overthinking

Managing Automatic Negative Thoughts

by John Nolan
11th April 2025

Automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) are spontaneous, often negative and distorted thoughts that can significantly impact well-being. Experiencing frequent ANTs can lead to mental exhaustion, overthinking, and negative self-perception, potentially linked to overactivity in brain regions like the anterior cingulate cortex and the amygdala, and the development of negative thought habits. However, various self-help strategies, including increasing awareness, challenging and reframing thoughts, practising thought defusion, engaging in positive self-talk, focusing on solutions, and acceptance, can help individuals to manage and reduce the impact of these unwanted thoughts.

Overthinking: Consequences, Connections, and Change

by John Nolan
22nd January 20254th February 2025

Overthinking can lead to significant negative consequences, often stemming from automatic negative thoughts and habits. This response explores how overthinking impacts individuals, its connection to negative thought patterns, and self-help strategies from NLP, solution-focused therapy, Havening, and acceptance and commitment therapy to lessen its impact and change the habit. Finally, guidance is provided on when to seek professional help.

Escaping the Worry Trap

by John Nolan
22nd January 202522nd January 2025

The worry trap is a cycle fueled by the confusion of worry with productive thinking, attempts to control the uncontrollable, and avoidance of negative feelings. Escaping it involves accepting anxious thoughts rather than fighting them, practicing mindfulness, and focusing on actions aligned with values. By understanding these mechanisms, individuals can take steps to reduce their worries and lead more fulfilling lives.

Breaking the Grip of Dread: Overcoming Persistent Apprehension

by John Nolan
18th January 2025

It’s important to be compassionate with yourself during this process. Choose one or two techniques that resonate with you and begin to implement them. If you find self-help approaches difficult, reach out to a professional for support, recognising that seeking help is an act of compassion.

The role of neuropathically play in overcoming anxiety22nd April 2025
Neuroplasticity plays a fundamental role in overcoming anxiety. It refers to the brain’s remarkable ability to change its structure and function throughout life by forming new neural connections. This means that the neural pathways underlying anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are not fixed and can be… Read More »The role of neuropathically play in overcoming anxiety
An outline of the brain’s dual pathways to generating anxiety.22nd April 2025
The brain has two main pathways that can lead to the generation of anxiety. These pathways, although distinct, can also work together. The cortex pathway begins with the sense organs and travels through the thalamus to the cerebral cortex, the thinking part of the brain. The… Read More »An outline of the brain’s dual pathways to generating anxiety.
How might avoidance perpetuate anxiety symptoms?21st April 2025
Avoidance can perpetuate anxiety symptoms in several ways. Firstly, avoidance is negatively reinforced because it leads to a temporary reduction in anxiety. When you avoid a situation, person, or thought that triggers anxiety, the immediate feeling of relief reinforces the avoidance behaviour, making it more likely… Read More »How might avoidance perpetuate anxiety symptoms?
Trauma’s Contribution To Depression And The Role Of Havening20th April 2025
For many individuals with long-term depression, unresolved trauma can play a significant role by creating entrenched negative patterns. Addressing these past traumas and reducing their emotional impact can free individuals to build new habits and ways of being that support a return to a normal life. The Havening technique is a powerful tool that uses touch and distraction to depotentiate the emotional content of traumatic memories at a neurological level, allowing these memories to be recalled without the same level of distress. This can be a crucial step in breaking free from the past and moving towards a more positive future.
The Benefits Of Depression Coaching20th April 2025
Depression coaching offers a solution-focused and action-oriented approach to overcoming low mood. By prioritising future goals, identifying existing strengths, and implementing practical techniques derived from methodologies like SFBT and NLP, it can help individuals to break free from negative thought patterns and build a more positive and fulfilling life. This approach directly addresses neurological changes associated with depression by stimulating the frontal lobe, rewiring negative pathways, increasing positive emotion, shifting focus towards solutions, and fostering a sense of control.