Negative thoughts produce negative feelings part 1 - Catastrophising

We used to believe it was depression or anxiety that made people think negatively however, people who struggle with depressive or anxious feelings first had the negative, pessimistic and/or distorted thoughts. Psychologists identified several negative thinking patterns that are common to people who struggle with feelings of anxiety and depression. The first thing I wanted to talk about is catastrophizing. Catastrophizing is a mental habit where your mind jumps straight to the worst-case scenario, even when the situation doesn’t warrant it. It’s a type of cognitive distortion, meaning your thoughts are skewed in a way that can heighten anxiety, stress, or even depression.

Examples of this are:

• Having a headache and thinking it's a tumour

• Making an error at work and thinking you will be sacked

• A girl you like doesn't message you back right away and thinking she doesn't like you anymore

How to Manage It:

• Label the thought: “I’m having a catastrophic thought” instead of “This is going to happen.”

• Reality-check: Ask yourself, “What’s the actual evidence?”

• Mindfulness & journaling: Stay present and track recurring thought patterns5

  
  

If you’ve ever caught yourself spiralling into “what if” territory, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. It’s a pattern that can be rewired with practice and support. If you would like my help, please contact me on 07525851033 to book an appointment or email oakleyhypnotherapy@hotmail.com

,