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According to Psychology Today, 70% of people’s thoughts are negative. Unfortunately, pessimistic thinking cannot only drain a person of their happiness, but it could potentially lead to a variety of mental health disorders, such as anxiety, stress, or depression.

Unfortunately, people often believe the stories they create in their minds and allow fears to build up inside them until they take over every aspect of their personal lives. To take control of your mental health, read the following five ways to stop a downward spiral.

  1. Recognize Your Thought Patterns

Start by recognizing your own thought patterns. To do so, write down the worries and fears you experience throughout the day in a journal, which you should routinely review each night.

It will allow you to observe your negative thoughts, which could help to put your irrational concerns into perspective. It might also be helpful to write down solutions to each problem you fear, which could provide you with greater mental clarity.

  1. Show Yourself Some Kindness

It might be tempting to beat yourself for your negative outlook on life. It is, however, important to remember that everyone will experience negative thoughts, but you shouldn’t allow them to define your life.

Instead, pledge to yourself that you will proactively adopt a glass half full attitude. For example, try to look for a silver lining in a bad situation, which could prevent overwhelming emotions.

  1. Ask for Help When You Need It

There is no shame in admitting you need help. In fact, it takes a great deal of bravery to admit you are struggling to cope with daily life and/or your emotions. For instance, if you are living with an alcohol dependency or an anxiety disorder, The Recovery Village can help you on the road to recovery with a treatment plan to suit your individual needs.

Help is available in numerous forms, which is why you should not be afraid to open up to your loved ones or a medical professional to receive the support and treatment you need to make a full recovery.

  1. Avoid Seclusion

Many people might be tempted to close the door to the world when on a downward spiral. However, you must avoid secluding yourself, as socializing with your friends, family members and colleagues can make you feel loved, valued and supported. As a result, you will feel less alone throughout your life and it could help you to open up to others.

  1. Look to the Future

Rather than spending your days dwelling on past mistakes or traumatic events, you must try to look to the future. Give yourself something positive to look forward to each week, which could lift your mood and provide you with a more positive outlook on life. For example, you could book a vacation day from work, buy tickets to an upcoming concert, or could signup for a course to grow your knowledge and skillset, which might lead to greater career opportunities.