Why Do We Develop an Addiction to Negative Feelings?
- Iremia Counselling
- Apr 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12, 2024
Negative feelings like anger, fear and sadness are unpleasant emotions that most of us experience from time to time. While it is normal to experience these emotions occasionally, some people repeatedly engage in patterns of negative thinking that may eventually lead to addiction to negative feelings.
Why Are Negative Feelings Addictive?
One of the reason why we may become addicted to negative feelings is that these emotions can be addictive. Studies have shown that negative emotions trigger the same regions of brain as drugs and alcohol. It is suggested that the brain releases dopamine in response to negative emotions, which can create a sense of relief or soothing that a person may crave. The release of dopamine during negative emotions may serve a protective function, helping individuals adapt and respond to challenging situations. However, excessive dopamine release during negative emotions may contribute to addiction to negative feelings.
When we dwell on stressful issues, the brain sends signal to the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. If our thoughts consistently prompt the production of this stress hormone, we may become addicted to negative feelings as the body drives the brain to maintain a state of negative thinking to get its fix.
Another factor that may contribute to addiction to negative feelings is the cycle of rumination. When we experience negative emotions, we may engage in repetitive negative thinking, when we replay negative events over and over in our minds. Depressed thoughts suppress positive energy and action. This cycle of rumination can create a sense of familiarity, leading to a feeling of comfort in negativity. Over time, the brain defaults to negative thinking due to this established pattern.
In addition, individuals who have experienced trauma or adverse life events may also be more susceptible to addiction to negative feelings. For these people, negative emotions can serve as a coping mechanism , providing a sense of control in situations where they feel helpless or vulnerable.
How Do I Break My Addiction to Negative Thoughts?
Breaking the cycle of addiction to negative feelings can be challenging but is achievable. The firs step is self-awareness when negative emotions arise.
One strategy is to practice mindfulness. By learning to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, individuals can become more aware of their negative thinking patterns and break the cycle of rumination.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is another approach that can help. CBT provides tools to identify and challenge negative thinking patterns, contributing to a more positive outlook on life.
How To Become a Positive Person?
Recognise negative self-talk. Awareness of negative thinking patterns and their effects on feelings and behaviour is crucial. Reflection and journalling can improve this awareness, allowing us to challenge irrational beliefs tied to negative emotions. Practice positive self-talk by focusing on your blessings and keeping gratitude journal.
Express gratitude regularly. Gratitude is strongly connected to increased happiness. It helps us to experience more positive emotions, cherish good experiences, improve health, cope with adversity and establish healthy relationships by focusing on what we have rather that what is missing.
Practice mindfulness to manage negative feelings. Mindfulness can reduce depressive moods and improve emotional regulation by changing how we relate to our thoughts and feelings rather than altering them directly .
Practice self-compassion. Being kind to yourself is as vital as being kind to others. Engage in self-care practices that enhance the holistic wellbeing and use positive affirmations, such as “I’m proud of myself”to foster a healthier mindset.
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