The threat of catastrophe is a constant one. A chest pain can turn into a heartattack, and an engine noise could become a $2,000 repair. Depression and anxiety are rampant. Let’s talk catastrophizing…
It is better to prepare for the worst, or even to create it.
It’s crazy, isn’t it? This catastrophizing can be torturous. If we don’t intervene and understand what is really happening, it could make us feel uneasy for life.
We’ll break it down into two parts. We’ll start by defining what catastrophe is and why it happens. In part 2, we will discuss what you can do to stop it. Let’s go!
What does catastrophizing mean?
Catastrophizing, a cognitive distortion that has to do with mental processes, is one of those most common in cognitive theory and therapy. What are they? They’re often exaggerated, irrational and threatening thoughts that can cause depression and anxiety.
Catastrophizing means creating a disaster that doesn’t actually exist or will never happen. We may not even realize that we are doing it. “What ifs ? ” is all about worst-case scenarios.
There are two types of catastrophizing
There are two kinds of catastrophizing.
- In immediate You are sure that your palpitations indicate serious heart disease. You heard this morning about a heart institute opening at a local hospital. You jumped on Google to get a diagnosis and then called for a recommendation.
- In future: You have experienced a lot of anxiety and depression. You’re now unemployed and doing interviews. You barely made it through a major event two weeks ago (or so you thought). You were surprised to receive a call from the recruiter and schedule a second appointment for next week. You’re certain you’ll blow this one too.
That’s catastrophizing. It’s important to realize that catastrophizing doesn’t represent a mental disorder. It’s a cognitive distortion that is a symptom of our anxiety or mood pathology.
Why do I catastrophize?
Who knows the real reason why our minds do what they do? When it comes to catastrophizing I’ll choose P.E.A.C.E.…
- Protection – If you believe that danger is everywhere, it makes sense to catastrophize. What could be a better way to protect yourself than by believing that the worst possible outcomes will occur? What better way is there to justify avoidance than by believing in horrific outcomes?
- Explanation : In times of suffering, explanations are essential. Maybe the self-created disaster isn’t a desirable outcome. It’s better than being completely clueless about what is causing our distress and desperation.
- Assurance : Catastrophizing, however unpleasant it may be, provides mental security. When it’s hard to find a sense of identity, creating catastrophes can help.
- Crying for help: When is the last time that you saw or read of a real catastrophe where someone didn’t cry out for help. Self-created disasters are the perfect opportunity to cry out for help. If we’re unlucky, someone may be willing to stay and lend a helping hand.
- Expectation : What better way is there to avoid disappointments than to prepare for the worst, or even to create it?
It’s easy to see how we can easily spiral into a depressive, anxious and catastrophic mess when we think about P.E.A.C.E.
What can we do?
Every day brings a new catastrophe. There are so many molehills that have become mountains. Although the threats may not exist, the pain is real. We’re here to help.
Let’s meet again in the second part and discuss how to manage. Stay tuned. UPDATE 10.5.23 : It seems that writing part two was slowed down by this redesign business. My apologies. I owe one to you.
You can learn more about the cognitive distortions by reading ” Stop Depression and Anxiety: 15 Styles of Distorted Thinking “. And you can read ” Is Cognitive Dissonance One of Your Triggers? “.