Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion that prompts people to jump to the worst possible conclusion, usually with very limited information or objective reason to despair.

Sep 17, 2025 · Catastrophizing means imagining the worst outcome possible, even if it's unlikely. Writing down your negative thoughts can help you reframe them with more realistic ideas. …

Jun 6, 2025 · What Is Catastrophic Thinking? Catastrophic thinking (or “ catastrophizing ”) is a common cognitive distortion where you fixate on the worst possible outcome and treat it as likely, even when …

Nov 15, 2024 · Catastrophizing is one of the most common cognitive distortions that involves believing the worst possible outcome will occur as a result of some action or event, even if it’s very unlikely. …

Dec 18, 2025 · Catastrophizing leads to anxious thoughts and despair, often linked to trauma or brain chemistry. Therapy and self-care can help manage these thoughts.

Apr 10, 2023 · Catastrophizing involves exaggerating the severity of a situation and may be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

Feb 21, 2023 · Catastrophizing involves imagining the worst-case scenarios, often leading to increased anxiety & stress. Recognizing & challenging catastrophic thoughts with evidence-based questioning …

1 day ago · Catastrophizing, the automatic assumption of worst-case scenarios, stems from our survival brain's tendency to fill information vacuums with threats. This cognitive distortion creates a false …

Sep 20, 2025 · Catastrophizing is a mental habit that causes a person to expect disaster, even in low-risk situations. This thinking pattern often includes irrational thoughts that increase health anxiety, …

Oct 1, 2025 · Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion where individuals excessively magnify the potential negative outcomes of a situation, imagining the worst-case scenario and feeling overwhelmed by …