Discussion Since I was a teenager my brain always picked on the negative side of things

[fkyou]

Since I was a teenager my brain always picked on the negative side of things there could be 10 positive things that make my life good but it will look at those 2 negatives and make itself depressed over it..tell me how can I live when all my brain fixates on is negative emotions I've gone through alot of sadness because of this..how can I live with a brain that doesn't like me being happy..my brain doesn't even let forgive myself for some of the things that happened it always brings it up

 

[trashisland]

im literally the same. I think it's because the negatives hit harder and cause more feelings than the positive, so even if there is a good thing one negative thing can turn that all around and make you feel like shit. I dont know how to deal with it, but I really hope you can change and find more positive things in life even if it seems impossible

 

[Forever Sleep]

I think they say we're wired to pay more attention to the negatives. Makes sense- animals in the wild don't just lose themselves in the sunshine and fresh air- they are constantly alert for predators. And- we are animals at the end of the day.

Do you fully try to explore the things that do worry you? Do you question what you could be doing to mitigate those (potential) problems? That's one thing I've found. My anxiety at night about some things is through the roof. That's partly though because- I'm about to sleep or- should be sleeping. Companies aren't open, people aren't awake to email. There's nothing practical I can do.

I suppose that's the other crucial thing really. Knowing whether we can take action on the things we are worrying about so:

'...grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.'

Certain potential disasters truly are out of our hands but, we might be able to mitigate other things. Or, even prepare for the worst sometimes. If they truly are things we can't control though- worrying truly is pointless. Sometimes I try that on myself. As in- is worrying about this going to help? No? Then try and stop it!

The other thing is the result of our fight or flight response- adrenalin and cortisol released in the body with no end product- if we then neither flee or fight. So- I suppose that's another thing- exercise. We can sometimes use that to try and work out some of that tension. Do you exercise regularly? I don't now and, I'm suffering as a result.

But then- I'm the same in the way. I'm generally worrying about work or, worrying that I don't have work. I suppose I find it easier to relax- now I'm sure I intend to kill myself! No pension required. I suppose it's more resentment for me now- rather than worry. Why should I even be happy to participate in a life like this? Where there are so many things to worry about and juggle?

 

[Jisatsu]

I can have a bunch of good things going for me, but it'll cling to the two negative ones like they're truth and use them to wreck my whole mood. It's like your mind gets addicted to hurt and keeps replaying it just to remind you you're "not allowed" to be okay.

What helped me even a little was realizing those thoughts aren't actually facts. They're trauma echoes. They feel loud and convincing, but they're basically old wounds screaming for attention. And yeah, it's unfair and exhausting to deal with that every day.