Four Steps For Overcoming a Negative Mindset

It’s impossible to avoid negative thoughts and emotions altogether. We are all only human, after all. The problem occurs when we give in to our gloomy thoughts. If you allow yourself to be ruled by negative thinking, it could lead to severe medical consequences, including anxiety and depression.

Before mental illness strikes, you must learn how to manage unhealthy pessimistic thoughts. Not dealing with signs and symptoms of depression early on can lead to acute mental illness and instability. The mind is extremely powerful, and if we don’t govern it, our own mind can be our worst enemy. It’s vital to take charge of our mindset to stay mentally healthy.

The question is, of course, how?

Step 1: Remember You’re Not Alone

If you are not in a good headspace, chances are there is someone who has experienced the same feelings as you. You need to know that you are not alone.

You aren’t the first or only person who has had disturbing thoughts of a negative nature. It’s important to know that these thoughts don’t define the person that you are, and many people will be able to relate.

Confiding in someone will be an excellent way of letting it all out. You might ask, “What is he or she going to do about it?”

You’ll be surprised at how much other people in your close circle struggle with their own inner demons. Console yourself by knowing that someone out there will understand your feelings of loneliness, regret, or sadness. Relating to someone who has been in the same situation as you will help you get clarity and feel supported.

Step 2: Identify the Problem

Knowing what it is you are sad, angry, or miserable about is a great way to get a perspective and to clarify your thoughts. Sometimes we can confuse deep feelings of disappointment with sadness or anger. Know what emotion you are feeling and pinpoint the problem.

Perhaps someone said something that triggered an emotion associated with an event that happened months ago. At the moment, you will lash out on the person who said or did something offensive even if it isn’t such a big deal. Make sure you get to the core of your pain and deal with the primary problem.

If you have suffered horrible rejection in the past, future rejections may hurt even more. Deal with your first rejection first. To heal, you need to know and identify the exact problem. Write it down and realize its presence in your life.

Step 3: Take Action

Now that you’ve recognized the problem, you can start taking action to heal from it. Pretending not to hurt or trying to cover up sadness with a smile will have long-lasting and damaging effects on your mental health.

The only permanent way of managing your negative feelings towards something is to face it straight on.

You can achieve this by:

• Not spending too much time indoors, get outside – exercise, socialize, window shop, drive along a scenic route – do anything to get fresh air, see the sunlight, and let the blood flowing.

• Find a more positive mantra to go to when your thoughts attack you. When you entertain negative thoughts, you might end up making it such a big part of your life. You must put it into perspective. Don’t give in to negative thoughts, especially if they aren’t true. Don’t lie to yourself, find a phrase that is more positive, but still feels real to you. For instance, you can battle an ‘I’m a loser’ with ‘I’m a work in progress.’

• Change your crowd even though you might not be a social butterfly. Spending some quality time with people who are energetic and positive can make a world of difference. Feel inspired by others around you. Avoid people who drain your emotions or make you feel worthless. Never underestimate the effect your social circle can have on you.

Step 4: Seek Professional Help

There’s no shame in reaching out for help. If you feel like your mind isn’t strong enough to manage or overcome traumatic events, then it’s advisable to seek professional advice. You will be surprised at what big a difference it can make speaking to a therapist about your problems.

Therapists will help you put everything into perspective, and they will give you tips and advice on how to deal with specific situations.

In the end, it’s only you who can make a difference.  No exterior individual or thing can make you feel at peace. Don’t ignore feelings of depression and negativity and deal with them before they fester and turn into an unfortunate case of blackness.