How on Earth do you think positively when your brain is wired for negativity?

I really, really struggle with this.

I don't know how many times in my life I've tried to reframe my thinking to a more positive mindset, only to eventually slip right back to negativity, often without even realizing it until it's too late and what little progress I made is gone.

I'm so tired of trying over and over again, only for it to never work out. I'm pretty convinced at this point that positive thinking is impossible for me (I know, that's a negative thought, but very much backed by my own experiences).

What on Earth do you do? Can it even be done?

I've been challenged to a week of positive thinking by a family member and have been failing miserably since day one (now on day three with zero progress whatsoever). I genuinely believe the negative thoughts and cannot for the life of me take the positive ones seriously, as I feel they are false hope and unrealistic.

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Dolimyte · 41-45, M

You sound depressed. Have you consulted a mental health professional about your persistent negativity?

BnBSpringer09 · 26-30, F

@Dolimyte I was actually in therapy as a teen and unfortunately had a horrible experience. It's a long story. :(

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Umile · 41-45, F

@Dolimyte good point.

BnBSpringer09 · 26-30, F

@Dolimyte The medications were the worst part for me, they took away all of my energy and made me severely depressed and hopeless, and no one would listen to me about how I felt until it was almost too late. I'm scared to death of psychiatric medication now, to be honest.

Dolimyte · 41-45, M

@BnBSpringer09 unfortunately there is no way for a doctor to know what kind of antidepressants will have a positive effect on you, so the process involves a lot of trial and error. If one class of drug isn't working well for you, they try another. It can be a taxing and lengthy process, but it can yield positive results, it did for me.

There is also no "happy pill" that can fix you. For most people a medication that works is one that improves their mood to some degree and has side effects that they can tolerate.

I'm sorry to hear about your bad reaction to meds, but if you can find the courage I think you should consider trying again with different meds. I know I'm just an internet stranger, but I've been where you are and there is hope.