5 ways to reframe negative thoughts

Let your empathy lead the way.

By Vivian Nunez

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Taking care of a patient as they work to develop healthier habits is an honor and a responsibility. Almost instantly, you take on the role of coach, not only in how you help guide their physical recovery but also how you can support their mindset, mental health, and reframing negative thoughts.

While you have all of the physical health-related knowledge covered, we’re happy to chime in with some ways to help a patient develop reframing techniques. Remember, it’s not about encouraging toxic positivity but honoring the negative thoughts so that it’s easier to make space for more expansive perspectives and cognitive reframing.

Below are five ways to support a patient who needs help reframing negative thoughts.

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Honor what they are feeling

It’s important to start exactly where a patient is. Honoring what they are feeling can look like repeating their negative thoughts so that they know you heard them or acknowledging that what they brought up is, in fact, scary. Often, people want to be reminded that it isn’t strange that they are afraid or having negative thoughts and that the negative thoughts won’t stop them from moving towards different ones. Need some help on what to say? Keep these in your back pocket — “I hear exactly what you’re saying, that is really scary,” or “It makes sense that you’re overwhelmed, this is a lot of new information you’re learning about yourself.”

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Share positive outcome stories

Timing is everything, and it’s especially important when sharing positive outcome stories from past patients or research studies. Trust your instinct, and when the timing feels right, offer your patient an example of how the healthy path they’re embarking on led others to better heart health and more.

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Encourage all the questions and curiosity

Negative thoughts thrive when they’re kept a secret or not addressed by those who can help dismantle them. As a caregiver, you’re in a unique position to help your patient answer all the big questions that are contributing to their negative thoughts. This is an opportunity to help them practice cognitive reframing by taking things one question and thought at a time.

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Remind them that you’re on this journey with them and they are not alone

Negative thoughts can make patients isolate themselves or believe they must carry their load alone. As part of your reframing techniques, make it clear to them as often as necessary that they are not alone, that you are a part of their journey, and that you will be there to support them every step of the way.

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Encourage them to admit negative thoughts and replace them too

Once a patient has become more comfortable sharing some of the negative thoughts they are contending with, challenge them to start replacing them with more realistic or even positive thoughts, which will help to build a generally positive mindset over time. You can direct them to the Calm Health's Living with Heart Disease: A Guide for How to Thrive module as a place to get started.

While every patient is different, you can be a constant in their recovery, helping them navigate the often scary but worthwhile journey toward a healthier heart!

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Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other mental or physical health condition. The use of Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other health care provider. Any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a health condition should be directed to your physician or health care provider. Calm Health is a mental wellness product.