Cognitive Distortions #6: CATASTROPHIZING – Spiraling into Depression & Anxiety | Dr. Rami Nader

Catastrophizing is an extremely common cognitive distortion. What happens in catastrophizing is that a person takes a relatively small event and imagines all the extreme and horrible consequences that could result from that event. Catastrophizing is the mental equivalent of “making a mountain out of a molehill”. What results from catastrophizing is that a person tends to predict the worst possible outcome in a situation and then perceives themselves as being unable to cope with the outcome. As a result, with catastrophizing, what ends up happening is that the person’s emotional response (either anxiety or depression) is based on an exaggerated interpretation of the event, rather than the event itself. As a result, catastrophizing makes a person feel awful in a particular situation. However, there is another problem with catastrophizing, as the emotional reactions to the perceived catastrophe interfere in the person’s ability to cope, problem solve or take steps to prevent the catastrophic outcome.

To overcome catastrophizing, the first step is to recognize when you are engaging in catastrophizing. This can be done by noticing whenever you have an extremely strong emotional reaction to a particular situation. When you recognize the catastrophizing, it is important to question whether or not the emotional reaction is appropriate given what is actually going on, as opposed to a perception of what it means. In other words, the goal is to recognize catastrophizing and then focus on dealing with the event, not what you perceive that it symbolizes.

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[marthaokelley]

I am now finding myself isolating myself away from other people because I have lost the person I used to be. I am single, 67 and have only RECENTLY understood what betrayal trauma is. I have complex PTSD. Without ANY family, I hate facing tomorrow.

[MikeJackson]

Ah yes, my speciality. Had an awful week, mostly because of catastrophising, or what wasn't real, rather focusing on the facts. the anxiety it creates is unfathomable. Things are improving now, but nevertheless, I'm going to give this a listen soon.

[pandoravictoria]

I have watched many of these types of videos and this one by far has related the most to me a big thank you for that I appreciate it alot. I am struggling with thoughts and visions of losing a parent, my kids or husband and its bringing me down and its daily thoughts. I also fear something happens to me and leave my small Autistic child. When my little one is sick my mind goes to the worst. It is really depressing im trying to work on it. Not many of these videos touch on the fear of losing a loved one or the idea that I am not strong enough to hand it and that's how I feel glad you talked about it. Thank you again

[dibble]

I have general anxiety disorder all my life I'm 57 now and it is not getting any easier. I tried medication but the side effects were worse than the problem. But Catastrophising is a reality for some people. Its not just a thought its events.

[dawnamoon]

Thank you for this information. catastrophizing, unfortunately, happens quite a bit in my day.

[hip-hopman]

I was catasteophizing about catastrophizing. I was thinking i will never stop it. But your videos help, Sir

[anoshya]

I like the term cognitive distortion..the way you deliver the talks is so friendly and peaceful many thanks..

[pattigregory]

I recently talked my my therapist about this and she called it catastrophizing so I found your video and gave me so much in sight. Thanks

[dr.nitajoseph]

Being a psychologist and an amateur youtuber, your videos inspire me a lot ❤
Thank you and would love to see more of them🥰

[wiilover]

This is one of the best videos on this topic. Thanks so much for this. I needed this.

[stoney]

Thanks Rami. I don’t how many hours I have spent uselessly thinking of how terrible outcomes may happen (but so far…never have) instead of just tackling the present situation.

Not only has it been a huge waste of time but it has also caused to pass on many good opportunities

[ligiailean]

Spot on like always!💎 Thank you so much!🙇 You really help me a lot.🎉 God bless you!😇🎄😇

[romanshishkin]

I had major panic attack last year. Since than, I'm never the same. I thought it was heart attack. Now, after checking my heart and knowing it okay, I think I'm traumatized. Became very anxious and scared. Every time I get stressed, I get this click in my stomach and I'm starting to have panic attack. How do I get out of this?

[elenora]

Thank you doctor you explain things so well I appreciate your videos. As I continue to heal from this severe anxiety experience I’ve had over the past few months I’m having a hard time accepting or making sense of it all. Is there a way to deal with that? Could you make a video ? Thank you

[darksoul]

I'm a retired motorcycle racer that has been through many crashes. I haven't ridden in 20 years. Today's the day that I get a new bike. Well actually it's not new it's a 1993 classic Harley Sportster in mint condition, it doesn't have a scratch on it. To say that I'm catastrophizing would be a gross understatement. If I don't ride again now I never will. Today is the day. I thought I would be excited but I'm not I feel sad and depressed.

[sarahgerlach]

Thank you so much for sharing! I really relate to how you speak to a lot of the issues on your channel. They are very helpful for recognizing my own patterns and cognitive distortions.

[lostheboss]

I was very optimistic and positive the majority of my 20s, but when you get knocked down again, and again, and again and for a 4th time you give up on that career. The second career had been disaster and dont even get me started on dating. So yeah I think its resonable to be this way if weve been kicked in the teeth undeservingly so while others dont understand.

[persadsanjay]

The thing you might expect the worse to happen and from my experience from past history it happens

[lynnritchie]

I'm currently drinking too much as I'm catastophising about my dog. He's not well, but it's probably not as bad as I imagine. Unfortunately, I can't seem to break the

[Stroke.survivor]

After having a massive stroke at 50 bad reaction to covid vaccine, every time I get a headache or pins needles I think is going to happen again I think about my funeral or laying in hospital again, parallised it’s a very scary head space to be in .I have got much better now, this makes so much sense to me, our thoughts control how we feel every day happiness really is a state of mind, most of these thoughts will most probably never happen, I know that now, I am learning every day, this is a fantastic Chanel I’m sure this will help a lot of people we waste so much time worrying about things that will never happen.