Oh can I identify with the five! The “all or nothing,” is drifing moment by moment without any kind of anchor. You just are blown this way and that…a terrible way to live.
While I hadn’t identified these traits as specifically as you, Therese, I can see my own growth in several of them — “discounting the positive” (a major problem), and “all or nothing.” I no longer discount my accomplishments like I used to. My life no longer rises or falls on the opinion of others. It was a gradual process, and I only came to realize how much I’d changed when I tried to discount something I’d done, and it felt dishonest. Then I knew my thinking had really changed.
Loved the visual aids, Therese!

Excellent presentation of 5 forms of distorted thinking. I have struggled with depression for many years; began faith-based counseling two years ago. I would like to read the self-esteem book you referenced.
You are so right though about the time it takes to improve. We might become aware of distorted thinking patterns in 10 days but to undo decades of ingrained thinking will take time. So difficult in a world that expects instant gratification.
I look forward to reading all the archives in Beyond Blue. Thanks so much for sharing your insights.
God bless you!

Thanks so much for the visual aids Therese, though it was a little hard to hear you with them up in front of your face.

Hi Therese…I do all of the above traits you’ve mentioned. I have been unemployed for 6 months now and my ex husband has quit paying child support; I was also denied unemployment. I have no income to speak of. I am on medication…it helps but it is not a cure. I left a domestic violence shelter to stay with a friend…very cramped in a 1 bedroom apartment with my 4 kids! I feel as though I have failed my children…I have tried counseling…can’t seem to find a counselor/psychiatrist that doesn’t want to medicate me. I don’t know that the meds are helping me. I still have anxiety attacks and insomnia. I am emotionally unhealthy at the moment…and I don’t want my children to see me that way. I used to be a strong, independent woman…until the abuse, losing my home, and unemployment. How do I regain the healthy state of mind I once had?

Dear Becca, I can’t imagine what you are enduring. I feel so incapable and incompetent with my lot when I compare to yours. God must really trust you alot to have given you such amazing challenges to overcome. You are still that same strong, independent woman, just taking a little break to regroup and come out swinging even stronger than before. God is polishing you to be a diamond. God Bless You and yours