Disputing Irrational Thoughts
Filed Under (Anxiety) by Cynthia on Jun 18, 2007 9:19 pm
Tagged Under : Anxiety, Mental Health
Okay, so I’m supposed to dispute my irrational thoughts. The books say it, the therapist says it…. I’m sure it’s said more than that. I don’t do it as much as I should. But today I have to. I’m heavily into PMS mode, though the Zoloft and the Agnus Castus are keeping it bearable, still I can feel it. 28 days is tomorrow, so hopefully in a couple of days my emotional stability will be better.
But right now, we just left Sammy in a new home. Hopefully it will work out. Not sure yet. This is a trial. Maybe we shouldn’t do trials but I’m not sure yet and we did really like the family. Their other dog might be a problem.
Anyway, back to this anxiety crap.
I don’t have my book on me so I’m going from memory here.
What is the situation that caused the anxiety?
Leaving Sammy in a home, talking to the people, feeling like an idiot, and having my brain go stupid and not introducing them right (my fault).
Is there any rational support for these thoughts/feelings?
Am I really an idiot? Well, no, I guess I’m not really an idiot. I get stressed when I place a dog. I did introduce them wrong, but everyone makes mistakes and it’s not life threatening or unfixable.
What evidence is there to show that these thoughts/feelings are false?
Well, I handled myself well. I’m afraid we placed him too soon, but they were very nice people and they seem willing to really work with their dogs and give them the care they need. I talked just fine and got my points across as well as I could.
What is the worst thing that could happen?
Sammy could be returned. I doubt he would die. I doubt the family would let the dogs fight. So really the worst would be we would get him back, which isn’t really a bad thing since I love the goof ball already.
Is this thought reality or just a perception?
I believe it’s just a perception. I mean seriously. The world isn’t going to end. I’m not a complete moron. Even though I really am not sure I’m… strong enough, good enough, have enough authority to place these dogs… really I actually am strong enough, good enough, and I do know enough about dogs to have the authority to place dogs in homes. I know dogs, dangit. I can tell people yes or no. I have to protect the dogs. I feel like I am a god over these dogs lives. But someone needs to take care of them in our human world. They are pretty helpless. And so I’ve taken on that responsibility.
Change negative thoughts to positives.
So I’m okay. I can do this. I’m not an idiot or a wreak or useless or stupid. My opinion matters. I can learn things and get better at things. I can assert my opinion. All these things I learned going through CoDA and therapy. I can do this.
So now my next thinking will be that people will think I’m an idiot for blogging about this… 
On this day..
- A Girl's Gathering - 2008
- Lack of Sleep - 2008
- The Body's Burning Out - 2008
Hi,
I think it shows that you love animals so much and you want what is best for them. I was deeply touched by your comments. Don’t be hard on yourself and realize that there is nothing wrong with loving these dear ones. I am very new at blogging and am not sure how to do this really. We’ll see if this gets through to you. When it ask for my email, I am not sure if it is asking for my personal email or the one I have connected with blogging. They are totally different. The one that is personal will send all replies to my junk mail box unless I have it in my safe list. So, maybe, you will get this and maybe not.
Have a wonderful life.
Tina
Hi, I think it shows that you love animals so much and you want what is best for them. I was deeply touched by your comments. Don't be hard on yourself and realize that there is nothing wrong with loving these dear ones. I am very new at blogging and am not sure how to do this really. We'll see if this gets through to you. When it ask for my email, I am not sure if it is asking for my personal email or the one I have connected with blogging. They are totally different. The one that is personal will send all replies to my junk mail box unless I have it in my safe list. So, maybe, you will get this and maybe not. Have a wonderful life. Tina
Hi Tina, hope you get this reply. When you comment, you can use any email you like. I use my web-based email that handles spam well.
Thanks for your comment. I am getting a lot better. I do care for the dogs a great deal and want what is best for them.
Hi Tina, hope you get this reply. When you comment, you can use any email you like. I use my web-based email that handles spam well.
Thanks for your comment. I am getting a lot better. I do care for the dogs a great deal and want what is best for them.
I think it is great how you talked through your negative thoughts and turned them into positive realistic ones. I struggle with that sometimes because its hard to pull myself out of my thoughts and feelings and analyze them. I have 2 dogs as well and I would have as many as I could if I wasn’t so strained with my naughty Weimy (his naughtiness is my fault for not training him better in the first place). It sounds like we have a lot in common
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing, I don’t think you are an idiot, you are a great example.
I think it is great how you talked through your negative thoughts and turned them into positive realistic ones. I struggle with that sometimes because its hard to pull myself out of my thoughts and feelings and analyze them. I have 2 dogs as well and I would have as many as I could if I wasn't so strained with my naughty Weimy (his naughtiness is my fault for not training him better in the first place). It sounds like we have a lot in common
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing, I don't think you are an idiot, you are a great example.
Hi Aimee thanks for your comment.
I try very hard, sometimes I fail utterly. It really helps to write the feelings down. When I try to dispute irrational beliefs in my head it doesn’t work as well as when I write it down.
Hi Aimee thanks for your comment.
I try very hard, sometimes I fail utterly. It really helps to write the feelings down. When I try to dispute irrational beliefs in my head it doesn't work as well as when I write it down.