How to Challenge Negative Thoughts

Anxiety can be a healthy emotion as it can force us to address our problems and find ways to solve them. But sometimes anxiety grows out of control and the opposite occurs; it cripples our ability to solve problems and we spiral 🌀When this happens, irrational thoughts often take over our mind.

To challenge negative thoughts, we need to practice catching our irrational thoughts, question them, and replace them with rational alternatives. With ongoing practice, this will become a natural process that can help you manage anxiety.

Use these questions below to challenge your negative thoughts:

Am I concentrating on my weakness and forgetting my strengths?

Am I jumping to negative conclusions?

Am I expecting myself to be perfect?

Am I blaming myself for something that isn’t really my fault?

Is this thought helpful or harmful?

Am I assuming I can’t change my situation?

Am I taking this personally even though it’s not about me?

What would I say to a friend who is in this situation?