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

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