Negative Self Talk Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Negative Self Talk?

Negative self-talk is an internal dialogue of negative thoughts and beliefs that most people experience on a regular basis. It can range from critical, judgmental thoughts to feelings of unworthiness or hopelessness. Negative self-talk can be detrimental to one’s mental health and sense of well-being, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments. The first step in combatting negative self-talk is becoming aware of it. This means recognizing when it occurs and learning how to identify the thought patterns associated with it. It’s important to understand what triggers your negative beliefs so that you can work towards changing them. Once you understand the cause of your negative thoughts, you will be better prepared to replace them with more positive ones. Once you become aware of these thought patterns, challenge them by asking yourself questions such as Is this really true? or Am I being too hard on myself? These questions help put things into perspective and allow you to look at a situation objectively instead of allowing yourself get caught up in the emotion or negativity surrounding it. Another way to combat negative self-talk is through positive affirmations or mantras. Positive affirmations are statements that focus on affirming one’s worth or capabilities despite any challenges they may face in life. Examples include I am capable of achieving my goals or I am worthy regardless of my mistakes. Repeating these statements regularly can help reframe your thinking and counter any feelings that arise from negative self-talk such as fear or insecurity. Finally, engaging in activities such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, journaling or having supportive conversations with family/friends can also be helpful in managing negative self-talk.