By Nancy Virden (c)2021

Life comes with many changes- whether we want them or not. Everyone knows our world and the United States are changing quickly. There is no need for me to go into details. However, are we aware there are answers to the stress that change causes?

One coping skill that repeatedly winds up in my research, I call “Think Again.” I did not come up with this; it is found in various forms throughout the psychological therapy sphere. I have been assigned it as a homework assignment in personal therapy for depression and found it to work quite well.

5 Columns

Draw five columns. Label each column.

#1 Stressful Event. #2 My Emotions About the Stressful Event. #3 My Thoughts About the Stressful Event. #4 Another Way I Could Think About the Event. #5 How Have My Emotions Changed.

A Homemade Example

#1. Company is coming and I told my roommate I would clean the house. It is getting late.

#2. Anxious; guilty

#3. I should hurry. My roommate will be disappointed if I fail to have the house ready on time. I have other things to do first. I’m a terrible failure for not having organized my time better.

#4. Yesterday was a wonderful yet abnormal day schedule-wise. It is natural to fall behind after that. I can make today’s duties more manageable by cutting them into smaller, doable chunks. My roommate has never said she expects me to have the house clean for company – I am adding that pressure to myself. She does not make me feel like I disappointed her. I am successful at achieving many things. In no way am I a terrible failure! I can do this and the results will be ok!

#5. Comforted, not anxious, not guilty, looking forward to tonight

Try this! It may change your day, too! -COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. [Bold lettering mine]

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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