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Mike's avatar

I am in my 60's and as long as I can remember, I always think the worst. I don't know where it came from. My parents were not like that. I hate to say it but I've come to think: "Expect the worst and you'll never be disappointed." Thanks for the tip on doing away with this!

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Dr. Samantha Boardman's avatar

I hope this exercise helps you see a different perspective!

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Mike's avatar

I hope so too!

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Pam Brooks's avatar

I sometimes catastrophize situations, especially when they potentially require spending money or a lot of time to resolve. It is not always bad. I think the worst case scenario and then back off from it towards the most likely reality. I call it going out as far as I can and coming back. Once I've done that - I can live with whatever happens.

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Dr. Samantha Boardman's avatar

Exactly!

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Tammy Iralu's avatar

Thank you. This will help me.

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Terence Puffer's avatar

I’ve known these people. I call the “awfulizers”

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Tom's avatar

I have been traumatized by so many life events that it has caused me to become a catastrophizer. However, one thing that helps is for me to say aloud, write down, or just merely think is the phrase BE IN THE MOMENT. It is in this moment that I can see smiles on people's faces, beautiful colors in the sky, or just the fact that I am alive and can make a difference in some way today. Catastrophizing does not have to be paralyzing.

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Jan 19, 2023
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Dr. Samantha Boardman's avatar

I hope this strategy is useful for you!

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