Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
In addition to depression or anxiety disorders, CBT can also help with OCD, PTSD, panic, phobias, eating disorders, sleep issues and alcohol misuse.
Try awareness and understanding of others without an emotional response – this feels very different from getting your buttons pushed. Judgments that cause emotional reactions are clues to help you find personal insight.
Sometimes it’s best to avoid tempting situations instead of trying to boost your willpower. Knowing your triggers, both good and bad, should help you avoid those moments where your willpower is challenged.
“We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” – Carlos Castaneda
The light at the end of the tunnel is not an illusion. The tunnel is.
If you get help from someone you trust when you are going through a difficult situation, rather than afterwards, this gives you a chance to change the outcome.
Imagine what an ideal day in your life would look like. Whatever components you visualise, your perfect day can begin to take shape with your actions now.
What would you like to add to your life? What new things interest you? How could you share your gifts with the world? What inspires you about each possibility?
Don’t try to change everything at once. Focus on one thing at a time. Appreciate the space that opens up when you do, and how your overall energy level and outlook changes in response.
Brainstorm at least 3 ways you can change, reduce or eliminate each irritant/root cause in your life. Some things you can do right away, others are first steps toward bigger plans.