Over the years, we tend to get into unhelpful thinking habits, such as those described below.  We might favour some over others and there may be some that seem to be your natural way of thinking.  Once you can identify  your unhelpful thinking habits you can start to notice them - they very often occur just before and during distressing situations.  Once you can notice them, then they can help you to challenge or distance yourself  from those thoughts and see the situation in a different and more positive light.

The blue text in italics helps us find alternative, more realistic thoughts.