Chances are that your mind drifts back to old, repetitive thoughts that have burned deep grooves in your brain. Research shows that while repeating positive self-statements may benefit people with high self-regard, it can backfire for those lacking confidence, including many Sensitive Strivers.
Negative thinking can have several causes, including personal factors such as undergoing a traumatic experience. That said, scientists are finding evidence that certain mental health disorders play a critical role in the habitual formation of dark or negative thoughts.
How To Reprogram Your Mind (for Positive Thinking)
31 related questions found
Why am I so negative and unhappy?
It's natural to feel more pessimistic when things aren't going so well in our lives. Regular or even constant negative thinking can also be a sign of anxiety, depression, stress or low self-esteem. This sounds a bit strange, but negativity can also be contagious.
Why do I focus on the negative instead of positive?
Our brains have been hardwired through evolution to focus on the negative. Traced back to prehistoric days, primitive man had to be able to register threats to avoid danger and increase survival rates. Individuals who were more attuned to danger (negative stimuli) stayed alive longer and passed on their genes.
Positive interventions through increased positive emotions reduce depression; increase happiness and psychological well-being; and improve quality of life.
Center Founder Richard Davidson shares nine ways to stop being negative, whether it's noticing the good in ourselves and others or noticing our environment and emotions.
Toxic negativity is about someone projecting their inner pain, even though they might strongly deny that. There's no need to walk on eggshells around them, because that means that – at some level – you're taking personal responsibility for their pain and emotions.
The human brain has a natural tendency to give weight to (and remember) negative experiences or interactions more than positive ones—they stand out more. Psychologists refer to this as negativity bias. “Our brains are wired to scout for the bad stuff” and fixate on the threat, says psychologist and author Rick Hanson.
Why does my brain think things I don't want it to?
Intrusive thoughts are often triggered by stress or anxiety. They may also be a short-term problem brought on by biological factors, such as hormone shifts. For example, a woman might experience an uptick in intrusive thoughts after the birth of a child.
Rumination involves repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings and distress and their causes and consequences. The repetitive, negative aspect of rumination can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety and can worsen existing conditions.
Feeling unfulfilled or unhappy can be a normal experience for many at different points in their lives. Factors such as work and family stressors, past traumas and negative self-talk can make it challenging to find joy.
Everyone will experience sadness from time to time in the ups and downs of everyday life. However, a persisting period of sadness could point to a mental illness, including (but not limited to) depression and anxiety. If you have any concerns, please make an appointment to see your GP.
Overthinking is caused due to various reasons like fear, intolerance to uncertainty, trauma, or perfectionism. Overthinking can also be a symptom of already existing mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or depression.
