Mental Health Awareness -- Tip #1

Shift from Negative Self-Talk to Positive Self-Talk

Do you ever talk to yourself in a mean way?

​This is called negative self-talk. When you speak harshly to yourself, you feel angry, isolated, rejected, hurt.
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​Examples of negative self-talk include: “That was stupid!” “I can never get it right.” “I should have done better.”

Changing negative statements to positive statements shows kindness to yourself. 


When you talk nicely to yourself, you feel better and you handle life with more energy and confidence. 

Here is a technique to change your internal words to positive self-talk:

TIP – When you catch yourself speaking negatively to yourself, pause, write down the negative statement. Re-read the statement. (Would you speak to your friends/coworkers/loved ones with those words? Probably not! Would your friends or family speak to you that way? Not if you have healthy relationships!) Now, re-write the negative statement to a positive statement that is realistic. Let the new, positive statement be the new, improved way you speak to yourself!

Examples of positive self-talk include:
“I am capable of doing this.”
“I will figure this out.”
“I did my best.”
“I will learn from this and improve next time.” “I am lovable.”
“This situation was tough, but it doesn’t define me.”
“I am okay.”
“I am strong.”
​“It is normal to feel sad (worried, angry, confused, hurt, etc.) and I will let myself feel this feeling and then let myself move onto other feelings without getting stuck.”

Can you stop criticizing yourself?
Can you start using this technique?
Can you start being kind to yourself? 

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If you need help with negative self-talk, depression, anxiety, or overall mental health awareness and improvement, contact Bree today for help and support.

Author

Bree Winkler is a licensed professional counselor in Atlanta, GA. Bree specializes in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship issues. Follow Bree on Instagram: www.instagram.com/therapywithbree/ or visit www.PrivateCounselingGA.com for more information.