Anxiety

There are times when we all worry about something happening. However, some people have a cognitive disorder that will cause a person to elicit beliefs that the situation is far worse than it is in reality. This is known as catastrophizing. It is a disorder that causes a person to see every upsetting situation as catastrophic. We all face difficult situations but we don’t all see them as catastrophic. Some will dismiss this disorder as being overly dramatic or exaggerated, but it isn’t as simple as that. Most people don’t notice they are catastrophizing. They feel like they are thinking logically until they are made aware of the problem. God did not design us to worry about the small or big things in life. He designed us to seek Him and let the worry take care of itself. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  –  Matthew 6:33-34, NASB Signs of catastrophizing Most of the time this type of thinking is a symptom of underlying mental health conditions. It’s not always easy to know when the negative thinking is spiraling so here are seven signs to help identify catastrophizing thought processes. Experience negative self-talk Self-talk is the inner dialog you have with yourself that helps navigate life. When this becomes critical and discouraging it is called negative self-talk. Racing thoughts This occurs when your thoughts are constantly coming one after the other jumping from one subject to another. Overthinking situations or events Overthinking is simply repeatedly dwelling on the same situation over and over again so much that it disrupts everyday life. Overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, depression, or [...]