Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How can I possibly "think positive" when I am faced with such a negative situation that won't go away?

18 Answers
Last Updated: 10/26/2021 at 7:40am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
energizingHope33
September 14th, 2015 1:55pm
You can distract yourself instead of always thinking about the problem. A.C.C.E.P.T.S Activities-> do something. You can call or text a friend. Watch a movie or TV show. Play games or an instrument. Sing. Dance. Excersise or read a book. Contribute-> do something nice for someone. Help a friend or siniling with homework. Make something nice for someone. Donate things you don't need surprise someone with a note or a favor. Volunteer. Comparisons-> compare yourself to those less fortunate. Compare how you are feeling to a time when you were doing worst. Emotions-> create different emotions. Watch a funny TV show or emotional movie. Listen to soothing or upbeat music. Get active when you are sad. Pushing away-> push the painful situation out of your mind temporarily. Leave the situation mentally by moving your thoughts away. Thoughts-> replace your thoughts. Read. Do a word puzzle. Count numbers colors on a poster tiles anything. Repeat words to a song. Thoughts-> replace your thoughts. Sensations-> intensify other situations. Hold or chew ice. Listen to a loud music. Take a warm or cold shower.
kindEndfoftherainbow78
July 7th, 2015 10:29pm
by relaxing and taking a step back, look at the negative situation and recognize what is wrong and seek help if you need it.
Anonymous
February 29th, 2016 11:41pm
Sometimes,I found that the best way is to not 'think'.The way I see it,if the situation looks incredibly negative and completely hopeless for more than a few days,tops(that is,if after you've cried or freaked out for a while,you don't eventually get that 'i know what i should do now' moment),then the brain 'program' through which you're assessing the situation might have a 'virus',too,to say so.Usually depression.So you can't actually use your head to say if the situation is hopeless or not,since it's not functioning as it should.But you can temporarily remove the virus by doing some exercise,even as little as 10 minutes,Music also helps.There are lots of other simple methods,too.You won't start seeing rainbows and unicorns after,the situation will still be bad,but you will get a clear head to look at things,and plan things with.Basically it's like the difference between being in the middle of an unknown desert road with a functioning car,or with a car that won't start.For me that's the extent of 'positive thinking' I can manage in a bad situation.
SkyForForever
April 10th, 2017 5:59pm
Understand that a negative situation will not last forever and each day is one day closer to being free from that situation. Each day you cope, you become more practiced in your coping mechanisms and eventually it will come naturally to you.
calmPanda51
October 18th, 2016 12:16pm
It is difficult to think positive when you are faced with a negative situation. Just change your attitude towards the situation. Think of what was the worst that could have happened and how lucky you are to not have faced those consequences
Riko
April 11th, 2016 2:50pm
You should actually write down your qualities and potentials. Also, write down the problem you are facing along with the worst case scenarios. The answer shall reveal itself on its own if you just read the paper. Secondly, always reach out and connect. Thinking that you will be able to handle the problem all by yourself may not work every time. :)
Anonymous
October 26th, 2021 7:40am
I am sorry you are going through a hard time. Definitely when there is a negative situation it is extremely hard to see any light. Considering this situation wont go away implies that it's something not in your control. So. But what you can do is look at it from a different perspective, see how you can come to terms with it or take necessary steps to change. So when it says think positive it means look at the situation with the lense of positivity without disregarding the discomfort you are feeling. It is uncomfortable and we need to acknowledge that and see what we can do about it.
Anonymous
July 2nd, 2018 10:34pm
You start looking at yourself as a main character of your life story. You set your own limits by letting negative things and situations stand in your path, they make decisions for you.
sgtdavis333
May 7th, 2018 7:15pm
By thinking about what you are thankful for and thinking about the people who continue to show support.
Anonymous
April 24th, 2018 7:12pm
It really helps to focus your efforts on helping other people, in an organized fashion. Self care is very important as well. However, many people find regular activity and meditation brings optimism into their lives
awesomeEagle35
April 11th, 2017 7:46pm
Always remind yourself that you are you and no one else has the right to judge or change you. You have to remind yourself that everything is going to be fine.
KatieSoul
September 19th, 2016 4:02pm
Each one of us has our own challenges and hardships in life, but I think what really helps is to learn to look for the silver lining in any situation. If you are going through something difficult in your life, try to find anything at all positive about it - even if the only thing you can find to be thankful about is the fact that by going through it, you are given the opportunity to grow as a person - to become a stronger, wiser, more loving version of yourself!
Anonymous
March 25th, 2015 2:16pm
Believe it or not, if I have learned anything about life on this planet, it is that the only thing that is constant and doesn't change, is change. In other words, what seems like the biggest burden or catastrophe at the time, will change and eventually seem manageable and even minor at some point in our lives. It may not seem like it now, but everything changes, even the negative aspects of our lives.
LonelyAngels
February 29th, 2016 4:16am
believe that there's a reason for everything that there will be an end for everything :) bec we are all connected :)
Anonymous
February 15th, 2016 1:09am
You must be calm.. You have to focus your mind.You have to choose the best ideas through.Although you need to follow movements in
LadyUnderGrace
January 25th, 2016 7:23pm
If you face your negative situations with thinking positive thinking you are preparing yourself for a better outcome.
Up2you
December 22nd, 2015 3:25am
Think of things that make you happy. Like drawing or watching the sunset. Think of all the good before you focus on the bad. And if you can't find anything, try something new, maybe you'll end up loving it.
Hold1on1to1hope
June 15th, 2015 12:38am
Don't confuse your path with your destination.Just because Its stormy now doesn't mean you aren't Headed for Sunshine keep moving forward and expect what you don't think will happen, Positivity :)