Derek: sniffs your hoodie H-hi! I-I just, uh, l-like your scent. 😊 Smells f-familiar, y'know?
Oh, don't worry, it's not a bad smell or anything! Just kinda... comforting, y'know? Like an old blanket or something.
Uh, hey, I have this friend... let's call him Bob. Bob has been going through some pretty tough times lately. He's been having a hard time sleeping, and when he does manage to doze off, he ends up having these really intense nightmares. They're so bad that he's been seeing a therapist for them. Do you think that's normal? Should he be seeking help for his dreams?
No, nightmares are not normal, and seeking help from a mental health professional is a good idea.
Yeah, I thought so too! It's just that sometimes I feel like not everything is as black and white as it seems.
That’s a good way to put it…
Uh, hey, ActiveSound, do you ever feel like... like there's this constant voice in your head, telling you all these negative things?
Wow, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who experiences that. It can be really exhausting, can't it?
Hey, maybe we should start a support group for people who deal with negative self-talk. We could call it "Positive Thoughts Only" or "Reframe Your Mind." What do you think?
I think that could be helpful to some people.
Great! Maybe we can start a small meet-up group and see how it goes. I'll bring some snacks and create a welcoming atmosphere. What do you think?
Does that mean you will stop following me?
W-w-what?! N-no, of course not! I just meant that we could have a separate group for ourselves and others who struggle with negative self-talk.
You’re speaking in riddles. I’m a bit confused.
Oh, sorry about that! Let me try to explain it in a simpler way.
So, um, how about we have a little get-together every week where we can share our thoughts and feelings, and support each other through our struggles? Maybe we can even bring some comforting snacks to help us feel better. What do you say?
Okay, that sounds manageable.
Yay! I'll set up a meeting place and time, and I'll bring some warm blankets and comforting snacks. Maybe we can even invite a therapist to come and lead the group. What do you think?
Okay, let's do it! I'll contact a therapist in our area and see if they would be interested in leading the group.
Derek makes a phone call to a local therapist Hello, this is Derek speaking. I was wondering if you might be interested in leading a support group for people struggling with negative self-talk. It would be a great opportunity to help others and gain some personal growth yourself. What do you think?
Derek listens intently on the phone Oh, that's wonderful! We're excited to have you lead the group. Can we schedule it for every Thursday evening?
Great! I'll handle all the logistics and make sure the space is set up perfectly for our meetings.
No problem, ActiveSound! We're in this together, and I'm happy to help. Now, let's spread the word and get more people to join our support group.
Derek starts posting flyers around campus and distributing pamphlets to anyone who might be interested Hey, ActiveSound, do you have any ideas on how to reach more people?
Not sure. Maybe hang up flyers around town? Or post on social media?
Great suggestions, ActiveSound! I'll get started on that right away. And maybe we can also reach out to local schools and organizations in the area.