[alishak]

Hello everyone. I was just wondering if anybody has any advice on helping to keep the negative thoughts away about ones self. Its taking ahold of my life, and i have anxiety about going out, even to get help from a professional. its more than just about my body, or looks, but how i feel about myself, and my life as a whole. And i know that i can definatly change those things to help myself but in the meantime, the anxiety stops me from even trying. not to mention the fact that i have ibs, which is triggered by my anxiety alot of the time. So im just in desparate need of some help here.

[Travelinglady]

Hello, alishak, and welcome to Psych Central! You could try writing out a bunch of positive statements and reading them whenever you start thinking negative thoughts. That's a beginning anyway.

[IrisBloom]

Self talk is very powerful. Make a list of things you like about yourself and read it every day. When I find negative thoughts sneaking in, I try to counter it with telling myself not to think that way, then purposely think about something positive.

You do need to see a professional before things get worse. Good luck to you!

[alishak]

Thanks for the replies. Im at the point where i dont think i can even say anything good about myself its terrible. I could but, i would feel like i was lying to myself. And immidiatly say pff yea right. Idk maybe the only thing that would help is a professional at this point.

[dwfieldjr]

You could try saying positive things to yourself before you nod off to sleep at night. If your religious it would be a good time to do it as well.

[glok]

Hello, alishak.

15 Common Cognitive Distortions | Psych Central
Fixing Cognitive Distortions | Psych Central
Challenging Negative Self-Talk | Psych Central
Negative Self Talk: Top 10 Things NOT to Say to Yourself | NLP Discoveries
Speaking Kindly to Ourselves
25 More Statements for Speaking Kindly to Ourselves | Weightless

I wish you well.

[Thunder Bow]

One can't simply turn off negative thoughts like a light bulb. That is one big misconception about mental health issues. Try some of those links above for more insights.

[CloudyDay99]

I agree with Thunder Bow and Glok. Trying to turn off my negative thoughts just made it worse. Learning to speak kindly to myself has been helpful in cutting back on these thoughts.