How I Recognize Catastrophic Thoughts

Catastrophic thoughts, and recognizing catastrophic thoughts, has always been a significant part of the anxiety I experience (Dealing with Catastrophic Thinking and Anxiety). Initially, I thought that imagining all these terrible things happening would allow me to plan for them and control them as a result. Learning to recognize and deal with catastrophic thoughts has helped me get through difficult times when my anxiety comes on strong.

What Are Catastrophic Thoughts?

Catastrophic thoughts occur when you overestimate the likelihood that something negative is going to happen. These thoughts can set off the alarms in your head, making you feel certain that something devastating is going to happen (Anxiety Can Feel Like A Catastrophe). For me, catastrophic thoughts were mostly related to social situations and not having control over certain aspects of my life. They were the worst-case scenarios of my nightmares.

Catastrophic Thoughts Are Unrealistic

It took me a lot of time to recognize that certain thoughts were unrealistic. I first had to learn to ask myself questions rather than to continue focusing on negative thoughts. What caused me to think of this? How often does this actually happen? Has it ever happened before? I had let catastrophic thoughts become such a big part of my life that I had stopped recognizing that these were unrealistic. I spent so much time worrying about things that were essentially impossible.

Catastrophic Thoughts Involve Mind Reading

One of the first things I learned when I started recognizing my catastrophic thoughts was that I was acting as if I could read the minds of the people I was worrying about. I was jumping to conclusions about their thoughts based on minor interactions I had with these people. If somebody seemed cold toward me, I assumed that I had done something unforgivable instead of realizing that perhaps he was having a bad day.

Catastrophic Thoughts Make Assumptions

Not only do I jump to conclusions when I'm in this catastrophic mindset, but I also make assumptions about the world (Social Anxiety and Jumping to Conclusions). When I'm anxious, I see the world as a bad place. I think that everybody and everything is out to get me. Logically, I know that this is not true. In my anxiety I can't stop fearing what I "just know" is going to happen.

Ways to Deal with Catastrophic Thoughts

Watch this video to learn more about recognizing the catastrophic thoughts I've experienced as well as how I cope with them. Then, let me know how you deal with catastrophic thoughts and anxiety. How do you calm yourself when these thoughts emerge?

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