Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion that prompts people to jump to the worst possible conclusion, usually with very limited information or objective reason to despair. When a situation is upsetting, but not necessarily catastrophic, they still feel like they are in the midst of a crisis.
What Is Catastrophizing? (Plain Language Explanation)
Catastrophizing refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Catastrophizing
- Symptoms: The specific ways catastrophizing shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen catastrophizing
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When catastrophizing occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Catastrophizing
- Catastrophizing is far more common than most people realize
- Catastrophizing is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with catastrophizing see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about catastrophizing is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing catastrophizing, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.