Did you know that most of us are challenged with thoughts that can create negative feelings?

These can be as innocent as, “I turned the wrong way driving … what’s wrong with me,” to as harsh as, “Only bad things happen to me.”

Think about some of the messages you hear in your mind or the things you say to yourself. Do they sound anything like the examples that proceeded?

These are often called “Automatic Negative Thoughts.” They are automatic because we don’t try to bring them up as a response to life. They “just happen.” If you identified some of your own negative thoughts, did you know that you can create positive thoughts that “just happen” as well?

If you think about tasks that you do on a daily basis, you likely do things in a certain order and don’t even think about how or why you do it. Your behaviors have become your habits. If you have observed any sporting events, cooking challenge shows, or professional musicians, you have witnessed individuals who have created “Automatic” responses to challenges and developed something called “muscle memory” to deal with each type of test that comes their way. Your mind can do the same. However, it takes some work.

Think about the negative thought you have. Use the example I gave at the beginning, “Only bad things happen to me…” Using that example, ask yourself, “Is this really true?” It is not likely that only bad things have happened to you in this life. We just celebrated Thanksgiving, a purposeful time to reflect on how much good we have had and do have in our lives, as well as the recognition of all of the bad we have been kept from experiencing (remember, some people are praying to have the very things we complain about…). So, is it true that only bad things happen?

Take a moment to challenge your automatic negative thoughts. Create an affirmation, something positive you tell yourself to challenge the negative. As you do this, you will gain ‘muscle memory’ in your brain. The more you do it, the better you will become at fighting negativity in your mind. Let me promise you this, it is worth the work for the peace of mind you will receive.

If you are a senior adult struggling with anxiety, depression or grief and/or are struggling with coping with daily living, Senior Care can offer help and hope. Contact us at 601-703-4917 for more information or visit www.rushhealthsystems.org/seniorcare.

Spencer Blalock, DHA, LCSW, BCD, is a clinical specialist with Senior Care, a service of Rush Health Systems.