Catastrophizing is a form of mental illness where a person believes that a situation is far worse than it is. Due to this, it can cause anxiety and stress, as the person constantly worries about the potential disaster. Catastrophizing can also lead to depression and other mental health problems. The person may believe they are hopeless and helpless regarding how to counteract what they perceive as a perceived threat. To avoid catastrophizing, we must challenge our negative thoughts and look for evidence that counters them. It will help us to gain a more realistic and balanced perspective.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Dragana Gordic
Be Mindful Of Thought Patterns
Therapists develop a healthy sense of self-awareness and are mindful of their thought patterns. By being aware of their biases and triggers, therapists can more easily catch themselves when they start catastrophizing. Additionally, therapists should practice mindfulness to be more present in the moment and less likely to dwell on worst-case scenarios. If therapists learn to be more aware of their thoughts and emotions, they can prevent themselves from catastrophizing and better serve their clients.
Cultivate a supportive network of
colleagues and friends
Therapists cultivate a supportive network of colleagues and friends who can offer reality checks when needed. This network can provide an essential buffer against the therapist’s catastrophizing tendencies. When therapists feel overwhelmed by their work, they can rely on their colleagues and friends for support and perspective. These trusted individuals can offer reality checks that can help the therapist to reframe their challenges and prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/YURII MASLAK
Practice self-compassion
Finally, therapists can practice self-compassion and learn to accept imperfection instead of being self-critical when things get tough. It also recognizes that everyone goes through difficult times and that they are imperfect.
Accepting imperfection means that they do not expect themselves to be perfect. By learning from their mistakes, they understand that they can continue to succeed.