Negative core beliefs are essentially based on deep, built-up thoughts surrounding the various ways in which an individual can be self-deficient. These core beliefs become the cause of dysfunctional attitudes regarding the self. As negative schemas are reinforced with these harsh internal metrics regarding achievement, dependency, and self-control, this can become a precursor to developing depression. These beliefs come in the form of radical statements such as “I am worthless” or “I am unlovable”. They are so absolute that they do not leave room for the individual experiencing them the space to negotiate and unpick them, as the initial impact of going through a multitude of these at once can be debilitating.
Confronting the Distortion
Identifying these maladaptive forms of thinking is the first step to understanding their relative validity of them or if they are gross exaggerations of our deepest insecurities and fears. Therefore, it is essential to understand the concept of“overvalued belief systems”. These are rigid, commonly misplaced thought processes outside the generally accepted view of reality, based on irrational and destructive belief systems regarding the self, which are maintained consistently despite a considerable lack of evidence. Over time, this process becomes subconscious and is well-maintained subtly at the back of the mind because those thoughts shift to autopilot and become automatic. Nevertheless, these fixed mindsets can begin to evolve by practicing conscious and deliberate awareness. This process is far easier said than done. However, it is imperative in the first step to confront these rigid belief systems regarding the self. We often fail to realize that these core beliefs are our internal subjective judgments regarding what we deem “true”. There is a tendency to take singular adverse events throughout our lives and grossly amplify them without genuinely taking the time to appreciate the context, external factors, and subtle nuances that led to the situation. Instead, individuals use isolated adverse events to solidify these distorted views, believing them to be intellectual judgements without considering all of the facts, as though judging themselves for crimes with the maximum sentencing.
Changing the Internal Narrative
Consequently, it is vital to seek help actively and find impartial judgment outside the realm of internal reason, whether through a friend, family, or any trusted person with sound judgment. Since they will be able to identify the negative thought patterns and provide counter-evidence to disband them, seeking professional treatment can be life-altering in therapy. The individual is allowed the opportunity to dedicate time to be fully present with their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. A professional can help ease out these belief systems, bring them into the light, and question them in a manner that leads the client to realize the inaccuracy of their beliefs. Therapy can help individuals recognize that they have more choices in the way they present themselves. It allows them to understand that their first impression of themselves is, in fact, limited and does not do justice to the multitude of possibilities they hold.