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Where does suppressing negative thoughts end, and reality denial begin? There are many unpleasant realities that we must learn to cope with that cannot just be

by jl6 3y ago

Where does suppressing negative thoughts end, and reality denial begin? There are many unpleasant realities that we must learn to cope with that cannot just be ignored or forgotten. Credit card debt is a source of negative thoughts for many - and not just low-level grumbles, but genuinely distressing anxiety. People kill themselves over their financial difficulties. But having a debt is definitely not something we should encourage people to suppress, because it gets worse if left unattended. It’s not just mundane realities like debt that are potentially dangerous if ignored. Should you try to suppress negative thoughts about pain, or worries about a growth on your skin, instead of seeking medical treatment? What should we do with delusional or criminal people who believe something about themselves that is plainly wrong? Should a kleptomaniac seek to affirm their behavior, or should they confront themselves? How can we tell the difference between the thoughts that are safe and healthy to ignore, and those upon which light should be shone?

m463 3y ago
> Where does suppressing negative thoughts end, and reality denial begin? Personally I think that juncture is where procrastination lives.
- oysterpingu 3y ago
  Could you elaborate?
mdp2021 3y ago
> How can we tell the difference If you have to act upon it, think about it - in a strategic modality; if running your mind about it is just wasting your energies, don't.
starluz 3y ago
That’s where your human skill for critical thinking must come into play. Debt is a tangible issue sort of negative thoughts- they are promoting you to resolve something with real consequences. Negative thoughts about a friend slighting you is useless after the first time. If the action repeats make some decisions but don’t dwell in that spiral It doesn’t have to be prescriptive it’s subjective and we really need to understand nuance.

by jl6 3y ago

m463 3y ago

> Where does suppressing negative thoughts end, and reality denial begin? Personally I think that juncture is where procrastination lives.

oysterpingu 3y ago
Could you elaborate?

mdp2021 3y ago

> How can we tell the difference If you have to act upon it, think about it - in a strategic modality; if running your mind about it is just wasting your energies, don't.

starluz 3y ago

That’s where your human skill for critical thinking must come into play. Debt is a tangible issue sort of negative thoughts- they are promoting you to resolve something with real consequences. Negative thoughts about a friend slighting you is useless after the first time. If the action repeats make some decisions but don’t dwell in that spiral It doesn’t have to be prescriptive it’s subjective and we really need to understand nuance.