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.
Pessimistic describes the state of mind of someone who always expects the worst. A pessimistic attitude isn't very hopeful, shows little optimism, and can be a downer for everyone else. To be pessimistic means you believe evil outweighs the good and that bad things are more likely to happen.
Negative thoughts can also occur because of stress. According to WebMD, people who are stressed experience "constant worrying" and "being pessimistic or only seeing the negative side." Other symptoms of stress include racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, poor judgment, insomnia and headaches.
Consider this definition of negativity: “A tendency to be downbeat, disagreeable, and skeptical. It's a pessimistic attitude that always expects the worst. Negative outcomes are bad outcomes like losing a game, getting a disease, suffering an injury, or getting something stolen.”
Many of us unconsciously use negativity as a defence mechanism. It protects us from things not working out. Our minds use negative thoughts so we're not blindsided when we're disappointed. Unfortunately, this anticipated failure or bad luck also prevents us from putting our best foot forward.
Everyone has negative thoughts from time to time, but most children, teens, and adults with ADHD engage in negative thinking more frequently. These thoughts come from other people's mistaken judgments (“Why are you so lazy?”) and from themselves (“I can't do anything right!”).
Use the 3 C's to Shift Negative Thoughts. Using the 3 C's (Change, Commitment and Consistency) can help shift negative thoughts. To change your lifestyle in any way, shape or form you need to commit and be consistent.
Some examples of positive self-talk: 'I can do it. ' 'I'm good enough. ' 'If I want to, I can. ' 'It doesn't matter if I make a mistake.
Over-talking often arises from social anxiety, which creates a troubling feedback loop. The more people talk, the more anxious they become about their social selves, and the more they talk. At that point, over-talking can feel like an uncontrollable habit.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): People with ADHD may talk excessively and interrupt frequently.
There are several reasons why someone might talk excessively. It might be due to nerves, excitement, a desire to connect with others, or simply because he is the only person familiar with a subject at a social gathering. Sometimes, someone takes over the conversation and prevents others from speaking.
Negative self-talk can be the sneaky link that intensifies any depression or anxiety you're having. If you're going through certain mental hardships, the last thing your mind needs is constant criticism. Plus, it can cause you to shrink back from your support systems.
One common version is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been shown effective and safe in treating anxiety disorder and depression.
Negative self-talk that seemingly has no off button can be a less obvious symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). What can happen is a client has a fear that they are a bad person, unworthy of their job, an inadequate parent, etc., and intrusive thoughts about their failings can spin out of control.
Overthinking can be an early indicator or symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. To stop overthinking, you can try challenging your thoughts, reaching out to loved ones for support, or talking to a mental health professional for extra help.
Overthinking causes feelings of anxiety, depression, amongst other negative emotions. Negative thoughts heighten these emotions. For example, if your thoughts about your friend continue, you may start to feel: Physically anxious-heart rate increasing, tightness or chest pain, muscle tension, or light-headedness.
Depressive disorders can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings may make you feel like giving up. It's important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression.