[rainbow_rose]

i'm generally a negative/pessamistic person so my therapist has been working with me to move in a more positive/optimistic direction.

I'm trying SO hard on working on my thoughts these past few weeks - trying to counter and reframe those negative thoughts but it's mentally exhausting.

It's sad when it's easier to be miserable.

it gets better, right?

[Liam Grey]

Props to you.

It WILL get better.

[crazycanbegood]

As a Negative Nancy, glass might as well be empty, dark storm clouds hovering me type of person before therapy, YES it does get better. It is a slow process and you may not realize the change until friends, family, or T notices. It will happen though! Hang in there. I am still pessimistic, of course, but at least I don't think the world is ending every other day now.

[crazycanbegood]

Oh, another thing I always ask my T to do to help with the overwhelming moments of despair is to "say nice things to me" or leave me pep talks on voicemail. I think the constant repetition finally began to stick in my head with respect to some aspects of me. I mean, if my T thinks I'm pretty cool knowing the horrible crappy stuff about me, then I must be alright, right?

[elliemay]

It does become easier. I've found gratitude is the best way to become positive. I make a list of what I'm grateful for every single today.

[rainbow_rose]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and support!!!

Originally Posted by Liam Grey

Props to you.

It WILL get better.

Thank you, Liam Grey.

Originally Posted by crazycanbegood

As a Negative Nancy, glass might as well be empty, dark storm clouds hovering me type of person before therapy, YES it does get better. It is a slow process and you may not realize the change until friends, family, or T notices. It will happen though! Hang in there. I am still pessimistic, of course, but at least I don't think the world is ending every other day now.

Thanks, crazycanbegood!!!!!

Originally Posted by elliemay

It does become easier. I've found gratitude is the best way to become positive. I make a list of what I'm grateful for every single today.

Thank you, elliemay - I've been doing this for the past three weeks so far - Every day. and I agree that it does help turn those negative thoughts around. It's just been hard to hold on to it these last few days. It's just hard not to wonder if the struggle will continue to be this hard and exhausting.

I can tell you from experience that it DOES get better. It took me a long, long time to get to this place. But it has been worth all the heartache I went through to get here.

I was with some friends last night and one of them commented, "You are not the same person you were 6 months ago. I can't get over the change in you!"

This was a definite confirmation that others can see my progress even when I have doubts.

[elliemay]

Originally Posted by rainbow_rose

Thank you, elliemay - I've been doing this for the past three weeks so far - Every day. and I agree that it does help turn those negative thoughts around. It's just been hard to hold on to it these last few days. It's just hard not to wonder if the struggle will continue to be this hard and exhausting.

It's take discipline to re-train your mind and recognize the good around you. Perhaps you were conditioned to be negative to guard against disappointment, hurt, or pain. Perhaps if you were positive, you were just asking for it you know? Never get your hopes up?

It does take time and energy to turn those thoughts around and the reward is not immediate, whereas the misery is very comfortable.

Also, do not allow yourself a "but". As in "yeah, i had a good time BUT...." The focus is on the good time...

Just like everything else, discipline, practice and commitment are the key to learning.

You will make it. Perhaps you could try right now to be more positive about becoming more positive?

[dismantle.repair]

I think I have that same problem- and I've been told that my sentiments 'drips of my depression.'
What was suggested though, is to look for good in myself and everyone else... It'd be unnatural and uncomfortable at first, but after awhile, you'd get it...
Recently a friend commented on my attempts too! She said, "Crash, you seem so good now. What've you done?"
I just told her I accepted the fact that I was a crazy person :P