Do you find yourself thinking back over and over again about the last insensitive comment that your close friend, partner, or family member said to you? Are you making a big deal out of nothing, or making a huge deal out of everything? Either way, this type of thinking is likely to make you feel extremely frustrated, upset, sad, or angry.
Let’s imagine you are taking things to heart. You’re being told by a significant other that ‘you get upset over every little thing!’ It can be isolating and confusing not knowing why you’re picking fights with people around you, and why you just can’t ‘let it go’. The idea that they said something mean, rude, or offensive, or made a joke you didn’t think was funny, gets stuck in your mind and you don’t know how to get rid of it. At the same time, you don’t know if you should bring it up again, for fear you will get shut down, or end up in an argument.
Taking things personally is an unhelpful thinking style that can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can interfere with how you interact with others and result in social withdrawal or escape, or avoiding people all together.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact crisis support services such as Lifeline (13 11 14), the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or the NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511).
