The Powerlessness of Positive Thinking

Yeah, you read the title correctly. We anxiety sufferers tend to be negative thinkers. So, why can't we just snap out of it and think positively? Because trying to think or be positive is like putting a bandaid over a gaping wound. It is futile. End of post. Right? Wrong!

Let me give you a little glimpse into my inner monologue.

Walking out the front door. Thinks to herself, "I'm going to have a massive panic attack and die when I'm out."

Uses positive thinking. "I'm going to be calm the whole time I'm out and have a wonderful time."

"Not on my watch, sunshine."

Of course, that was an extreme and fictional example. Anxiety sufferers have what psychologists term unhelpful thoughts. It's an apt name so I'm happy to use it. We also have a distorted sense of reality when we're panicky. We can't just snap out of it but we can change our perception which I think is more helpful and productive than spouting falsehoods.

Consequently, the monologue above would be more like this:

I'm going to have a panic attack and die.

How many times has that happened before?

Never.

So, why do you think it's going to happen today?

I'm extra nervous.

How likely is it that you'll die from a panic attack.

Not very.

Is it realistic to think you will.

No.

You can see where it's heading. Ultimately, the thought that I'm going to have a panic attack and die will be replaced by I'm more nervous than usual today but it's likely that it will pass and I'll have a good time.

The difference between the positive bandaid I gave myself in the first example and the end thought in the second example is that I would actually believe the latter and go on to have a more successful and less anxious time out and about.

My first reaction to any situation is usually negative. The negativity came before the PAD. I can't help it; it's part of my personality. It's not something I can change. What I can change is my reaction to the negativity. Being positive will never be second nature to me but I'm working on always challenging the negative. I hope that the challenging will, in time, become second nature.