10-22-2012, 06:49 AM
I have a friend I can tell ANYTHING to. Just venting everything out helps, but the best part is my friend doesn't just passively listen. He asks questions, reframes my responses, and calls me out on my bs. This helps tremendously, and leads to my next point...
Reframing my own negative thinking. Coming to the realizations that A) I am in control of my negative thoughts. I am the one who thinks them. B) If that is the case, then I also have the control to replace them with positive thoughts. It is not easy, but rep;lacing negative thinking with positive thinking changes your entire outlook.
I had a point where I was so depressed I ended up leaving a long, sobbing message on my former therapist's voicemail. I had never felt so low. All of a sudden, I had the stunning realization that my depression had never helped me. I complained about being lonely. About living paycheck to paycheck. Complained about not being "normal." Etc. But I never did anything about it. So I decided to take action. I asked out the guy I was really attracted to. He said no, but I felt good for finally asking.
Video games, TV, and movies always help. Music tends to magnify whatever mood I am feeling.
And finally, volunteering. I mentor a former foster child. I always feel good knowing I am dedicating my time to a worthy cause and being a positive influence in a life sorely lacking positive influences. And people tell me all the time that I am doing such a wonderful thing. That external gratification feels good.
Reframing my own negative thinking. Coming to the realizations that A) I am in control of my negative thoughts. I am the one who thinks them. B) If that is the case, then I also have the control to replace them with positive thoughts. It is not easy, but rep;lacing negative thinking with positive thinking changes your entire outlook.
I had a point where I was so depressed I ended up leaving a long, sobbing message on my former therapist's voicemail. I had never felt so low. All of a sudden, I had the stunning realization that my depression had never helped me. I complained about being lonely. About living paycheck to paycheck. Complained about not being "normal." Etc. But I never did anything about it. So I decided to take action. I asked out the guy I was really attracted to. He said no, but I felt good for finally asking.
Video games, TV, and movies always help. Music tends to magnify whatever mood I am feeling.
And finally, volunteering. I mentor a former foster child. I always feel good knowing I am dedicating my time to a worthy cause and being a positive influence in a life sorely lacking positive influences. And people tell me all the time that I am doing such a wonderful thing. That external gratification feels good.
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