Catastrophizing is a common reaction to uncertain situations where we tend to overestimate the likelihood or consequences of our worst fears.
- It’s very common among young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, because the part of the brain that deals with uncertainties is still developing during this time in our lives.
- To overcome catastrophic thinking, avoid dwelling in your past or present. Try to stay right where you are.
- Imagine your best- and worst-case scenario. You’ll realize that both are just childlike fantasies.
- Understand that reality is not black or white. It’s usually someone in the middle.
- To stay motivated, remind yourself of all the times in the past when you’ve actually overcome crises.
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Not long ago, a medical student, let’s call him Paul, walked into my shift in the emergency room of a large university and told me that his life was ruined. I’m a clinical psychologist. And for the past 20 years, I have worked — in many capacities — with young adults. I’ve counseled them in private practice. I’ve taught them on college campuses. I’ve given talks at the companies where they work. And this day, I was staffing the emergency walk-in on a college campus.
