Why are my thoughts so negative?

A flow of sad thoughts through your mind can be frustrating because you can't be sure if depression is making you think negatively, or thinking negatively is making you depressed. A common cold, exhaustion, stress, hunger, sleep deprivation, even allergies can make you depressed, which leads to negative thoughts.
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Why does my brain think so negatively?

Your brain also gets good at seeing things to think negatively about. One of the many byproducts of negative thinking is stress, which then leads to more negative thinking. Here's a suggestion: When negative thoughts come, and they will, don't just ignore them.
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How do I stop having bad thoughts?

This article discusses some of the steps you can take to change your negative thoughts.
  1. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness.
  2. Identify Your Negative Thoughts.
  3. Replace Negative Thoughts.
  4. Avoid Thought Stopping.
  5. Practice Coping With Criticism.
  6. Use a Thought Diary.
  7. Frequently Asked Questions.
  8. A Word From Verywell.
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Is negative thinking a disease?

Negative thinking has many different causes. Intrusive negative thoughts can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or another mental health condition. Negative thinking is also symptomatic of depression ("Negative Thinking and Depression: How One Fuels the Other").
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Are bad thoughts normal?

Everyone has thoughts that are upsetting or strange, and that do not make a lot of sense, from time to time. This is normal. In fact several well-conducted studies have discovered that close to 100% of the general population has intrusive and disturbing thoughts, images or ideas.
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Why are my thoughts so negative?



Why do I get dark thoughts?

The two most common diagnoses associated with intrusive thoughts are anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can also be a symptom of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, or Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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How do I change my negative thoughts to positive?

Your actions will prompt more positive thinking too!
  1. Start a Journal. Acknowledge negative thoughts, don't try to push them away. ...
  2. Always Ask Yourself, “What Would I Say to a Friend?” ...
  3. Say “Stop“ ...
  4. Change Negativity to Neutrality. ...
  5. Create an SOS File of Positive Praise. ...
  6. Breathe. ...
  7. Talk to Somebody. ...
  8. Follow a Healthy Lifestyle.
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Is overthinking a mental illness?

No, overthinking isn't a recognized mental health condition, but it can be a symptom of depression or anxiety. Overthinking is commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), says Duke. GAD is characterized by the tendency to worry excessively about several things.
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What is overthinking a symptom of?

Overthinking can be an early indicator or symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. To stop overthinking, you can try challenging your thoughts, reaching out for support from loved ones, or finding a mental healthcare professional for extra help.
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Can anxiety cause horrible thoughts?

Scary thoughts are thoughts that are by their very nature distressing, and when they occur it can be very difficult to push the thought away. Anxiety commonly causes all types of weird and scary thoughts, because anxiety changes the way that your brain interprets and stores information.
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What is a dark thought?

Your thoughts may have dark or violent themes like hurting yourself or someone else. Often, they're just harmless, repetitive thoughts that you have no intention of acting on. You don't even want them in your head. And they'll pass in time.
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Why am I so scared of my thoughts?

Less commonly, intrusive thoughts are related to an underlying mental health condition, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These thoughts could also be a symptom of another health issue, such as: brain injury. dementia.
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What mental illness has intrusive thoughts?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions).
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What is the best medication for intrusive thoughts?

Other medications that help in controlling intrusive thoughts are:
  • Paroxetine (Pexeva)—prescribed only for adults.
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)—for children above seven years and also for adults.
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)—for children above six years and for adults.
  • Fluvoxamine—for children above eight years and also for adults.
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Do antidepressants help with obsessive thoughts?

Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsions of OCD . Most commonly, antidepressants are tried first. Antidepressants approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat OCD include: Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children 10 years and older.
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Are intrusive thoughts ADHD?

Results show that in comparison to the control group, participants with ADHD experienced significantly higher ratings on all intrusive thoughts scales, and three worrisome thoughts scales. Our results suggest that worrisome intrusive thoughts are an important phenotypical expression of adults with ADHD.
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Are intrusive thoughts OCD?

OCD obsessions are repeated, persistent and unwanted thoughts, urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by performing a compulsive behavior or ritual. These obsessions typically intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.
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What are dark thoughts examples?

Types of Disturbing Thoughts
  • Violent sexual fantasies about family members, animals, strangers, etc.
  • Wishing to do illegal activities or other acts that would get them into trouble.
  • Nightmares or frightening daydreams about fears and phobias, like spiders.
  • Thoughts about death, injury, or kidnappings.
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What are anxiety thoughts like?

Some examples of “anxious” thoughts: “What if I can't do it?” I'm going to die of a heart attack.” “People are going to laugh at me if I mess up during the presentation.”
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Are Overthinkers smart?

Constant rumination could be a sign of intelligence.

A penchant for worrying ― which is a common habit for overthinkers ― is correlated with more verbal intelligence, according to a paper published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
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How do you train your brain to stop overthinking?

Here are six ways to stop overthinking everything:
  1. Notice When You're Stuck in Your Head. Overthinking can become such a habit that you don't even recognize when you're doing it. ...
  2. Keep the Focus on Problem-Solving. ...
  3. Challenge Your Thoughts. ...
  4. Schedule Time for Reflection. ...
  5. Learn Mindfulness Skills. ...
  6. Change the Channel.
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What's the difference between overthinking and anxiety?

"Everyday worries take place in your thoughts, while anxiety often manifests physically in the body," Devore explains. "You might feel faint or lightheaded.
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Can overthinking cause brain damage?

Even among otherwise healthy people, stress can lead to shrinkage in areas of the brain associated with the regulation of emotions, metabolism, and memory.
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Is overthinking a toxic trait?

Overthinking is linked to psychological problems, like depression and anxiety. It's likely that overthinking causes mental health to decline and as your mental health declines, the more likely you are to overthink. It's a vicious downward spiral.
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What is extreme overthinking called?

Are you always waiting for disaster to strike or excessively worried about things such as health, money, family, work, or school? If so, you may have a type of anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD can make daily life feel like a constant state of worry, fear, and dread.
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