Name that distorted cognition (thought/perception)

[ms spock]

And when I started this thread @BlackbirdSinging - that was the type of discussion I was hoping for - so Thanks for that.

I also thought it would be more people saying this is my thinking - you know what is distorted about this. It could be another thread actually. ***starts to think***

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I like the idea of discussing what distortions we have and how we deal with them. I think it's very helpful. It's one way we can see that the distortions we sometimes have are actually more common than we realize in the moments we're shaking with anxiety.

Here is an example. The other day I was at the grocery store and someone was walking behind me. Of course PTSD had me walking faster thinking that of course the woman behind me was going to chase me and grab me. That's distorted and hypervigilant. I shook my head when I realized that I was jumping to a conclusion and catastrophizing. I was actually about to run in the grocery store from some woman who was just walking behind me shopping.

Another thing that we can do is post some of the specific thoughts. And if we're having trouble identifying which distortion we're dealing with we can ask if others can help us figure it out. I think the open communication and talking about different things we're trying might be helpful.

 

[ms spock]

I think that is a great idea @BlackbirdSinging

 

[ms spock]

I went straight in to "Shoulding" myself when I woke up because I didn't practice self care and put myself in to bed at my bed time and stayed up late.

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I went straight in to "Shoulding" myself

It's too easy to "should" isn't it? It's good that you recognized it. Good work Ms. Spock.

 

[ms spock]

Thanks @BlackbirdSinging I didn't identify with my thinking completely I was able to step back and realise that I was being unreasonable to myself. It is all the Mindfulness, Self Compassion and Radical Acceptance and I am really working on them all again. Mostly Radical Acceptance is the one I am doing at the moment. It has been really helpful for me.

So identifying the distorted cognitions is really important for me. And accepting them helps as well, as well as accepting the emotions. I am getting to be less judgemental about myself.

 

[macbeth]

I have been struggling with all 10 problematic thought processes for so long and it took me years to accept it wasn't just me. Thank you for reminding me I'm not alone in this @Ms Spock. I needed to read that list tonight. Xx

 

[BlackbirdSinging]

I'm assuming and jumping to conclusions a little off and on. I can feel myself thinking something is real since I'm starting to think it. I'm doing a little bit of mind reading and fortune telling too. I'm at that place where I'm steps away from going too far. I've been watching my thoughts all day.

I keep reminding myself of facts. I keep naming my feelings. And a few times I've smelled lavender. I know that reduced levels of seretonin can cause distorted thoughts. And I know that when you smell lavender your brain releases seretonin. I'm doing the best I can and I'm going to try to go to bed earlier. Extra sleep is tricky. When I get more sleep I have more nightmares. I know that not getting enough sleep can cause lower levels of seretonin though.

 

[ms spock]

I have been so all or nothing these last 36 hours - and I went in to it. I didn't observe I just went there in a big way.

Jumping to Conclusions and Fortune Telling so much as well.

Wow I slipped back into it and I didn't even realise - I thought it was reasonable and rational. Egads!

 

[rainy_daze]

I'm struggling with 2, 5, 9 and 10. I think looking at the list now and again is helpful. It highlights to me that I'm being overly sensitive and thinking negatively too much.

I couldn't work on this list of cognitive distortions every day as I think it would awaken the perfectionist in me who would use it as a way to Should myself: I shouldn't be having these thoughts or I should be less disorted in my thinking. But I see the benefit of knowing these thinking styles exist and trying to catch it before it worsens my mood.

 

[Enaila]

I do number 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10.

Number 10 (Personalization) is strongest with me: I have an i...

I can so relate to everything you shared.

 

[ms spock]

Gosh I just slip back into that All or Nothing thinking like breathing - well okay I have problems with breathing but you understand what I mean.