How To: Put An End To Negative Self-Talk

2015-08-31 17:28:02 CPCC Blogging Team

Silencing The Toxic Voice In Your Head

We all have that little voice in our head. Oftentimes, it gives us sage advice, but there are some times when self-talk becomes not just problematic, but downright dangerous. If your internal voice has crossed from self-criticism to self-loathing, it is time to silence it! You do not need that kind of toxicity in your life. Here are a few tips for quieting your negative self-talk. 

• Get Perspective: So you just came out of a lunch where you said something you regret. Instead of letting yourself spiral to wide-reaching worries that you just ruined a friendship, take a step back. What is really bothering you? Odds are, you are fixating on a handful of words your friend probably does not even remember!
• Question Yourself: You may hear your voice saying things like “You’re an idiot!” or “You can’t do this!” Call it into question. Are you an idiot, or did you just make a mistake thousands of people—many of whom were very intelligent—have made before? There is a huge difference between saying "I made a mistake" and "I am a mistake".
• Get A Friend Involved: The majority of the time, what was sending you into a shame or self-loathing spiral becomes much less overwhelming if you can just talk about it. Call a friend who you trust and confide the situation causing your self-doubt. Having an outside voice can help as you work to silence your inner enemy.

Taking on your internal voice alone can feel all but impossible, but you do not have to do it alone! To get someone on your side who can help you fight back against your negative self-talk, contact the Community Presbyterian Counseling Center in San Ramon, California. We are experienced at helping people re-enter into a healthy internal dialogue and can join you on your journey to a kinder inner voice!

Mental Health