I am struggling with using the program to address the "what if" thought that is dominating now.
I hope someone can provide some insight and show me what I am not seeing here.
The thought is "What if I never experience true love, acceptance and intimacy with another person?"
I have stared at the 10 questions listed in the first part of the program to challenge negative thoughts. So far in my life I have not had the intimacy I need. I don't know how to challenge it and find a positive belief. "Oh well" doesn't feel good at all. I can't say "oh well" to my need for belonging and acceptance and these are basic human needs after all. It feels like saying "oh well" to food and shelter needs. Not possible. Except for the very very spiritually evolved which I am not.
I know other people find a way to accept it, but I am stuck on it, and have been for years unconsciously. I have not experienced a lot of love and acceptance, few people know me, I often feel like a stranger to people who are related to me even. The question "how bad would it be" conjures up an image of me alone, lonely and disconnected despite my best efforts to have friends and loved ones around me.
Can the CBT tools apply to this? Becuase I am struggling to see how they apply. They probably do, I just don't see it right now. And of course, its upsetting to have this thought in my mind all day each day lately and also upsetting I can't seem to resolve the thought or get away from the feelings it causes. I wonder if anyone has thoughts on this that might help. Thanks.
