Our thoughts about MPDs...and how they affect our behaviour

Thoughts, feelings and actions - they're all interconnected. What we do influences our thoughts and feelings, and equally, the way we think can affect actions and feelings. With the unpredictability and uncontrollability of blood clots and bleeding, long term uncertainty, medicinal side effects and other complicating factors, it is not surprising that at times people find themselves feeling demoralised, helpless or pessimistic. These feelings are evident in our thoughts.

You may find yourself feeling worried, frustrated or helpless before or during an activity. These feelings are often linked to thoughts that may be running through your mind at the time. Thoughts like "I won't be able to do this properly" make it hard to start anything. If you find yourself thinking, "I can't imagine getting over this," or "I might make myself worse." This can contribute to feelings of fearfulness or helplessness. These feelings that are not only distressing, but also hold you back. These types of thoughts and feelings are quite common in long-term illness and have an impact on behaviour. Fortunately, something can be done to change these thoughts.

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