I've heard before that sometimes talking to yourself can go two ways...

Like you said Helen you used to sit there telling yourself you weren't going to die....

But the other thing i saw once (cant remember where mind you), you tell yourself 'fuck it, if im gonna die im gonna die'
Because tyou know somewhere in your head that you ARE NOT going to die, so the advise was kinda, dont fight something that isnt even going to happen.

But once again, thats easier said than done