What is mental filtering? How to get over it?


Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

  • From magnifying the small issues to ignoring the positive qualities, here are a few ways by which mental filtering works.

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Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

Mental filtering refers to the condition where we selectively focus on the negative aspects of things. This further makes our perspective on everything very negative. “Do you struggle to accept compliments and tend to focus on negative things? This may be a sign of mental filtering. Mental filtering involves selectively focusing on negative or distressing aspects of a situation, while ignoring or downplaying positive elements. People who use mental filtering often engage in negative self-talk, reinforcing their belief in the negativity of a situation,” wrote Therapist Carolyn Rubenstein. Here are a few ways by which mental filtering happens.(Unsplash)

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We often tend to ignore the positive qualities and our successes and focus excessively on the failures and the mistakes. (Unsplash)
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Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

We often tend to ignore the positive qualities and our successes and focus excessively on the failures and the mistakes. (Unsplash)

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We have the tendency to magnify the small issues – this further makes us distressed and overwhelmed and we feel frustrated. (Unsplash)
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Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

We have the tendency to magnify the small issues – this further makes us distressed and overwhelmed and we feel frustrated. (Unsplash)

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Be it aspects or the environment around us – things that we perceive as negative are often magnified in our minds and we seem to focus on them more than the positive things. (Unsplash)
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Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

Be it aspects or the environment around us – things that we perceive as negative are often magnified in our minds and we seem to focus on them more than the positive things. (Unsplash)

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We dismiss any kind of positive feedback and focus on the negative criticism instead. We also downplay our achievements and replay the concerns. (Unsplash)
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Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

We dismiss any kind of positive feedback and focus on the negative criticism instead. We also downplay our achievements and replay the concerns. (Unsplash)

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"By acknowledging and embracing the positive elements in your life, you can begin to combat mental filtering and achieve a more balanced and optimistic perspective," wrote the Therapist.(Unsplash)
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Published on Nov 21, 2023 01:37 PM IST

“By acknowledging and embracing the positive elements in your life, you can begin to combat mental filtering and achieve a more balanced and optimistic perspective,” wrote the Therapist.(Unsplash)

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