Do You Believe You Can Heal Yourself with Just Positive Thinking?

No. I thought I could "will away" my depression and it just made me more depressed when I couldn't. The best thing I did was finally go see a doctor and get medical help.

I think it helps when used in addition to other treatments. However, I had a friend and a family member that read about some positive- thinking/spiritual healing when going through cancer. Both decided to forgo chemo and opt for this type of approach- no one could talk them out of it. The family member died last year, and the other friend is now terminal. Just be careful when reading these types of things and don't discount medical intervention.

Positive thinking is fine for situational depression, but clinical depression is a PHYSICAL illness, and you can no more think or pray yourself out of it than you can think or pray yourself out of cancer.

I think that having a positive attitude aids in the recovery process, but I think that there are some things where medical treatment is necessary!

I can't heal myself with positive thinking. However, stress and negativity are a contributing factor to a lot of health issues and can definately exxagerate them. So, having a more positive attitude can help, but is not a cure all in itself. I wanted to add, that you can sometimes pull yourself back from the brink when it comes to depression. WIth positive ACTIONS, not just thoughts. If you increase your excercise, sunlight, and good nutrition, you can make a differance. It takes positive actions, not just thoughts.

Well, it can't hurt to try it!

(How's that for positive thinking?!)

However depression and anxiety are actually chemical imbalances which require treatment like any other medical conditions.

Be good to yourself what ever you choose!

:)

I think if you're clinically depressed or have an actual chemical imbalance, then no amount of positive thinking is really going to make a dent because you just need to see a doctor. Same with physical ailments.

With that being said, I also read a book about the power of positive thinking & it has helped me immensely in my day-to-day life. My husband suffers from depression & won't even consider picking the book up, let alone attempting to change his way of thinking. To him, it's a bunch of 'hocus pocus' as he's said to me numerous times. It's all in your outlook & whether or not you're in a place where the positive thinking has a chance to help.

You will not be able to think positively if you have depression. Depression (and the anger and anxiety that goes along with it) inhibits your ability to think clearly. Once you sort out that chemical imbalance with your doctor and the correct medications, you will be able to think positively. Until then you will be swimming against a fast current upstream.

It helps. Breaking habits of negative thinking helps us emotionally, and that can lessen or remove symptoms that may be emotionally based.

But it can be tricky – the positive can't deny the negative if it exists, or it might only make the situation worse. I have relieved asthma attacks by noticing and acknowledging that I feel anxious or angry about something. Trying to deny my negative feelings makes asthma worse for me. On the other hand, I have relieved hay fever attacks by telling myself "I don't have to do this. Pollen is not my enemy."

There is a self-help process that is based on acceptance, which I have found tremendously helpful. It's called The Work, and it encourages the user to fully explore and embrace her negative thoughts, and then to turn them around so we can also find the positive. Pretty amazing results here, and for my husband. If curious, try the process here: http://thework.com/thework-4questions.php

I believe positivity can impact your overall outlook and physical state. I think it can impact some of the issues you've mentioned.
Daily affirmations, spoken aloud can have a very real affect on our outlook at life.
Outlook dictates a LOT: our reaction to bad stuff, our will to triumph over tragedy, etc.
Sometimes though, anxiety and depression need the attention of a doctor, a therapist and/or medication. It's not that easy for a clinically depressed person to "think happy thoughts and snap out of it" as many believe (not saying you!)
Conversely, I also believe that negativity, pessimism and dispair can lead to some very real, medical illnesses.
Have you ever read "Your Word Is Your Wand"? This is a book in which you may be interested.

I think a positive attitude can definitely change your thinking and circumstances, but I don't think it can heal your body alone. Only God can do that.

I believe that with the proper focus on the Lord and his word, saying positive words and confessions and the right choices with our daily priorities, we can heal from all kinds of things.

I don't think we can just "think ourselves well" apart from God though. He made these bodies. He made them to heal. The mind on the other hand is more subject to our choices because he gave us free choice.

No. Or else I wouldn't have this headache and cramps! Lol.

I think that is one of those things we call "too good to be true."
But it certainly compliments proper eating, medical attention, exercise etc.

I think it definitely can help a lot, but in many cases it is not enough.

Out of curiosity, which book are you reading?

S.,
I think that our mind is very powerful, and when our thoughts are positive and encouraging we can achieve many things in our lives. In your case, just my humble opinion, you can do great things, but still you need help. There are things that need medical help or support groups or more than positive thinking but with blending both you can get out of your problems. The thing is that YOU want to get better and you are trying something which is very good. Personally, I don't like drugs or medicines for depression, but sometimes some people need them. It is you the one who have to decide on that.
Find help and at the same time keep working on your positive thinking, healthy attitude and healthy food. Find also magazines and TV shows that make you laugh. Surround yourself with nice music and nice people that make you feel good about yourself and others, that helps a lot.
I believe in good attitude, and positive thinking it does change your world.
Read some books of Dalai Lama, they are very encouraging and teach how to live better, It is very interesting. Stay away from negative people who complain or gossip and look for harmony (music, walking on a park, craft?, etc.) wherever you can find it, but still look for professional help, but YOU are the key of healing, JUST YOU. There are wonderful things in life even when the ugly ones are still out there, and we are those who can change some of them. Life is too short..live it well and think that your father would like to see you happy and enjoying your life. I think so since my mom just passed away recently and still it is hard to deal with it..but I am sure she would like me to have a wonderful life.
Take care of yourself, you can do it and your success is in YOUIR hands, not others'.
Blessings