Catastrophizing: How to Stop Making Yourself Anxious and Depressed

Catastrophizing is when someone assumes that the worst will happen. Often, it involves believing that you're in a worse situation than you really are or exaggerating the difficulties you face.
This over time causes depression and anxiety. The brain continues to look for these "problems" that actually aren't problems.
There are a few ways to stop catastrophizing. I love challenging thoughts. This is one of the times when we can actually use logic.
In my new video, I show you how to challenge a thought so you can stop assuming the worst. 😉
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For information purposes only. Does not constitute clinical advice. Consult your local medical authority for advice.

[@ocdandanxiety]

What things do you catastrophize? 🤔

[@odenvasquez4722]

My OCD consists of contamination fears. Especially to cancer causing agents and chemicals.

[@odenvasquez4722]

Thank you so much for your interest.

[@O.LEO.N]

Suicide, or the FEAR of suicide.

[@niuxen]

my health

[@fin610]

@@O.LEO.N damn lol me too, we fear it may not happen

[@sashwathisriganesh6751]

I catastrophize so much with my real event ocd! Both about the past (re imagining the event way worse than it was) and worrying about the future outcomes. I’m working hard on realizing how unrealistic those thoughts are and accepting the uncertainty around them.

[@polarpanda454]

same do u know any way to overcome it?

[@sashwathisriganesh6751]

@@polarpanda454 no idea but I think it’s kind of helped me to recognize the thoughts as OCD. Even though it’s real event, just being aware that the ocd blows it way out of proportion.

[@rajeevchoudhary6869]

working hard to realize how unrealistic thought is not a good ideaa , we should not try proving thought irrelevant we should just try to sit with thought and intensity decrease in thought will be an byproduct my opinion ,i m not an therapist

[@kw5961]

Currently struggling with this. OCD is trying to convince me that soon I will be accused of a terrible crime and will be sued, lose everything, go to jail, blah blah blah.

[@july7578]

Same :( it's exhausting and impacting my goals for future

[@a99g]

This video made me cry. I know for a fact that the thing am catastrophizing is no real, but it still hunts me. It is destroying my life. I hope we all overcome this.

[@gisseller9761]

this happens to me a lot it’s almost like it’s on autopilot. i usually tell myself “this scenerio may or may not happen but it’s not happening rn so I am letting it go” or “i am not engaging with this thought any longer”

[@selenawarren9142]

I catastrophise my real events/false memory ocd so much. I'll remember false intentions, and false thoughts I've "had". I need to move on from this. It's not easy but I think I can do it

[@VeganowledgeJJ]

I feel like I’ll do good with intrusive thoughts for like an hour and then the minute I brag that look at me I’m not doing my compulsions as much it seems like they get worse… And I remember you saying something like they’re going to try to work harder to get in when we’re close to overcoming them! Thanks for the great videos

[@zachhickok7317]

Thank you so much for making these videos. It can be SO hard to live with OCD. It's validating knowing that I'm not alone. Let's all heal together!

[@christinelittle7229]

Indeed

[@twilightsquire]

Today I spoke to a therapist on the phone for an assessment on my mental health, he realised quite quickly it was OCD I was suffering with and as I explained more he told me that I was catastrophising my thoughts, I'm honestly thankful to now know I am not insane or alone ❤

[@UwU-vk3iw]

The judge method is such a game changer I'm in disbelief. It genuinely helps a lot! Thank you!

[@seanabbott5439]

Always the best! Thanks for all your content. You’re a talented individual, always making me laugh! Learning to know the difference between what should be challenged and what should be released.

[@odenvasquez4722]

Watching you has truly helped with my OCD. Thank you young man.

[@valerie963]

You’re a genius Nate! I’m so glad I watched your video tonight. Thank you!!

[@spencerharris1559]

Man you are great!! Thank you for posting these videos they are so informative and help me understand my OCD. The video on ROCD helped save my relationship I would love to see more information on that form of OCD from you! Again! Thank you!

[@papertape7911]

I actually really needed this video today. Thank you.

[@beckwilde]

Thank you for adding the last example of your son! It's a good reminder that when we challenge our catastrophe thoughts like that. We're talking to our fearful inner child!

[@timcook4552]

I catastrophize so bad that I get paralyzed

[@Ikigai747]

so wonderful to see you are doing great! can't thank you enough for changing my life for the best! God bless you!

[@berenicechavez-rojas3708]

You’re perfect for this teaching role! Thank you for the tips!

[@nk3582]

You are such a kind soul. Thank you for your videos

[@ThisOffendsMeTV]

Another amazing video Nate!💪🏼

[@fin610]

First time I smoked marijuana my anxiety went all the way up because I had ocd and it got worse, I started to believe all my thoughts were real when in reality all other thoughts were just random stuff that popped up, I struggled for 2 years then after learning about your channel you made me change my perspective of how the brain creates things to protect us and how we interfere in that process, by just letting the brain do what it wants without judgement or chasing for answers

[@sethty]

This is exactly what happened to me I’m 16 and for over a year I’ve been depressed and convinced im a bad person it’s been so draining, im finally finding out it’s not only me and I’m so relieved

[@zacharymcneely6039]

oh trust me your not alone, 30-35% of americans are on anti depressants and anti anxiety meds.

[@zzzcocopepe]

Idk why but "stop catastrophizing" is SOOOO helpful to me.

[@eunicec9680]

I catastrophise about the possibility that I might develop cancer because I read that anxiety or ocd might affect our immune system and its ability to counteract cancer cells

[@hereshoping6992]

I just watched a tik tok vid of some dude dead from bowel c and now im in an absolute state

[@maiamaiapapaya]

You are not alone. I do the same exact thing. We may get cancer or we may not 🤷‍♀

[@fin610]

Your brain is just a thought creator, you are the viewer and the one that gives meaning to all thoughts that happen in your lifetime,let your brain do what it wants and dont judge it, you should stop answering its calls or compulsions too

[@joshxamanda]

I’m the exact same at the moment after having a setback with a toe infection and it spiralled into thinking I have cancer after taking medication and having extreme anxiety

[@nickolasmcfarlene3864]

I love you man! I find your videos so so helpful!

[@buyfixrentrepeat1270]

This is a really good video, I'm surprised others have these thoughts and understand

[@chadgarber]

Excellent. Its amazing any of us can function in life at all with all the risks and uncertainties.

[@lsamra8347]

Thankyou so so much, Nathan! This really really helps. Could you also do a video on why and how do we get into this thought process? Again, many many thanks.

[@MrSeanVideos]

This is my biggest problem I have dealt with. Most of it deals with health issues, but also tragic events. I try to use logic to counteract the thoughts.

[@miked2301]

I find your videos so helpful. Can you do one for people who actually do have slowly progressing, life threatening diseases like myself? It’s so hard when there is some logic to the thoughts but they’re just out of proportion to the moment and sucking the value out of day-to-day.

[@jamlaw]

I don't have any answers, I just wanting to day how sorry I am you're going through this and I hope someone can give you some helpful tips. 💛

[@Amphitera]

I think we're in the toughest spot, because our fears have a real, tangible reason AND a high probability of happening. I watched so many videos about ocds and anxiety, and most of the time they talk about social anxiety and loads of completely baseless/improbable stuff that just has me going "wth is this". It seems people with real life-threatening conditions are not really represented, or able to make much use of the suggested therapies.

[@mrbetabombs2017]

​@@AmphiteraI don't suffer from any physicial disease thankfully, but I do agree that it would be nice to know what to do if your OCD latches onto something that has somewhat of a high likelihood of happening, it just seems so much more difficult. I wish you luck man ❤

[@leeminannelise9305]

Do you know such channel who talk about life threatening dealing stuff?​@Amphitera

[@SouthBayEngr]

Glad I waited til the end. My question was going to be “how do we know when to challenge thoughts vs when to use the ‘maybe/maybe not’ approach?” Sometimes there is overlap between the intrusive thoughts and anxious thoughts.

[@christinaball]

Indeed there is.

[@GK-ji3pm]

I have also always thought the worst when put on the spot or under unexpectedly being called in to talk with supervisor types....Then , I came to realize that getting nervous was not based on reality....If you did something wrong, you know you did which is totally different....I adopted a way of thinking and it has helped....I won't worry until I have reason to worry.....I know it sounds simplistic but it works...

[@puddincakes1005]

Yay! The frog is back! The sign looks great too!

[@antoniofiammelli1792]

Hey ur good ,,, I get anxious listening to u ,,,but it positive, ur hitting me hard ,,, but I am growing towards healing thank u

[@l1f3g1v3r]

Thank you for making these videos. Starting ERP myself and just trying to take it one day at a time! Ready to be free of OCD! :)

[@pinkpandamiranda]

Have you thought about doing a video on anxiety medication? The do's and dont's, what you think about them, side effects and all that jazz?

[@paigecombs6005]

I have a new one for ya!….. would you rather ocd.. it’s crippling. I can’t stop thinking “would I rather burn in hell for eternity or - something about my kids. (Anything) I know it’s bc I love them so my brain is making me squeeze between the most important thing in my life or my biggest fears. I know; “you don’t need an answer”. BUT, I feel I always NEED to know at what point I’d become “selfish?” over my children. I wish there was more help out there but I’m happy to have found your help.

[@user-np1gr1gh4x]

I do this a lot.. about health, job, thank you

[@saqlain3470]

Great video sir !!

[@ocdandanxiety]

So nice of you

[@nanatheneko]

My friend challenged me about this. They have been trying so hard to help me with it so I've been trying to consume as much as I can to help.i feel this will help me most than you

[@shanethompson8730]

I seem to catastrophize when I lose track of things. I think many times in the past I’ve “lost track” and lost things because of it. It also makes me concerned to take next steps as in, how to know what’s better for me next. More travel? Adopt a dog? Some of these past experiences have made this harder

[@kellieschwabe5970]

My 17 year old's OCD is now creating MASSIVE DOUBT and he's so down in himself and is losing confidence. I'm trying to find a video for him but maybe an explanation on OCD and doubt would be so helpful! Thank you for any suggestions (he was diagnosed 4 years ago and the themes keep changing and growing!)

[@D3394]

You’re an amazing parent! My family made me feel crazy for having OCD/anxiety.

[@andrewkratz226]

Thank you

[@shantaramaswamy1997]

Tq so much for the video

[@mosolly9807]

My intrusive thought is telling me i can't speak with my friend or a specific and my brain get a flash back of a sad moment where i was alone and socially awkward , that thought instantly makes me anxious and makes me even forget how to talk normally my speech is slurred , I don't feel like myself at all like I can't have a normal conversation without sounding like an idiot I want to go home fast and don't want to encounter that person that my brain blocked me from talking with and want to meet him next day so i can talk normally ,but the same thought keep repeating everyday on loop ➰ I don't avoid speeding with the person my brain told me to avoid for no reason but always feel more social awkward around them and my conversation skill drop to 0

[@user-kc9xw9yg5x]

thank you so much, in my lango its habibi!

[@keerthi4759]

Am 17 years old am facing this problem. Sometimes I think very worstly and I am the worst one in the world. I avoid many matter from my but again again and again I think about the worst topic I don't want to think like that

[@jessica-fcm]

Could you please do a video about intrusive thoughts that are about feeling physical pain, or being tortured, or having sharp things hurting you or your internal organs hurt (not inflicted by myself, or anyone specific, just the action of something hurting you somehow ) ... And then when you get those intrusive thoughts you cringe and feel sick, feel distress and almost like you're feeling actual pain on your body? Also intrusive thoughts about disgusting things like feces and such, that you get extremely bothered and disgusted whenever these thoughts intrude themselves

To me instead of challenge catastrophic ideas, works better to treat it as an intrusive thought, and say "maybe, maybe not". If I challenge them, I never win 😢

[@noname-ip8lb]

HI,..ive been strugling with anxiety...and actually when im scared i cant speak.for example,im scared of elivator,so when i get in to an alivator i dont speak until im out... Maybe you can do video about that?

[@srini1917]

In recent times, when I get doubts during a film, I rewind those scenes and get to know about it. But it turns into a compulsion now. From your tips, I didn't rewind for the unwanted scenes and only for those which are really necessary. I don't know why but when the film is about to end, I have a feeling that I'm not gonna have a satisfying feeling about the film (though it's good) and when I think of the scenes in that movie, I get anxious that the film is not satisfying for me. Any tips?

[@MEL-fc5cr]

Hello! Where can I request a theme for a video? :)

[@KK-dc2cx]

Nathan I have been getting better at dealing with my ocd but honestly it never leaves me completely cause I have so many things going on in my head. I am currently dealing with the following issues-memory hoarding, counting, skin picking, symmetry, perfectionism and morality. I am trying not to do the compulsions but sometimes I just end up doing them and it makes me miserable. I think I have an all or nothing mindset, and whenever I'm failing I am getting very depressed. It's like I can't live my life in peace. What should I do?

[@depressed3083]

Yeah I know this feeling I have depression and anxiety and have a very irritated mood and compulsive behavior my mind is basically racing so fast that I can't even keep track and social media probably makes it worse but I'm just naturally curious and find myself coming across a hateful tweet or something mean and my brain basically stop rationalizing so I basically test myself with it and I know this is long but I have a rambling problem as well.😭

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I've avoided using logic for this many years,......is it really prudent to start engaging it now? tHanks for the video. (my roof is leaking....hmmm, I should eat some cake).

[@kevinninyaks51]

I liked the last part "Judge Judy send me to jail for my thoughts " 😂

[@caspianztv4617]

Can I get any specific helpful video for not able to say any word with ease in heart or mind. What could be the term used for this problem ?

[@siscoco13]

My relationship recently ended because I have this problem. Unfortunately, the break up has validated my feelings of worthlessness and even more so that I am difficult to love, and I may never find love. I'm 43 this year, diagnosed with BPD, and currently at a low low low. I'm trying to find a good reason to stay alive, and I really can't find any.

[@LiLFloOrE]

It gets worse before it gets better ❤ You are not difficult to love! You just weren’t loved by the right person. I hope you are better already!

[@GuitarDoco]

good video, but there is a crux...if you keep trying to "challenge" the catastrophising thought you may end up with rumination !! what is the solution to this?

[@user-jz5tm8hg5x]

Would apply to the absolute worst intrusive thoughts coming up all the time during the most unexpected moments? For example, I had a thought about my child and now every time he’s being a child or just doing anything at all that thought comes up. It’s like my brain is constantly testing itsself to see if the thought will come up. The more I tell myself the thought is silly and unlike me the most ocd tells me that I want it and that’s how I feel

[@ells_alright9873]

I feel heat and stabbing right now in my whole body. Especially in my bones and I am afraid it's cancer or I am dying. Tell me please can this be such a long side effect because of the quitting of antidepressants? I am afraid omg. I stopped taking them in March. And a couple of months ago I started feel all the strange symptoms and I am afraid of going to a doctor. Omg. I even don't know what to say. I took for today. Maybe I should tell it. But I am such a socially anxious person I don't know how to say all of this. I am shaking again. And I don't even know if I can ask a doctor therapist those questions. Maybe the doctor will tell me to go to a psychiatrist and I am so lazy and tired of travelling to doctors all over the city. Exhausting. Damn. I wish I could go and find a job and then life would be easier! :( Btw, I wanna say that it's cool to listen to you, you convince me and I start to trust and believe and I am like yay, everything is gonna be fine! And I feel relaxed. U know, feels like I am suffering from loneliness and I just need the right person and I think I would be less anxious. Or if somebody just would tell me what you tell us all the time! Like a reminder! That's cool :) Thanks!

[@Libbylg]

Catastrophising is ocd? I have health anxiety and this tends to happen with a health related though. It goes from 0-100 in a second. I get a tiny bit of reassurance from realising anything I think that begins with what if in an intrusive thought and Isn’t reality

[@nelmondodisassy2599]

But when it comes to ocd this can be ok or if I challenge this thought with other scenarios then it can be compulsive like reassuring? Sorry for my bad English hope I made it clear to understand 😅🙏🏻 edit so how did I know if this is anxiety or ocd related so I can know how to treat?

[@fifiearthwanderer]

What if the thoughts come with strong emotions and the brain dont want to believe the challenges??

[@wwestupidmark2124]

I have hocd and im trying to accept the thoughts but after I remember some memories were I think I looked gay im getting angry. What should I do?

[@avertthymortaleyes3460]

To be care free again, what I would do to simply not take life so seriously.

[@VarunTulsian2510]

*Brooooooooooooooo* Can you please talk about this topic? Like sometimes i feel like i don't feel anything *Like if my friend or family member got hurtt..... So i dont feel any emotions.... I don't feel sad or shocked....or if any person cares for me...and that is very good.... But i dont feel that care and love.... I think ya what to do with that its normal.... Like for example if any person loves me and cares for me I don't feel that and if there is someone whom I don't love but they care for me so I feel that.... So the main thing is feeling.. For example... If kiss... Then nothing loved feels.... If my loved one tells me i love you.....i dont feel anything..... I want to be normal, i also want to feel.... I hope you got the point nathan So is that OCD??? Please bro make serious video on this topic coz its really depressing me day by day*

[@ezkhan8690]

Hello nathan sir it has been long sinc u hv'nt post a video. I have a query. Many therapist use to say that whenever any intrusive thought popped up in your mind make sure that u made ur self realize that its just a thought and thought have nothing to do with reality.. and ask to do many therapies like deep breathing and notice the things around concentr8 on the sounds u hearing. But what a bummer it doesnt help in this most of the time. Cuz the more i try to make my self realize its just a thought the more my mind start questioning my self and made me deranged it just cant help me and i felt reluctant to tell this to a therapist that this isnt working for me. Pls make video in this asap will b v gr8ful

[@gargoyleb]

I started crying just listening to the description. I didn't make it one minute into the video, and my heart is racing and I'm crying.

[@gargoyleb]

P.S. I've worked for this company for nine years now. I've had five bosses. I have worked for my current supervisor for two years. I've never met him.

[@gargoyleb]

P.S.S. When only negative things happen, you tend to jump straight to...

[@joad7949]

What advise would you give to someone whose “guesses” are far more often right than wrong?

[@jennylistens6135]

This

[@Bb-pp1ds]

Sir can you please help me

[@ashleymcauley8816]

Hello Nathan

[@philliper7530]

Nice

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thanks

[@DebadritaD]

❤❤❤❤

[@motowngirl5891]

What does OCD have to with with worrying

[@simbajohn1882]

When you are under stress your ocd gets worse

[@inkyynikki]

I catastrophize to the point where I believe my friends and family deserve to abandon me for their own well being lol

[@danielhaskins519]

Everything

[@robertklund3201]

I don't catastrophize, I just believe in Murphy's Law.

[@Julesb2183]

If your boss asks you to see them after your shift, you're getting fired 😄

[@ocdandanxiety]

Hahahaha

[@Julesb2183]

@@ocdandanxiety it's happened to me several times 😄 Anyway, thanks for the new skills and reframing. It's already been helpful 😊

[@pinkroses135]

I found an even better worse coping mechanism. Not caring.

[@keithphillips1234]

That’s just it, and I agree with you. But learning to not care is a whole other thing. Sometime having immoral thoughts and just saying okay, maybe, maybe not helps them not feel so bad. But then it’s the repetitive questioning the thought that just latches on.

[@animeyukiomalayalam6882]

My life suck

[@jimidennis22]

you should really do a video about Ukraine Russia war...

[@Jamd]

🎃

[@ocdandanxiety]

🤕

[@viShNu-iv5pj]

Bro I am getting some super hero power when I watch your videos 🦇, but it lasts only 1 or 2 hours 😂🤌