Quote:
Originally Posted by NyxAngel
Someone else on PsychCentral (I've forgotten who  )sent me this article on Mindfullness
I've been working on the first thing mentioned in the article:
1. Witnessing your thoughts.
It’s really important to remember that you are not your thoughts. As the authors write, “You have thoughts, but the thousands of thoughts that pass through your mind are not who you are.” Instead of getting entangled with unhelpful thoughts and believing them wholeheartedly, you can witness them.
The next time your inner critic is roaring, take several deep breaths. Then slowly and repeatedly whisper these words: “I am the witness.” You also can practice this every day. You can whisper or chant the English translation or the Sanskrit words: “Aham sakshi.” You can end with: “I witness.”
Maybe it could be something that might help you.
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I try to do something similar. If you can bear witness to your thoughts, one of the group councillors suggesting recognizing each thought as "pleasant" "unpleasant" or "neutral"
So "I hate myself" - "well, that's unpleasant"
I like to use interesting. "I hate myself" - "well that's interesting, thank you for bringing that to my attention". It seems to take the edge off those emotionally charged thoughts.
Also I like "I intend" statements. My favorite is probably "I intend to feel good".
So "I am useless" - "I intend to feel good"
"Nobody cares about me - "I intend to feel good"
"Life is so difficult" - "I intend to feel good"
Etc.
Takes practice, don't get discouraged. I read that one of the biggest reasons for getting caught up in a depression spiral is not because of our thoughts and feelings, but our judgements and reactions to our thoughts and feelings. I thought that made sense.