"Negative Overdrive - Falling Into The Trap"

Have you ever felt like your own mind is plotting against you? Like it's on a mission to drag you down a dark rabbit hole of negativity? The human brain, while an incredible organ, has a knack for turning against us when we least expect it.

Negative thoughts can be like weeds in a garden, quickly overtaking the fertile soil of our minds. They sprout up seemingly out of nowhere, choking out the positive and leaving us feeling overwhelmed and powerless. It's as if our brains have declared war on our well-being.

But why does this happen? Why does our brain seem to have a default setting for negativity? Part of the answer lies in our evolutionary history. Our brains are wired to detect and respond to threats, a survival mechanism honed over millennia. While this served our ancestors well in the wild, in today's world of constant stressors and pressures, it can often backfire.

When we allow ourselves to dwell on negative thoughts, we're essentially digging ourselves into a hole. Each negative thought is like a shovel full of dirt, slowly burying us alive in a pit of despair. And the longer we stay in that hole, the harder it becomes to climb out.

So, what can we do to balance the scales and keep our minds from spiralling out of control? It starts with awareness. Recognising when our thoughts are taking a negative turn is the first step toward reclaiming control. From there, we can employ a variety of techniques to shift our focus and reframe our perspective.

Mindfulness reflection, for example, can help us become more attuned to our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to observe them without judgment. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques can also teach us to challenge and reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with more realistic and constructive alternatives. And engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfilment can help to counterbalance the negative with the positive.

Ultimately, managing our mental health is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. It requires patience, practice, and perseverance. But by taking proactive steps to care for our minds, we can prevent them from turning against us and reclaim control over our lives.

So, the next time you feel like your mind is out to get you, remember that you hold the power to change the narrative. Take a deep breath, gather your tools, and start digging yourself out of that hole. The light at the end of the tunnel may be closer than you think.

Written By Reo-Blu Caré

ACA Registered Counsellor