Thinking in Absolutes when Stressed

Never. Always. None. Everything. Does this sound familiar? Have you ever used these words? When you speak in absolutes, you may be in a negative headspace, be feeling stressed, or overwhelmed. Thinking in absolutes is a form of all or nothing thinking. This is what therapists refer to as a cognitive distortion, a negative way of thinking. So, what can you do?

Trying to take a pause and catch yourself when you may say those types of words is the first step in working to change your thoughts about a particular situation. It will help you be more objective and think about how you may be able to problem solve to address what might be going on. As you start to do this, you may recognize your mood shifting to a more neutral or positive one. 

Once you identify that you are using those words, what could you replace them with? How might you think of your situation on a continuum? You could think about how the situation or circumstance may occur sometimes, occasionally or even frequently. Do you notice that you may feel differently when you pick a different word?  

Try this on your own. If you need help, contact me for a free consultation. Click here to see how I can help you.