We try to search for answers and make decisions quickly. Like the thoughts themselves, the answer may vary. So why do they keep popping up in your brain? (If you believe you might be suffering from depression, take an assessment and reach out to a professional.) Where Do Automatic Negative Thoughts Come From?ĪNTs aren’t very productive. These thoughts may make you feel helpless, exhausted, or just plan crummy about yourself. “It’s my fault that things have gotten so bad.”.A lot of automatic negative thoughts focus on the self and the decisions that were made in the past. Not all ANTs think they can predict the future. Yet, a person who listens to these ANTs may avoid social situations, hold back, or live in fear. These thoughts often have no basis in reality or logic. Although the person does not know the outcome of their situation, their ANTs tell them that things aren’t going to go well. These thoughts, often set in the future, reference events that haven’t happened yet. Examples of ANTs and AnxietyĪn anxious person may have ANTs concerning the future. The acronym ANTs is really appropriate, because automatic negative thoughts are invasive, unwanted, and can ruin your picnic. These thoughts may sound different for each person. People experiencing anxiety and depression are more likely to experience automatic negative thoughts. They are negative thoughts that seem to pop into your mind without conscious effort. What Are Automatic Negative Thoughts?Īutomatic negative thoughts are pretty self-explanatory. The longer you let automatic negative thoughts control your thought process, the harder it will be to take back control and start living with a positive outlook.

But every day, people let these automatic negative thoughts dictate their decisions, moods, and life.

You probably wouldn’t listen to someone who popped up behind you and said these things. “I should have been more productive this week.” You’re minding your own business, and all of a sudden, you think, “I’m a failure.” You know, the ones that seem to come from nowhere. How many automatic negative thoughts popped into your head today?

Automatic negative thoughts