#315: Social Worker Supremacy, Self Talk vs Coping Skills, Social Invisibility
Jan 18, 2024
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This podcast episode covers topics such as social workers being the best therapists, coping skills for negative self talk, feeling socially invisible, missing your therapist, parents feeling owed, helping children through combative divorce. They also discuss dark and disturbing topics like abuse, fraud, and go fund me scams. The episode explores variations in therapy disciplines, struggle with low self-image, being honest with your therapist, the impact of social media on feelings of exclusion and invisibility, and the importance of taking action and engaging with others.
Distraction techniques for negative self-talk may not address the root problem of low self-esteem.
Finding acceptance and mindfulness can help address negative thoughts and low self-esteem.
Social media can contribute to feelings of being left out or forgotten, but reaching out to friends and initiating plans can combat these feelings.
Deep dives
Coping with Negative Self-Image and Cognitive Distortions
Matthias shares the struggle of dealing with a negative self-image and cognitive distortions. While being able to recognize the start of a negative thought spiral, Matthias relies on distracting techniques to avoid going down that path. However, this leads to a feeling of avoiding the deeper underlying problem of low self-esteem. Matthias wonders if there's a way to address this issue and move forward.
The Clash Between Distraction Techniques and the Need to Face Self-Image Issues
Matthias highlights the clash between using distraction techniques to avoid negative self-image thoughts and the realization that this may not address the root problem of low self-esteem. Matthias feels unable to be alone with their thoughts and constantly needs to distract themselves. They express concern that they haven't truly solved the issue and have only learned how to evade its consequences.
Seeking Solutions Beyond Distraction Techniques
Matthias wonders about the next steps in dealing with low self-esteem and negative self-image as distraction techniques may only provide temporary relief. They are aware of their cognitive distortions, but feel frustrated about not being able to address the deeper underlying problem. Matthias seeks guidance on how to move forward and find effective solutions beyond avoidance and distraction.
Finding Acceptance and Mindfulness in the Face of Negative Thoughts
Matthias explores the idea of finding acceptance and mindfulness as a way to address negative thoughts and low self-esteem. By embracing the thoughts and examining them without judgment, Matthias can develop a deeper understanding of their cognitive distortions. They also give the advice to not necessarily enjoy these thoughts but view them as part of the natural thought process, normalizing them and reducing their power.
Feeling Invisible and Left Out
The writer, a 39-year-old man, feels like no one notices or remembers him, often feeling like an afterthought to people. He mentions how even in the Scoop community, he feels like no one really knows him. He shares a specific incident where he wasn't invited to his best friend's 40th birthday celebration and found out about it through a Facebook post from the girlfriend. Despite his friend's explanation that it was a surprise and only people in the city were invited, the writer still feels like an afterthought. He asks for advice on how to get over this feeling of being easily forgotten.
Social Media and Perceptions
The hosts discuss the impact of social media on feelings of being left out or forgotten. They mention how social media can make people more aware of what others are doing, which can lead to feelings of not being included. They caution against reading too much into social media posts, as people usually only share what they want others to see. The hosts also suggest reaching out to friends and initiating plans to spend time together, as a way to combat these feelings of being invisible. Overall, they empathize with the writer's experience and offer suggestions for reframing their perspective.
Welcome to Season 7! In this episode we answer questions about whether social workers are the best therapists, what to do when coping skills for negative self talk become constant, and how to address feeling socially invisible.
This week we've got questions on how to manage missing your therapist, what to do when your parents feel you owe them, and how to help children through a combative divorce.
Listen ad-free, get the show a day early and enjoy the pre-show hang out on the same app you're using RIGHT NOW at www.Patreon.com/Therapy where you can also access our vast library of deep dives, interviews, skill shares, reviews and rants as well as our live discord chat!
