Overgeneralizing When someone to a definitive conclusion from a single piece of evidence. E.g., “My professor didn’t call on me – he does not like me.” Look at all the evidence…try again…recall a time when it felt different. Come up with a more balanced response. E.g., “My professor saw my classmate’s hand first… he called on me twice last week.” Labelling This is a form of overgeneralizing in which someone gives themselves or someone else an extreme label. E.g. “I am a failure.” “He is a careless jerk.” How would you counter this? What do you think would be a more balanced thought? Thinking Error What it Means How to Combat it Mind Reading When people they know what another person is thinking. E.g., “My boyfriend’s mom never smiles when I come over – she must hate me.” We really don’t know what people are thinking. We may be drawing a conclusion based on our own filters. Perhaps my boyfriend’s mom is not friendly or is having a rough time herself. A more balanced statement might be, “Even though she doesn’t smile, she does invite me to stay for supper.” Emotional Reasoning When people mistake their feelings for facts or draw a conclusion based on a feeling. E.g., “I feel like a failure, therefore I am a failure.” “I feel hopeless; therefore my situation must be hopeless.” When we are sad or depressed it can be difficult to view situations in a balanced way. Again, take a step back, try to be realistic and consider other options. E.g., “I feel hopeless today, but last week I felt much better – this will pass – I will feel more hopeful tomorrow.” “I know this is my depression talking.” Mental Filtering When you ignore the positive aspects of something and focus on only the negative aspects Look at the bigger picture. Try to be realistic – take in BOTH the
effective for many people, however, like many other activities, you must practise to become competent. First, you must make a conscious effort to increase your awareness of the events and thoughts that impact your mood, and develop a plan to manage or overcome these issues. It’s important to make a commitment to follow your plan, and think of ways to remind yourself to do so.
WORKSHEET 6.1 Planning Ahead Difficult Coping Strategies [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE] [TYPE RESPONSE HERE]
The AMS Peer Support Centre offers confidential support to all students. JDUC, Room 34 Offer advice and advocacy services to graduate and professional students in issues concerning their well-being. 513-533-3169 JDUC, Room 203 Offers professional, long-term counselling appointments, as well as workshops and support groups, for members of the Kingston community. 613-549-7850 417 Bagot Street FCMHAS provides support services for persons with a mental illness and/or an addiction. 613-544-4229 (24-hour Crisis line) 613 544-1356 ex.2225 (Admin line for mental health appointments) 385 Princess Street TALK is available for support through crisis and distress, and befriending. 613-544-1771 7pm-3am, 7 days a week A professional phone counselling service for stresses big and small, or anything you want to talk about. Information on where to get mental health and addiction services. 1-866-925-5454 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year Eating Disorders Provides assessment, consultation and treatment for those above 18. 613-548-6121 166 Brock Street