I had the same troubles, and still do at times. Everything for me is something major, but I am truly learning how to go against those thoughts, and usually I can win now......I have done this program exactly as it says, and nothing about it is easy, it is a struggle for me everyday......but I am learning and I am winning. My son called me last night with news he was moving to Florida, and I felt the BIGGEST anxiety attack every coming on.....Legs shaking......Felt like I was going to pass out......But I talked to my thoughts as if they were standing in front of me, and I won.....THE ATTACK NEVER CAME!!!
I was truly proud of that moment. I am having a tough morning today, but this to I will make it through because I have you guys.......Utilize these forums because WE ALL UNDERSTAND what your going through :) :)
Thanks for sharing your story. One thing about our online community is there are a lot of different threads and posts that offer great information and support. Sorry to hear you are having a hard time with certain anxious thoughts.
You mention the cognitive restructuring, I was wondering if you have tried any exposure work?. Understanding and then challenging a negative thought is one part, but perhaps some work on unlearning your fear may help (see section 4 of the program). You can also try relaxation techniques when facing your fear which won't directly deal with the fear, but lessen some of the anxious feelings that come along with it.
Keep checking in, and I know the members will be able to share their thoughts as well
I am very new to this support group and am also having to challenge anxious thoughts. Most of my thoughts surround my health. If i get a headache, it cannot be a simple headache, it has to be something much more dramatic like a brain tumor or a stroke. I am encouraged to read your posts as it gives me hope that some day I will be 'normal'...I know that the thoughts are ridiculous and to be honest I know what to do...I am well versed in cognitive restructuring..however, I think subconsciously I don't think it will work for me. I try very hard to start thinking the opposite. however, I have to admit, it is quite difficult.
Thanks for posting this....make me feel better that I am not the only one with these kinds of thoughts.
I know that daily I am slowly learning how to push those thoughts out......They are my dragon, and now I see just how powerful they were on my anxiety!! I really do treat them as if they are someone threatening me, and I am slowly learning how to push them out as if they were my worst enemy.......I still have some level of anxiety most all the time, but I see it becoming more managable as I work my way through this program!!!
Not a big goal? I disagree starting to recognize your negative thoughts as inaccurate and actively challenging them is certainly a big goal achieved! This is the first most important step to getting better.
I especially like the way you are challenging them. Sometimes visualizing the negative thoughts as a dragon or other image that suits you and watching them leave in which ever way you see fit can help with the process as well.
Keep it up. You have recently joined and you are already making tons of progress
Well, for a couple of days now I have been talking to my thoughts. Sometimes I even get quiet ugly with them, and it seems to be working :)
When I find myself thinking negative thoughts I just keep telling them "your not real" "your not true" and "you can't win" and it takes my mind off whatever I was thinking of negatively and almost makes me forget where I was in my negative thinking........I have not conquered any of my big goals yet, but I am learning how to retrain my brain to think more positively.........I will not give up on this program, I am hoping this is where I take my life back!!
Just thought I would share, so thanks for letting me share :) :)
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