Name that distorted cognition (thought/perception)

[ms spock]

1. Personalization -- You see yourself as the cause of some negative external event which, in fact, you were not primarily responsible for.

Blaming and shaming myself for things outside of my control.

 

[Justmehere]

"14. Belief that self-criticism is an effective way to motivate yourself toward better future behavior." - Yes.
"17. Shoulds and musts."

I keep "shoulding" on myself today, thinking I can self-shame myself into change. A few examples: I should be better than I am. I should have graduated from grad school by now. I should have held it together better than I did. I should not even be breathing.

Not productive.

A challenge to my shoulds: "I am here, now, and that is enough."

"41. The belief that worry and overthinking will lead to problem solving insights."

My thought/statement: I don't understand why (abuser) said....

My therapist stopped me on this one today. She said, "we could analyze and cognitively problems solve that, which I am sure you have already tried doing, and you will likely leave here feeling just the same, or we could begin to unpack the feelings around that event and help you heal and get rid of symptoms. Your choice." Tou'che therapist, tou'che.

Challenge: "I don't have to understand my abusers to be safe from them. I choose to feel my feelings now, and heal."

Type of distortion????

I'm not entirely sure what kind of distortion(s) this is: I am a failure. I have lost so much. This loss is too great. It's too late for me.

I know one challenge is: "I have made some mistakes." Struggling to think of other challenges.

 

[ms spock]

It is all or nothing thinking @Justmehere - it is too late for me? You know that because somethings have been missed all other things will be missed? But of course that is not true - because you don't know what good stuff could be around the corner.

"41. The belief that worry and overthinking will lead to problem solving insights."

Ah I have been getting stuck in rumination a lot due to this one. It has been my down fall.

 

[ms spock]

I'm a distortion within my own mind. I am too unstable. Why do I exist?

You are not a thought. You are not a distortion within your own mind. You are not your thoughts.

You exist to disco. :-)

 

[The Albatross]

Dove tailing with an article from Wiki-How about overthinking and it discusses cognitive distortions at the beginning. In tandem (for me) with the cognitive distortions was the propensity to overthink compulsively. For me I think it stemmed from insecurity and doubt about my own ability to assess/navigate real life situations and personalities... it was a problematic thinking style and it had to be dealt with before I could really make any headway/progress. I dug up Anthony's article about thinking styles again and gave it a re-read too.

"How to Survive Overthinking in 12 Steps": http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-Overthinking

 

[The Albatross]

Saelben said "I'm a distortion within my own mind. I am too unstable. Why do I exist?" I think I would self examine this thought and choose whether or not this thought is generally beneficial or driving your stress/anxiety/depression/PTSD?

 

[KwanYingirl]

Mine yesterday and today-Disqualifying the positive: refuse to accept positive characteristics expressed by therapist to elevate my mood. If there's an alterior motive, I disqualify the compliment. Don't take candy from the man in the van.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

@Ms Spock
I guess I can take that as a purpose :)

 

[ms spock]

Emotional reasoning -- You assume that your emotions necessarily reflect the way things really are, as in "I feel it, therefore it must be true."
--------------------
I have this distorted cognitions - the feelings, thoughts and perceptions - and I feel like I am a bad worthless person - and so I am believing this - that I am bad and worthless. Not helpful. Not real. Old childhood stuff.

 

[Ronin]

Negative predictions. But I'm challenging it right at catching I'm doing it today.

 

[ms spock]

@Deano77 practicing on distorted cognitions can be helpful for supporting your wife with her PTSD.

 

[Lionheart]

Emotional reasoning -- You assume that your emotions necessarily reflect the way things really are, as in "I feel it, therefore it must be true."
-------------------- and so I am believing this - that I am bad and worthless. Not helpful. Not real. Old childhood stuff.

Thank you for posting this @Ms Spock I can totally relate as emotional reasoning is my most stubborn distorted cognition.... I am learning that feeling something does not automatically make it true so, I am checking myself and my thoughts more often now.