to try this technique but I am very glad I did.  Now I am going to think of other negative thinking and think of alternative thoughts. Has this happened to anyone else and I hope everyone has a great weekend.  I Thank everyone for having this site as it has really helped me in my time of need.  I feel a connection to people who really care.....
Windsy

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