Cognitive Distortions

When we are using Mental Filtering we dwell on a single negative event or characteristic until it colors our perception of the whole picture. Let's say you've gained a few pounds since your last weigh-in. You might focus on this until you convince yourself that you've never done anything right and that all the weight you've lost previously accounts for nothing.

We can also filter out the negative aspects of things and only see the positive. This is often referred to as denial. An example would be when we decide to binge. We think about the pleasure of eating all that food but we don't consider the aftereffects or downside that we know by experience are a certainty. We have filtered out repercussions like the cost to our pocketbook, physical health, and emotional well-being.

We need to look for the evidence of our successes and strong points. It does exist. One way to help do this is by setting aside a time each week to sit down and write out a gratitude list. We can write down and be grateful for the assets we have that support our recovery and the steps we have taken up to this point.

Dave's web site is for informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with a professional dietician, nutritionist, physician, or mental health professional. None of the information presented on this web site is intended to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any medical ailments or conditions.