
Negative cognitions
Negative cognitions are inaccurate or unhelpful thoughts we have about ourselves, others, or the world. They often involve thinking in a distorted way, such as believing you’re not good enough, that others will reject you, or that situations will always turn out badly. These automatic negative thoughts can influence our mood and behavior, often reinforcing feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or sadness. Recognizing these patterns is important because they can be challenged and replaced with more balanced, realistic thoughts, helping to improve mental well-being and emotional resilience.