Irrational Thought Patterns That Cause
Anxiety and Stress Disorders
What is an irrational thought patterns?
These are thoughts that in all likely hood will not come true.
At some point or another everyone has had an irrational thought.
There are several types of irrational thought patterns. The following are just a few.
- Focusing on the Negative: This is sometimes referred to as
"filtering". You filter out the good and only focus on the bad. Look at the truth of the situation. Is it really that bad? Can you find one positive thing in the situation? - Should Thinking: If you think in terms of "should or ought to, have to" then you are setting yourself up for this type of thinking. You may be setting yourself up to feel bad, but really it is okay to not always be in total control.
- Over Generalizing Thinking: This is the kind of thinking that one thing may have happened that was bad and you make it true for everything, but reality is it does not happen like that. Everything can't be bad.
- Black and White Thinking: This is also known as "all or nothing thinking". This kind of thinking is where if something is bad about one part of the situation you feel everything is bad. You need to see the situation for what it really is. The good and the bad.
- Catastrophic Thinking: This type of thinking is where all you see is the worst happening. This kind of thinking includes "what if" questions. For example you have a headache, but instead of seeing it as normal you think "what if I have a brain tumor?" There could be thousands of things wrong. You might need glasses, or have a sinus infection.
The important thing about irrational thought patterns is to look at reality, not your negative self talk.
It is much healthier to be positive and see the good in every situation you encounter.
Irrational thought patterns can cause anxiety and stress symptoms.
Most of the time if something happens where it turns out bad, try to find the positive.
Don't let negativity rule your life. You deserve the best life can offer you!