Untrue thinking

How do you convince yourself that things you are thinking are not true? Even when you know that the things you are thinking are untrue.

You might consider looking into cognitive behavioral therapy. I've found it quite helpful. There is an article here on the site about it but for the life of me, I cannot find it just now. Sorry! Tons of info on CBT on google, though. Maybe worth looking into.

The check the facts dbt skill.

It’s just as it sounds. You check facts

I don't know the emotion for "checking the facts." I'm just really confused.

I don't know what will work best for you, but personally I sometimes get caught up in a cycle of ruminating thoughts and cannot seem to convince myself not to believe those things despite knowing they are likely untrue. In those cases being mindful of the fact that my thoughts are off and not trying to engage, but maybe choosing to let those thoughts be and distract myself temporarily with something else can sometimes help. It's not a long term solution, but can prevent me from going down a rabbit hole I can't think my way out of. As others mentioned there are therapies that might be useful, so maybe this is a good topic for therapy? When I tried CBT we discussed my cognitive distortions like catastrophizing. While it wasn't that helpful at the time, I do sometimes remind myself of those distortions when worrying about something and it helps me remember I cannot trust everything I think.

Hi MM, I am sorry you are having a very challenging time.

Very good suggestions were made in posts above.

I do understand that you report becoming too confused to think about which strategy to employ.

Are you able to check-in with your husband and/or your son in order to help you re-orient yourself as you become more grounded in reality?

I am hoping they can be Present enough to assist you in also becoming Present in the Present Moment. I hope you can pursue this without delay.

Please do keep reaching out here.

Well start with writing a list of the things you question.

Is the sky blue ? Look outside ? it’s blue.. REAL, go sit outside in the sun. Feel the warmth.

Am I awake ? Pinch yourself , yup I’m awake . REAL

Does my H and son love me ? Ask them. REAL

Am I safe ? Ok doors are locked, my ESA would alert me if something was going on. REAL

Am I real ? Eat something , chew , taste your food , swallow. REAL

Can I pull out my coloring ? Can I color on the pages ? REAL.

Am I posting on PC??? Yes , people are responding. It’s in black and white.

This list could go on forever. But I know you can grasp the concept.

YOU and only you needs to take control of your life no matter how small you have made it.

It’s best to strip down and legit go back to absolute basics.

Do I exist ? Take a deep breath, touch a wall, take a shower, brush your teeth, make a meal, sit down and eat, clean up dishes, brush your Dog. Rearrange your food cupboards, dust , vaccumn, clean the bathroom. Check your pulse for 5 mines, count how many breaths you take in 5 minutes.

You need to physically get up and touch as many things as you can. Keep touching until you realize that indeed things are real , reachable, touchable.

^^^ Excellent, Christina.

Christina offered some amazing suggestions. I think physical validation of your thoughts is an excellent way to prove something real or unreal.

Assuming you are dealing with thoughts that aren't physically proven I think it would still be a good idea to write them down. Make a list of the proof you have to support each claim as well as the proof you have to deny it.

Example:
'H doesn't want me around'.
Evidence this is true - my thoughts tell me this is true. I think he is lying

Evidence this is false - H comes home to me every day even though he could freely go. H tells me he wants to be with me. H spends time with me when he could be alone. H cares about my therapy and wellbeing. H takes me places with him when he leaves instead of leaving me alone. Etc.

I think in most cases it will be clear your supporting evidence comes from your thoughts and you already know those are corrupted. You will see the evidence against your thoughts is based on real actions of people. True, it is possible people could be lying to you, but in the case above you have years of repeated action as evidence to deny your thoughts as well. Logically the thoughts fail the burden of proof test.

I'd hate to rely on others because they can lie, lying is a big deal to me. I'll make both lists today and check them. Honestly I could go to the hospital and prove my point at the same time but I see p doc Tuesday and it's unlikely that the hospital will keep me because I'm not suicidal. If p doc suggests it I'll go but I trust her enough to help me first.