Preventing suicide at Lake Tahoe: It’s important to use words that promote positive mental health

Sarah McClarie 
Special to the Sun

TAHOE-TRUCKEE, Calif. — Are you familiar with that little voice in your head that says, “I can’t do this” or “this is impossible”? Many of us have been colored by our thought patterns since childhood, and the way in which we talk to ourselves can be very negative and limiting. The good news is that in a learned behavior, there is an opportunity to reverse patterns and be kinder to ourself. We need to use words that positively impact our stress levels, and in turn our mental health. Positive thinking doesn’t mean we ignore life’s less than pleasant situations. Rather it means we approach them in a more positive and productive way.

We often hear the term “self-talk” associated with positive thinking. Self-talk is the constant stream of thoughts running through our mind, the unspoken thoughts. Those thoughts can be positive or negative. The things we think to ourselves each and every day impact our view of self, our outlook on life, and the way we handle our stressors that arise. If those thoughts are mostly negative than our outlook on life is pessimistic. There are many ways to adapt our negative thinking to become positive thinking. Self-awareness and the desire to create a new habit are two important ways in which to shift thinking. Effective stress management has been linked to mental health benefits. One key component of stress management is positive thinking and positive self-talk. Positive self-talk also provides other benefits, such as:

- Lower rates of depression
- Lower levels of stress
- Better coping skills during times of stress
- Better physical and mental well-being

The health benefits of positive self-talk continue to be researched. One theory is that the ability to adapt to stressors in a positive way and limit the effects of stress on the body will increase longevity and mental well-being. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it and try to rationalize it in a positive way. By working towards less self-criticism and higher compassion toward self, we can positively shift our thoughts to a more accepting attitude and increase our overall well-being. When our thoughts are more positive, we are better able to handle the everyday stressors of life in a constructive way.

Sarah McClarie is the facilitator for the Tahoe Truckee Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition. Contact her at [email protected] or by calling 530-582-2560.