Short messages on Positive change from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Continue to ask yourself why something bothers you until you get to the real problem – understand what is really draining your energy and causing you distress so you won’t repeat it.
What would you NOT miss in your life if it magically went away tomorrow? Write down every single thing without guilt. What bothers you about each thing specifically?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aims to stop negative cycles by breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller parts and showing you how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that helps you to understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviour and helps you to think about things differently. You work with a therapist to find ways to change the way you think and behave.
Think of why you’re friends with your best friend: is it how they look, or because they are kind/funny/loyal/clever? This is what people are valued for.
The things that drain your energy, cause you distress, or add extra work without extra benefit are holding you back from identifying your dreams and making them real.
You can achieve body confidence by having a realistic and positive body image. You can read our previous messages on body image in our Body Image category.
Change the way you speak so you focus on “who” you are, not “what” you are – that helps others too. Focus on positives.
If you define yourself by what others think of you, you’ll never keep up. “Who I am” has to come from within.
“Drama usually comes from my reaction to other people’s actions. I stop to think: Does this really matter in the long run, or am I just trying to be right?” – Anita Grimm-Hohl