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How to be more resilient and maintain a positive outlook

1 reply

Lagirl20 · 05/07/2020 12:25

I've sunk myself into a real pit of depression and negative outlook recently. The pandemic has significantly delayed several things I had planned for 2020, my family live in a different country and I can't visit them, and it just feels like life is on hold indefinitely.

I know most people are in the same boat, we are all dealing with this pandemic, and that this will pass - but how can I change my outlook to really believe this? I wish I could wake up every morning thinking - OK, this is the situation, I've accepted it, I'll make the most of it, and I'm looking forward to a mere 6-8 months' time when things will have improved. But I seem incapable of having this outlook - instead I wake up each day predicting the worst, feeling sorry for myself, being jealous of others.

I've always been like this, but the pandemic has really increased my negative feelings. I want to know - how do you stay positive? How do you build resilience? How can I do the same? I am going to speak to a counsellor. But I've had therapy in the past and I'm really keen to get some real life experiences from others, of things I can try to kick myself up the ass and be more positive and look forward more.

Not sure if any of this makes sense! If you've read this far I hope you are doing better than I am :)

OP posts:
SnackBitch2020 · 05/07/2020 15:26

It's tricky, you have to "retrain" your brain to think in a different way. This is where CBT/counselling can help.

In general, do you have enough to occupy your time? I know myself it's easier to ruminate when not busy. The more you focus on what you can do, the better. Accept your initial thoughts, but then think "this will pass, and it will be over soon. I can't do everything I want now, but I can do.."

Not amazing advice I'm afraid but hope it helps!

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