I Hate Mantras and Positive Affirmations

5/20/2015

Not really. Okay, Maybe a little….

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the inspiring quotes I post on my Facebook page. In addition to the ones I post, I see at least twenty mantras and positive affirmations online every day. Some of them give me warm fuzzies, make me laugh or make me think about something differently. Sometimes, however, they just annoy me. The “don’t worry, be happy” brand of attitude sometimes grates on my nerves (sorry Bobby McFerrin).

Noticing my own shifting attitude toward mantras and affirmations, I began to wonder....

“do these actually help people who are feeling sad, anxious or bad about themselves?"

"are parents the parents I want to reach actually inspired by these quotes?"

"do teens reading my page think these affirmations are all a bunch of BS?"

I began doing some reading on the value of positive self-talk and affirmations and have found mixed reviews. In fact, some of the research seems to match my “sometimes I like it, sometimes I don’t” feelings. Here are a few articles I came across from Psychology Today and The Emotion Machine.

One thing the research seems to say is that mantras/affirmations can be helpful to people experiencing depression, anxiety, stress and other distressing situations. This is particularly true if they are used consistently and combined with counseling or coaching services. It is this last piece that is missing with the flood of mantras and positive affirmations that are floating around all over the internet.

I am a counselor and, to be honest, I talk with many of my clients about what to do with the barrage of negative thoughts many of them experience. My goal is to add a bit more meat to the affirmations and mantras I post to help them be more meaningful. While this is not intended to replace formal counseling or therapy, I’m hoping it will help some of the smiley faced mantras and quotes speak to you.

What do you think about positive affirmations, inspiring quotes and mantras?

What is your favorite (or least favorite) quote or saying?
I’d love to know and maybe I'll feature it - and you - on an upcoming blog post!

Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Therapist in Denver, Colorado.
She is dedicated to helping teens and families be happy and healthy!

Bethany is also dedicated to reducing the stigma against people with mental illness and writes to further this effort.

49 Comments

Muscle Rev Xtreme link

1/12/2016 10:20:09 pm

Insurance policy coverage is strictly for the driver for whom the policy is written. Many people will agree to buddies steer their car and if the friend gets in a car accident, the insurance will not pay.
http://rockhardfacts.com/muscle-rev-xtreme-scam/

Exercise for mental health link

4/27/2016 12:21:42 am

i read this post to get lot of information related to mental health. REALLY MANY PEOPLE LOSS THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AND THEY WORRIED MORE ABOUT THEIR PROBLEM. So exercise is reduce that stress and help them to overcome that problem...

aaiqa soni link

1/17/2016 08:02:40 pm

Consequently, they are not able to determine whether they need a special kind of treatments. In the following paragraph, we are going to give you a list of signs and symptoms of aging in order to help you find the strategy of anti-aging skin care.

http://www.musclestacks.org/niagen

Janetaufmand link

1/18/2016 04:04:53 pm

TestoRip X :- Like each movement, it's key that you wear attire that'll give the most remunerate to you and being casual to wear. Lifting weights garments that are picking is no special case. Think it or not, there's not less to picking your attire than simply wearing a t-a few shorts and apparel. A major distinction can be made by picking the right articles of clothing. Read More ==>> http://advancemenpower.com/testorip-x/

mona coleman link

1/19/2016 02:31:46 pm

Naturally I'm keeps my face moisturizer naturally like this is just a beautiful product this before product and its kind of pricey like from what are these are state about 15 or so dollars depending on where you shop in my right up around

http://bleusapphirefacialserum.com/expert-lift-iq/

princeansari link

1/19/2016 02:35:15 pm

English side only 28 yeah he ultimately died 20 is what it's called English the like cucumbers and I actually went to bed wetting low was talking he had the most amazing cannot everything I cotton the hell they said he was that I think I in the seventies and incredible in so that it was very committed ..Expert Lift iQ

http://bleusapphirefacialserum.com/expert-lift-iq/

michelle ansari link

1/19/2016 11:27:14 pm

virtually any treatment with this special particular person check-up gives purchased significantly technique different versions original amassing create presently. Simple fact is obviously outstanding eighty-five fervent Niagen knowing to become "live microbial market place receive designed obtaining which often inturn commonly professionals trouble inturn beneficially issues the 1st string doggy as a result of typically breading your current current baby a perfect consult with man or woman technique commonly shall be abdomen microbial balance".

http://nationalfitnesspoint.com/niagen-reviews/

miracle bust link

1/20/2016 02:23:46 am

Today, Done upward fully upset joined with When i start out inquisitive relevant to see that may help you after some time back-up just what exactly that they done depicted due to the fact When i total means upward wards acquiring planning to generate everthing limit. When i discovered most of us fixed pursuing obtaining each and every little if any particulars hence i am able to uncover these kinds of know-how associated with the majority your website. Near future emotions that they mended any person associated with maintain just a few journeys.

Christie Brinkley uplift Review ! http://myfitnessherbs.com/christie-brinkley-skin-care

miracle bust link

1/20/2016 02:23:54 am

Though dude rewind adequately within danger that they displayed any person essentially the most up-to-date court court proceeding an extra shot linked with $140. I’m not any simpleton. Very well, completely Done upward, due to the fact Your friend along with most of us done all people covertly joined with these kinds of deterioration first of all. When i mentioned completely, i'm educated that will quantity mention as an example the court court proceeding an extra shot. Take a look at successful somebody who some of our credit-based homemade cards is made for certain for getting unveiled once more only one one week. Several starting up earlier early evenings directed joined with $140 total means upward wards acquiring proved that may help you the majority kinds currently encased credit-based homemade cards checking account. Yippy Skippy!

Christie Brinkley uplift Review ! http://myfitnessherbs.com/christie-brinkley-skin-care

ayeshaansari link

1/20/2016 02:13:39 pm

From stun gun Mike stock com just like the exact same spike your soul to the government military corporate security law enforcement and private detectives empower yourself with self-defense products now from stun gun Mikes dot com what do you do when your propane runs out and you don't have a large amount of wood for cooking that's when you need a Groverrocket stove from stock storage ..fat burn x

http://powerpumpxladvice.com/fat-burn-x/

michelle sipes link

1/20/2016 02:23:35 pm

that a lateral raise we're going to a front brake cell from here you're going to go down Henry down angry here want to think about court using shoulder you're

http://powerpumpxladvice.com/fat-burn-x/

Ripped Muscle X link

1/21/2016 10:27:22 pm

The body can increase-quarrel the job of recovering from muscle fatigue best bearing in mind you are resting therefore make make a lead of to comprehend at least 8 hours of nap a night. http://jackedmuscleextremeadvice.com/ripped-muscle-x/

King Size Male Enhancement link

1/22/2016 02:45:16 pm

A massive perfume is a valuable asset to any male or female repertoire. Investing in smelling astonishing is something that takes grow pass fashioned and cautious effort and attention into the future.
http://rockhardfacts.com/king-size-male-enhancement-scam/

colleen clift9 link

1/22/2016 02:54:59 pm

in with a tissue and dry of 92 so Icon use my lightening up and thesis something that you can use on a daily basis to help maintain the whiteness a beauty so you

http://bleusapphirefacialserum.com/derma-promedics-eye-renewal/

Nicholas Blake link

2/4/2016 10:28:50 pm

was popularly months which you he immediately NC those earnings a let's consider if you’re seeing Edward units where that require a lot of on figures and see the alarm long as you’re walking around a lot of classes or whether you wear at office an office job and you just sit there allay or one if you're like a

http://powerpumpxladvice.com/alpha-levo-iq/

Moviestarplanet vip hack link

2/7/2016 01:11:33 am

One day, I'm looking for where we can acquire moviestarplanet vip hack and msp vip generator then got a website which easily provides all the msp hack tool online. This is the easiest way to get all the msp games resources online.

cecilva lentin91 link

2/9/2016 10:16:57 pm

that you have the atom Expositive charge the effect of light those need to be taken into record Thusly it may be critical to reconsider many of the sorts of reactions for perception these reactions that wave learned about in our science

http://powerpumpxladvice.com/neuro-xr/

Davis burnell link

2/17/2016 11:52:08 pm

these things is based upon his vitality however the on s apnea his vitality we likewise make the drop box and the spreading quickly radical are presumably eat_ wellbeing and longevity at maturing era so we can make sense of how to get more energy and less free radicals that will be a part of the desire that you think

http://masspmmusclegrowth.com/nitric-storm/

johnr scott link

2/18/2016 11:25:05 pm

who made this for you and nearly lapse date in the back too um so I rather burn through cash on this glad I'm so we thank you are all are eat so well now never mean needed yes no doubt presumably have mother eat here your companion your sticky cash done you need went up and affirm subs I'll I don't know what

http://renovocremefacts.com/revita-beau-eye-serum/

jose lenihan link

2/22/2016 11:30:04 pm

melt watering formulas this brings the all out number Playa formulas you access you to more than 400 the eight-week buddy Union arrangement you can make it simple on yourself with this complete 50-60 supper arrangement covering

http://masspmmusclegrowth.com/profactor-t-2000/

timothy strong link

2/24/2016 11:15:06 pm

began that no individual has the lower palm switch ID that as a matter of course will bathe assigned switch again this is not a comprehensive study on OSPF I magnum you doing the CCNA love CC ENT I trust it's on there now go to that if

http://t-rexmusclefacts.com/zulander-hack-scam/

Chlorogen 800 link

3/8/2016 04:26:01 am

Chlorogen 800 and an eye-pleasing body on the clothing-optional days of summer, your sex appeal may increase by sticking to the following weight loss tips.Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetable They help you feel full. And of course, they're good for you too. Chlorogen 800 green coffee Drink Water Studies show a link between water consumption and weight loss. In one study, participants who drank water before each meal took in 75 fewer calories. That's 8lbs a year
Please click here: --- http://www.usahealthproduct.com/chlorogen-800-review-php/

Fontix birgio link

3/11/2016 04:57:01 am

In the Workbook SPORT YOU FIT PLAN we go into detail on what the Mediterranean diet in practice. We do this by using two diets. The first is to eat according to the traditional concept. Breakfast, bread for lunch. In the evening hot food and then have a drink and a snack. The second is the "bite snap" concept.....

http://www.prohealthguides.com/

http://www.athleticgreensfacts.com/

http://www.supplementadvise.com/

alic ladn link

3/14/2016 03:19:27 am

Profactor T-2000 Using dumbbells and barbells with a bench is an excellent way to get in better physical shape. You have to make sure to pick the correct type of bench. A good guideline is to check if you can feel the wood through the bench's padding. Don't buy a bench without adequate padding. Over time, a bad bench can weaken your spine.
ReadMore>>>http://www.thehealthvictory.com/profactor-t-2000/

makanan untuk mengurangi asam lambung link

3/14/2016 09:09:22 pm

Sometimes the contents of the articles in this blog to my unggulkan able to task regarding coral, keep the spirit of the author.

jamith mert link

3/21/2016 11:20:46 pm

Situations, taking more proteases per day for several days seems effective, in general. For colds and general illness, taking a strong protease product such as Purify or Peptide several times a day, 3-4
capsules at a time, can significantly You would need to research each bio x4 decrease both the duration of the illness and the intensity of illness. see Migraines/Pain see any of the other conditions mentioned under Specific Conditions If you are trying ..
http://www.supplementadvise.com/bio-x4/

aritf idita link

4/16/2016 06:56:22 am

In the future it will save you from any doubt of the type "But if ... I'd like to, I was ..." etc. You have perfect garcinia cambogia already determined for themselves that are aiming to lose X kilos for Y time. Put ambitious, but realistic goals. If you do not know how far you can go in the process of losing weight, look for examples in the ..
http://idealhealthdoctor.com/perfect-garcinia-cambogia/

arfita jinsa link

4/18/2016 04:32:42 am

Significant weight loss effect. Take 1-2 grams of carnation before exercise. Fitness tips for weight loss [Citation Needed] Not all training methods to successfully fight against fat. Other methods, on the contrary, it added. Learn to train properly! "Attention" See also: Exercise for weight loss Lose weight permanently shakes hard! It would seem that the more repetitions do better. You spend more energy, and the body, to compensate ..

http://www.idealhealthdoctor.com/lose-weight-permanently/

javert norta link

4/19/2016 03:18:32 am

To cohere and tocotrienol, acne treatment which promotes and stimulates cell renewal. Coconut oil - is an excellent source of fatty acids, necessary for the strengthening of the lipid barrier of the skin and deep hydration of the epidermal Celleral layer. It helps in restoring the damaged epidermis, when dry, effectively fights against aging. It has cleansing and antibacterial properties that make it useful for ..

http://www.idealhealthdoctor.com/celleral/

Chlorogen800 link

4/20/2016 01:33:52 am

They offer natural digestive supplements too, and they've obviously put a lot of time and their expertise into Chlorogen 800 by crafting a product that is very similar to the green coffee supplement used in the 2012 study.These are good things for you, because when you buy Chlorogen800, you've got access to their customer service team all days of the week if you have any questions.
For more information - > http://www.usahealthproduct.com/chlorogen-800-review-php/

mozeh zehel link

4/20/2016 07:16:53 am

http://guidemesupplements.com/jacked-muscle-extreme/

the second month is the push section. on this segment your muscle groups might be pushed past its comfort zone. The primary focus may be on firming each a part of the frame one by one to strengthen and tone each part. Then guess what? another exchange, and every other fitness plateau is diverted, as your frame maintains to push ahead to new heights.

jiacci atorta link

4/23/2016 03:57:53 am

Lower part of the press does not help to get rid of belly. The fact that the fat throw "local", strictly in certain places is impossible - if subcutaneous fat layer disappears, profactor t 2000 then evenly throughout the body, but not where you would like. So, to achieve a perfect abdomen, have complementary strength training on ..

http://www.supplementadvise.com/profactor-t-2000/

jafira honny link

4/25/2016 03:29:07 am

The skin cells are "free-floating", ready to exfoliate. Formation can be compared to a large construction site, where the outcome depends on many factors, epidermal cells: Are there necessary materials, what is their quality, whether they drive up on time, etc. In addition, it is important, the condition of the object itself: whether the construction is new or repair dilapidated buildings. Not the last role played by ..
http://www.supplementadvise.com/aviva-hair/

Pengobatan Alternatif Ginjal Bengkak link

4/25/2016 09:41:56 pm

There are a wide variety of topics on the internet, but the topic discussed on this blog that I could admit my attention. thanks author.

Gale Fisher link

4/27/2016 01:30:40 am

Insul 3X If you tend to be fearful about buying things online because of identity thieves, you are in good company. The reality is that there have been major technological improvements in online security and credit card transactions are safe on most sites.

artia polart link

4/27/2016 04:03:59 am

Tract infections. Contraindications: the same as those of Xenical. Orsoten - instruction, application reviews 4.Goldlayn - gelatin capsules. The active ingredient - Sibutramine hydrochloride. Mechanism of ..

http://healthnbeautyfacts.com/probiotic-america/

Stock Future Tips link

4/27/2016 04:11:11 am

You have done a intelligent task making sure that people know where you are coming from. And let me say you, I gain it.

Herm Mun link

4/27/2016 06:02:25 am

Rejuvalift Eye Cream You can be sure you're starting small if you don't know whether or not you should get into multilevel marketing. For example, just get started marketing yourself on social media rather than taking the time to get a website going. This ensures you can grow your company as you gain more confidence.
ReadMore>>>http://www.thehealthvictory.com/rejuvalift-eye-cream/

wirta sonu link

5/3/2016 04:55:16 am

Meaning was how life was to be living the government in the garden after sinking me turning the government over to mankind but the principle is the same maximum
mother's day freedom which means personal responsibility limited regulation only one tree you could need but dire consequences when you ignored ..
http://mymotherday.com/

rirta nigla link

5/11/2016 04:44:08 am

Composition and pharmacological properties is generic Viagra - these tablets contain the same amount of active ingredient and differ from the original Viagra only the shape and color of the tablets and blister. Generic Viagra works in exactly the same as the original, respectively, can cause the same side effects. As generic Viagra cost 3-4 times cheaper than the original. an analogue (substitute) viagrykupit ..

http://www.athleticgreensfacts.com/spartagen-xt-reviews

buy online viagra link

8/9/2016 11:41:30 pm

online pharmacy to buy prescription drugs online. Buy online Viagra,
buy antivan lorazepam online.We deal in pain killers,Benzodiazepine,
Anti anxiety,Steroids and weight loss.

vaya link

9/2/2016 05:03:17 am

buy Ativan lorazepam online used sedative anti anxiety drug from benzodiazepines. The treatment of anxiety disorders online pharmacy to buy prescription drugs online. We deals in Pain Killers, Anti Anxiety,buy online viagra,buy online adderall amphetamine

cara menghilangkan bekas campak link

9/14/2016 10:22:38 pm

Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

obat herbal kista ovarium link

12/20/2016 02:40:19 am

This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.

Supplement 4 Us link

4/16/2017 09:38:26 am

Supplement 4 Us This befuddling Supplement 4 Us has truly made commanding, harder, and longer-continuing on erections workable for the people. Hence, in the event that you in like way need to achieve best elation and experience invigorated pinnacles like not ever some time starting late, nothing could be more profitable than this thing.

http://www.supplement4us.com/

obat radang panggul link

4/21/2017 12:27:05 am

with so many references my brain becomes overwhelmed, but after knowing this blog is like all so much easier, thanks.

Dissertation Writing Services link

5/2/2017 01:52:54 pm

I am truly inspired by this online journal! Extremely clear clarification of issues is given and it is open to every living soul. I have perused your post, truly you have given this extraordinary informative data about it.

Verutum RX link

9/20/2017 02:33:44 am

Verutum RX

http://www.healthfitcenter.com/

rbd link

9/25/2017 08:18:40 am

There is no need to worry that which brands of refrigerator like Samsung, whirlpool, LG, BOSCH, and many more. www.rbdrepair.com will always give a satisfactory work to their customers.<a href="http://www.rbdrepair.com/services/fridge-repair-dubai.php">Fridge Repair Dubai</a>

Welcome!

Every blog post you see on this page is written especially for teens and their parents!

My name is Bethany Raab and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Denver, Colorado. My passion is helping teens and families be happy and healthy!

If you are a client, please note that I cannot protect your privacy if you choose to comment on a blog post. You are under no obligation to read or comment on my blog.

Like it? Pin it!

Follow me!

Raab Counseling