Support Group

[Laurel Crowned]

This week in group we learned that the average person has around 300 negative thoughts a day. Things like, "this job sucks," "I hate my boss," "I look fat in this dress," "That person who cut me off is SOOO stupid" and a whole bunch of other negative thoughts. We also direct these thoughts to ourselves.

When I think about all the negative stuff that I think and dwell on... no wonder I used to get depressed and stay there. The whole notion of affirmations is not new.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.​

God has been telling us to think affirmatively for ages. Leave it to psychologist to try to take credit for a God-directive. Actually, I like to think that this therapy is reinforcing what I believe as a christian.

Pick something lovely about yourself, your life, or the life you eventually hope to have. For me? I'd have to say that I'm pursuing peace. Something right?? I am likeable and loved. Something true? I am doing my very best. Something excellent? Ok...you get the point.

Start your morning out with those thoughts instead of the thoughts that tell you that you don't feel like getting up... you don't feel like going to work... you hate you job.... you hate your life... blah blah blah. Anybody can think in the negative. It's human nature. Affirming the good/true/pure/lovely/ excellent/praiseworthy things in your life??? Why, not only does that require a focus on God... but many times it requires the help of his Holy Spirit.

Today I did my very best.

 

[Johanna73]

I think everyone thinks like that, I hate this, I hate that... So yes your point is very well taken... So do the best you can, and think about the good thing's...

I like reading your threads...

Johanna

 

[Laurel Crowned]

I think everyone thinks like that, I hate this, I hate that... So yes your point is very well taken... So do the best you can, and think about the good thing's...

I like reading your threads...

Johanna

Thanks Johanna!

Long time no hear. I haven't posted hear in a while. How are things going with your depression?

LC

 

[Johanna73]

Things are going good, I am in a calm right now... How are you doing? How are things going for you?

Johanna

 

[Laurel Crowned]

Things are going good, I am in a calm right now... How are you doing? How are things going for you?

Johanna

Hey Johanna,

Things have been really stressful for me... but I think I'm handling the stress well. Part of this I owe to my new medication. That Lamictal is working very well for me. No more side-effects and I see the difference between how I feel now and how I've felt these last few years on the Paxil. I also credit the strategies I've learned in my group. I think I have done an overload on the strategies though. It's more information than I can process.... so for a while I'm going to stop attending the group, but I see me picking it up again during the Holidays if they meet. Mostly, I'm just thanking God for putting both of these resources in my life. My life still has a lot of drama in it... but I feel much more capable of handling it.

PM me if you want to chat or need prayer. I don't think I'll post in this thread until I start going to the group again.

Peace,
LC

 

[Laurel Crowned]

I kept saying I was going to update this thread... but with school back in session I've been maxed out for time... SO, a very dear friend decided to surprise me by making a website where people could access the pages I've felt were really beneficial for me from my group.

http://members.dodo.net.au/~garethstewart/


Check it out. It has information on dealing with negative thoughts, relaxation techniques, and strategies for bringing joy back into your life when you are dealing with depression. I promise that none of this stuff is new-agey or contradicts scripture in any way. Let me know if this stuff is helpful.

Peace,
LC

A friend here wanted to know about this RSR stuff and the webpage that GarethS made for me. K, I hope it helps to revive this thread. In order for these strategies to work there needs to be accountability. PM me once you've had a chance to read some of this stuff over.

Peace,
LC