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