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Eating Disorders: Stopping Negative Thoughts

Topic Overview

People who have an eating disorder often become preoccupied with negative thoughts about themselves. It is often hard for them to think positive thoughts. Although it is impossible to stop all negative thoughts, you can reduce these thoughts with a few simple techniques.

  • Remember that your goal is to feel better with each passing day. Ask someone you trust to remind you of that when you are feeling hopeless.
  • Every day make one positive statement to yourself. For example, say to yourself, "Every day, I am taking better care of myself and my body."
  • Remind yourself that you can do this. Say to yourself, "I am a capable person.
  • Daydream about the fun things you are going to do. Daydream about your pet, someone you care about, or a favorite place.
  • Spend time with other people. Get to know them. Do not spend time repeating negative things to yourself.
  • Make a list of your accomplishments, such as things you have recently learned, things you have recently done that were hard for you, or things you have changed about yourself.
  • Make plans to do something you have been wanting to do, such as visit a new store or see a certain movie.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry
Last Revised August 25, 2011

Last Revised: August 25, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine & W. Stewart Agras, MD - Psychiatry

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