Understanding Negative Thoughts & My Mental Health | Mind Reader Blog
- Sweta Somo
- Sep 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 4
How Negative Thoughts Affect the Body
1. Chronic Stress Response
Negative thinking often activates the fight-or-flight response, flooding your body with cortisol and adrenaline. This reaction can be helpful in short bursts, but long-term stress can lead to serious health issues.
Long-term stress can:
Suppress immune function
Increase inflammation
Raise blood pressure
Disrupt digestion and sleep
2. The Nocebo Effect
If you expect something bad to happen—like side effects from a medication—your body may manifest those symptoms even if the treatment is harmless. This is known as the nocebo effect, the dark twin of the placebo effect. It reminds us how powerful our minds can be!
3. Hormonal Disruption
Persistent negativity can interfere with thyroid function, contributing to fatigue, mood swings, and metabolic issues. It’s essential to recognize how our thoughts can influence our hormonal balance.
4. Cardiovascular Strain
Anger, anxiety, and rumination can lead to:
Elevated heart rate
High blood pressure
Increased risk of heart disease
Taking care of our mental health is vital for our heart health too!
5. Gut-Brain Connection
Negative emotions can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues like IBS, bloating, or nausea. The connection between our mind and gut is more profound than we often realize.
The ANT Model: Automatic Negative Thoughts
Think of negative thoughts as mental “ants” crawling around your brain:
“I’m not good enough.”
“This will never work.”
“They don’t like me.”
When these ANTs multiply, they can:
Lower self-esteem
Increase anxiety and depression
Make it harder to recover from illness
Recognizing and Addressing Negative Thoughts
Identifying these automatic negative thoughts is the first step toward change. By acknowledging them, we can begin to challenge and reframe our thinking patterns.
What You Can Do
To counteract the effects of negative thinking, consider these strategies:
Practice mindfulness and meditation: These techniques can help ground you in the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Use positive affirmations: Repeating uplifting statements can shift your mindset and reinforce self-worth.
Engage in gentle physical activity: Movement can boost your mood and help release pent-up stress.
Build supportive relationships: Surrounding yourself with positive influences can provide encouragement and understanding.
Try cognitive reframing: This involves viewing situations from a different perspective, allowing for a more balanced outlook.
Utilize symbolic tools: Journaling, art therapy, or even gemstone rituals can be powerful ways to express and process emotions. I know you love these, Sweta!
Embracing a Positive Mindset
By actively working to shift our mindset, we can create a healthier relationship with ourselves. It's a journey, but every small step counts!
Book your therapy session now at www.happiertherapies.com.
Call: 0411885666
We offer therapies to all NDIS participants in Melbourne, Victoria.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Together, we can navigate the challenges of negative thoughts and embrace a brighter, more fulfilling life! 🌟
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