As a reminder, this series is about how we self-inflict pain into our lives by the way we think in our minds. If you missed the previous articles, feel free to check out previous ones!

A “mind hack” as any tool or idea that helps us understand the mind so we can have a mentally healthy life!

Something that overlaps well with this topic is the topic of cognitive distortions.

In the previous article, I introduced the concept of the cognitive distortion.which the APA (American Psychological Association) defines as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception, or belief.”

I talked last week about the cognitive distortion of “black or white” or what some call “all or none” thinking.

Today I’d like to talk about another common cognitive distortion: catastrophizing.

If you’re keeping up with this article series, I talked in article #3 about how we sometimes can go into
“what if world” in our minds where we keep asking “what if” from a place of fear/insecurity.

I pointed out how continuing in this chain of thinking only breeds more anxiety, stress, and – in extreme cases- can lead to despair.

Well, there have been plenty of times in my own life where circumstances occur and I become convinced that something awful is going to happen..a catastrophe, if you will.

And that of course is why it’s called catastrophizing!

it is nothing more than a version of going into what-if world where one is imagining worst case outcomes or scenarios.

Before you keep reading, I’d encourage you to ask yourself these questions:

How exactly do you feel when you are catastrophizing?

Does it serve you in any helpful way?

For me, staying in this way of thinking only increases my anxiety levels and makes me feel much, much worse! Can you relate?

Now to clarify..while a certain amount of this type of thinking is normal for everyone to experience from time to time -especially when facing difficult situations – I would argue that it’s unhealthy and unproductive to stay in a mindset of catastrophizing on a regular basis.

This can lead to anxiety/depression (as well as co-occur with those conditions) and also contribute to other health problems…something I’d assume you don’t want..for yourself or for your loved ones!

So, IF you can relate:

Do you ever face life situations and start imagining or envisioning the worst possible outcome or scenario?

Maybe you feel this way right now about something in your life?

What if you have the power to choose to let go of this idea and focus on what’s in your control and what’s going well in your life instead?

Let’s THRIVE in mind so we can THRIVE in life!