self talk

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information)
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(for health and wellbeing topics)
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Thanks to the young people who helped us
create these pamphlets.
Self-talk
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)
Youth Helpline 1300 13 1719 (9 to 5 weekdays) Copyright
Government of South Australia
For more information check out these April 2010
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2. What is self-talk? From negative to positive self- Positive self-talk
Self-talk is the thoughts we all have about talk If you repeat the same thing to yourself
enough times you will start to believe it.
ourselves and our lives. They can have a positive
When one thing goes wrong in our lives it’s easy
or negative effect on our feelings, confidence Try repeating something positive to yourself
to start thinking that everything is wrong. It’s
and self-esteem. such as ‘I can do this’ or ‘I am smart’ or ‘I will
hard not to get down on ourselves, especially
get great marks at school?’ You could even try
For example, you might compare yourself to when other people have said negative things to
writing it down or saying it out loud. You will
other people at school and tell yourself that us along the way. We can blame ourselves,
still need to study and try your best!
you’ll never be as cool or popular as them. This saying ‘how could I be so stupid?’, ‘I'm hopeless’
may lead to you thinking you are not good or ‘I can’t do this’. At these times of negative
Help along the way
enough to talk to them or make you feel self-talk, we need to calm ourselves down, stop
insecure around them. for a minute and check out the way that we are It's also a good idea to get a reality check
talking to ourselves. from someone you trust and respect. Talk to
When you focus only on your bad points instead
them about your situation and listen to their
of your good points this is negative self-talk. Ask:
advice.
This can become a habit that is hard to break. Am I focusing on my weaknesses?
Am I forgetting what I am good at and
Be your own best friend
what is good about me?
If another person told you that you were ugly, Am I making things seem worse than
nerdy or stupid every time they saw you, you they really are?
wouldn’t like them or want them around. You Am I being too hard on myself?
might also start to believe what they said! Am I being realistic?
Self-talk is the same. Treat yourself the way What can I say to myself that is more
you would treat your best friend. A best friend encouraging?
will always be supportive and talk to you in a
positive way. They make you feel good about
yourself and you want to spend time with them.