Recognise the Emotions Behind the Thoughts

For people living with psychosis, anxiety, depression, or thought disorders in general, an important lesson is learning to discern the feeling behind the thought. This is also vital for those with Complex PTSD (CPTSD), who often struggle with emotional flashbacks. Since it is the feeling that creates and sustains the thought, addressing the emotion is often a more effective and compassionate way to deal with unhealthy thinking patterns.

Examples of Feelings Affecting Thoughts

• Paranoid thoughts, such as believing you’re being chased or attacked, or that others are thinking badly of you or want to harm you, usually stem from fear. If the underlying fear is not acknowledged and addressed, these thoughts can seem entirely realistic and threatening—even when they are, in reality, unfounded or even delusional.
  

• Thoughts that others don’t care about you, are avoiding you, or that you’ve disappointed people or are unimportant, often come from sadness or loneliness. Even when these thoughts are not supported by facts, they can feel incredibly convincing.
  

• Thoughts that others don’t understand you, are judging or misunderstanding you, or that you are either different in a negative way or especially unique in a grandiose way, stem from a feeling of disconnection—of not being known or understood. These thoughts are often shaped by already existing views of oneself, such as low self-worth or an inflated sense of self.

How to Counter These Feelings and Thoughts

Instead of relying on our own perceptions, which can often become distorted by pain, trauma, or mental health challenges, it is important to ground ourselves in truth—truth that comes from God and not merely from our fluctuating feelings or thoughts. Scripture provides us with clear, trustworthy guidance that helps us think rightly about ourselves and our circumstances.

• When fear dominates our thinking, we can counter it with trust in God's care. He will never leave you.
  "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
  — Deuteronomy 31:8
  

• When sadness or loneliness is colouring our thoughts, we can find comfort in the certainty of God's unending love.
  "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease."
  — Lamentations 3:22
  

• When we feel unknown or misunderstood, we can remember that God knows us fully and sees our hearts more clearly than anyone else ever could.

  "The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
  — 1 Samuel 16:7

By recognising the emotional roots of our thoughts and turning to God's truth, we take a powerful step towards inner healing. His love, presence, and understanding are constant—even when our thoughts are not.