destructive thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destructive thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe negative or harmful thinking patterns that can affect a person's mental health or well-being. Example: "She struggled with destructive thoughts that made it difficult for her to focus on the positive aspects of her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It is that place where a person can appear 'normal', both physically and mentally, and yet be struggling immensely with disturbing and destructive thoughts and feelings.

Independent

In 1922, Häusler reported that Peche was leading a "most unhealthy life, constantly lies in bed under a huge comforter, smokes fifty or sixty cigarettes a day, and tortures himself with the craziest and most destructive thoughts".

The New Yorker

Koplewicz believes that some antidepressants can help teen-agers, but cautions that young people's brains may be more sensitive to daily fluctuations in drug levels, and that these pharmacological changes themselves may foster destructive thoughts and behavior.

The New Yorker

Next, he or she explores negative thinking patterns that trigger your feelings of worry and helps you develop strategies to limit destructive thoughts and reinforce positive ones when anxiety occurs.

Harvard University

In this article we'll explain how to recognize potentially destructive thoughts and behaviors; refocus them into more generous, productive ones; and make yourself more open to others, more receptive to change, and more fulfilled at work.

Harvard Business Review

The film deals specifically with dark and destructive thoughts that most people experience when dealing with depression and anxiety.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Cognitive and behavioural therapists try to short-circuit destructive thought patterns.

The Economist

This induces a highly suggestible state, in which it's much easier - using visualisation and guided imagery - to reprogramme negative, destructive thought patterns into positive thoughts that can help you give up". Allen Carr set up the Easyway method in 1983, after giving up his own 100- a-day habit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their inner monologue includes two destructive thought patterns -- ruminating and worrying.

Forbes

Unlike destructive thought experiments, they are not trying to demolish an existing theory, though they may do that in passing.

SEP

Among destructive thought experiments, the following subtypes can be identified: the simplest of these is to draw out a contradiction in a theory, thereby refuting it.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mental health, be specific about the context in which "destructive thoughts" arise to avoid generalizations. For example, link them to specific conditions like depression or anxiety, if applicable.

Common error

Avoid attributing "destructive thoughts" solely to external factors without acknowledging internal psychological processes. Recognize the interplay between environment and individual cognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destructive thoughts" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "destructive" modifies the noun "thoughts". It describes the quality or nature of the thoughts, indicating they are harmful or damaging. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its usability and meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "destructive thoughts" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe harmful or damaging thinking patterns. As indicated by Ludwig, it is used across various contexts, particularly in discussions about mental health within News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "destructive" modifying the noun "thoughts", and serves to label a specific type of thought that has the potential to cause harm. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, its formality can vary depending on the specific context, as reflected in the different source types provided by Ludwig. Alternatives such as "harmful thoughts" or "negative thoughts" can be used to express similar ideas with slight differences in intensity or focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful thoughts

Replaces "destructive" with "harmful", softening the intensity while maintaining the negative connotation.

injurious thoughts

Emphasizes the damaging effect of the thoughts, similar to "destructive" but with a slightly different nuance.

toxic thoughts

Highlights the poisonous or damaging effect of the thoughts on one's mental state.

negative thoughts

Uses a more general term, "negative", to describe the thoughts, broadening the scope but potentially reducing the impact.

unhealthy thoughts

A broader term indicating that the thoughts are detrimental to mental well-being.

self-sabotaging thoughts

Focuses on the self-directed harm caused by the thoughts, adding a layer of intentionality or internal conflict.

dark thoughts

Uses a metaphorical description to emphasize the grim or morbid nature of the thoughts.

self-defeating thoughts

Focuses on how the thoughts undermine one's goals and potential for success.

pessimistic thoughts

Highlights the negative outlook associated with the thoughts, linking them to a general sense of hopelessness.

malicious thoughts

Implies ill intent or a desire to cause harm through the thoughts, adding a layer of malevolence.

FAQs

What are some examples of "destructive thoughts"?

Examples of "destructive thoughts" include self-criticism, hopelessness, and the belief that you're not good enough. These thoughts can negatively impact your mental well-being.

How can I manage "destructive thoughts"?

Strategies for managing "destructive thoughts" include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and challenging negative thought patterns.

What is the difference between "destructive thoughts" and "negative thoughts"?

"Destructive thoughts" are a subset of "negative thoughts", generally characterized by their potential to cause significant harm to one's self-esteem and mental health. Not all "negative thoughts" are necessarily destructive.

What can I say instead of "destructive thoughts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "harmful thoughts", "negative thoughts", or "self-sabotaging thoughts".