Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Positive Thinking: Stopping Unwanted Thoughts
Thought-stopping is a way to get rid of unwanted thoughts. You may dwell or obsess on thoughts that make you worry, feel sad, or feel bad about yourself. Research shows that thought-stopping works. It can change the way you think. In thought-stopping, you focus on the unwanted thought and then use a technique to stop it.
When you practice thought-stopping, the unwanted thought occurs less often. Over time, the thought will be easier to ignore or may not occur at all. In some cases, the thoughts may be worries. For example, you may worry a lot about your health or the health of a family member. Or you may think over and over about a bad grade in school or a comment by a supervisor at work. Thought-stopping can help you deal with these thoughts.
You can work on thought-stopping on your own or with a counselor or therapist.
Test Your Knowledge
Thought-stopping can help you to not worry so much.
TrueThought-stopping can help you to not worry so much. You learn how to stop a thought that bothers you and then think about something else.
FalseThought-stopping can help you to not worry so much. You learn how to stop a thought that bothers you and then think about something else.
You need to see a counselor or a therapist to practice thought-stopping.
TrueYou don't need to see a counselor or a therapist to practice thought-stopping. You can try it on your own or as part of therapy.
FalseYou don't need to see a counselor or therapist to practice thought-stopping. You can try it on your own or as part of therapy.
Continue to 
Why should you learn thought-stopping?
Return to 
Positive thinking: Stopping unwanted thoughts
| Author: | Marianne Flagg | Last Updated: August 27, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Catherine D. Serio, PhD - Behavioral Health Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network