Catastrophizing Test
Losing my job would mean I'd never find work again.
When my partner doesn't call, my first thought is that something terrible happened.
A poor grade feels like it could ruin my entire future.
Forgetting our anniversary would signal major problems in our relationship.
Making a presentation error doesn't send me into a panic.
If someone doesn't text back right away, I worry they're angry with me.
A simple headache makes me think it might be something serious like a tumor.
When my partner doesn't call back quickly, I suspect they're doing something wrong.
Missing a deadline at work makes me feel like I might get fired.
I appreciate constructive criticism since it helps me grow.
My thoughts immediately go to the most negative outcomes.
I get anxious about activities that seem physically dangerous.
Not getting into my top college choice feels like a guarantee of failure.
A racing heart makes me think I'm having a heart attack.
Getting laid off might actually lead to better opportunities.
Waking up feeling unwell makes me fear it's the beginning of something serious.
I struggle to imagine how tough situations might get better later on.
Doing badly on a presentation seems like it could end my career.
Turbulence on a plane makes me afraid we're going to crash.
Even after an argument, I trust that my relationship is solid.
20 questions remaining
What You Should Know
- People who are anxious or have conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder are more likely to think catastrophically.
- People who don't value themselves highly tend to have a negative view of life in general. This attitude can lead to catastrophic thinking, where negative thoughts make you feel even worse about yourself.
- Catastrophizing can make a bad event seem worse and cause you to make bad choices. People who tend to blow things out of proportion may be afraid of a bad outcome.
- This cognitive distortion causes someone to think that a possible risk is worse than it really is. They might only think about the bad things that could happen, which makes them feel like they're always in danger.
- Thinking in all-or-nothing or black-and-white terms is what catastrophizing is. This kind of absolutism is all or nothing: you either do well or badly, or you are perfect or broken. There is no subtlety.
Do Something Now
What story are you telling yourself? You might be able to see that your bad thoughts aren't based on facts.
Take a deep breath. Deep breaths can help with the physical effects of anxiety and change the way you think.
Get therapy: If you think the end of the world is coming, you might want to talk to a professional about these thoughts.
