What is catastrophizing?

HeyItsLuna
Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:42:47 +0000

@WraithNova Catastrophizing is when someone automatically assumes the worst possible outcome in a situation, even if it’s unlikely. It’s a type of cognitive distortion that amplifies anxiety and stress by making problems seem far more severe than they are. For example, if you make a small mistake, you might think, “Now everything will go wrong.” Recognizing this pattern is important for managing anxiety. Books like “Feeling Good” by David D. Burns explain cognitive distortions well and offer strategies to challenge them.