Unhelpful thinking styles: Catastrophising
Constantly using unhelpful thinking styles can cause a fair amount of emotional distress. Unhelpful thinking styles are different patterns of thinking we get stuck with when experiencing uncomfortable emotions. Unhelpful thinking styles often become automatic and are usually cause several negative thoughts and statements, which only make you feel way worse! Once you start to understand your unhelpful thinking styles it can become a lot easier to challenge them and to have a different outlook (often making you feel a lot less crappy).
No one is immune to unhelpful thinking styles – even Psychologists have unhelpful thinking styles. I could give lots of examples of times where I got stuck with certain unhelpful thinking styles. Below we are going to go through one of the many unhelpful thinking styles and some strategies on how to challenge it.
CATASTROPHISING
Catastrophising is something most people have experienced. Catastrophising is when we make a mountain out of a mole hill, when we blow things out of proportion and see the situation as dreadful or terrible, even if the problem is minor. For example, in year 12 I believed that if my ATAR wasn’t above a certain number that it would basically be the end of the world. This caused me to feel waaaay more stressed an anxious around assessments, exams and studying – which DID NOT HELP! Getting stuck with this thinking style meant when I was trying to study, my thoughts were consumed with worries of me underperforming and not actually learning what I needed to learn.
If you find yourself getting stuck with catastrophising, try and put things back into perspective. What is actually the worst thing that could happen to you right now? What are some things that would cause you a fair degree of stress? What is a minor inconvenience? Now where does the current situation or problem sit? Think through your current concerns a little more. For me if I didn’t get the ATAR I needed it wouldn’t have been the end of the world. I could have studied something else for a period and tried to get in again. Not getting the ATAR I wanted would have been annoying and meant I would be studying for longer (which is frustrating) but it would not have been the worst thing ever.
It's a lot easier said than done! If you find yourself stuck with catastrophising or just wanting further support feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online & come see one of our friendly Psychologists.