Why Am I Always Expecting The Worst?

Notes and thoughts from my study of this article after I realized I lived expecting tragedies to always follow (happen).

So I found out that catastrophizing is a form of anxiety, something irrational, based on false assumptions. Technically I have a cognitive distortion.

What was scary that hit close to home was the notion it could be a symptom of trauma (tell me about it!) that stems from and breeds helplessness and hopelessness!!! Wow, immediately I was flooded with childhood memories of various forms of abuse and gripping fear that almost daily clouded my being. Talk about revelation. Talk about feeling helpless and hopeless as a kid. Anxiety - yup.

It is also a way to prevent myself from loss. If I allowed myself to celebrate (which I don't), feel wonderful (happy etc., anything positive), I become fearful that it will be lost (soon). So I preemptively guard against the loss of joy. I anticipate disaster, failure and loss lurking in the bushes ready to pounce and drag away my object/reason for joy.

Truths I need to affirm:

life is uncertain
bad things do happen but not as often and as bad as I imagine
I do have the resiliency, coping skills and resources to cope when bad comes knocking

Ways to OVERCOME catastrophizing:

Catch myself doing it.
Challenge the validity of what I am thinking
Consider other possibilities or scenarios (even good ones)
Focus on NOW
Breathe and chant positive mantras (All will work out for good. It is well.)
Can I prepare or prevent this expected tragedy? Do it!
Practice healthy coping strategies

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