Have you ever found yourself saying “yes” to too many things, feeling uncomfortable about something but going along with it because you didn’t want to “rock the boat”, or feeling like you can’t really be yourself with someone because they won’t like the “real you”?

Social anxiety is the feeling that you don’t belong, the belief that you won’t be accepted as you are, and the idea that you need to put on an act to “trick” other people into being your friend. It’s the thought that “If they got to know the real me, I wouldn’t be welcome here”. These feelings, beliefs, and thoughts aren’t necessarily true, but they feel true.

How to Overcome Catastrophic Thinking

By Jason Stewart, MS, PCC

Catastrophizing is a common cognitive distortion or unhelpful thought pattern where a person thinks and feels the worst possible outcome will happen. This type of thinking can cause anxiety, cloud judgment, hinder rational decision-making, and make everyday challenges feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we can learn to reframe these thoughts, feel grounded and present, and develop a more balanced perspective. Here are some key strategies to help you move through catastrophic thinking.