How to Recognize and Overcome Catastrophic Thinking
By
BySeth J. Gillihan, PhDApril 6, 2021Clinical psychologist
Summary
This article explores the psychological phenomenon of catastrophizing — the tendency to imagine worst-case scenarios in response to minor triggers. Using a personal anecdote about a minor finger injury that sparked fears of sepsis, the author explains how catastrophic thinking works, why it happens, and offers practical approaches to manage it. The piece covers cognitive reframing, recognizing thought patterns, and techniques to break the cycle of worst-case thinking.
Source
Twitter / XHow to Recognize and Overcome Catastrophic Thinkingwb.mdKey quotes
· 3 pulledImmediately my mind imagined the worst: 'It's infected! The infection is going to travel to my bloodstream. I'm going to develop sepsis and wind up in the hospital.'
All of us jump to the worst-case scenario at times.
But if you find you are too often in the grips of catastrophic thinking, these approaches can help.
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