Cognitive therapy offers a powerful way to handle life’s challenges by focusing on logic and reasoning, rather than just relying on medicine or a higher power. One of the core ideas is recognizing and addressing cognitive distortions—those pesky, untrue thoughts that warp our perspective. A great example is how we often make logical errors without realizing it.
Think about it. Have you ever told yourself, "If I have one drink or one piece of cake, I might as well go all out and have as much as I can?" This kind of thinking, known as All-or-Nothing thinking, is a classic cognitive distortion. It's the kind of mindset that leads to binge drinking, addiction, or even rapid weight gain. All because the brain tricks us into thinking there’s no in-between.
In my latest session with a caseworker, we talked about the cognitive distortion I’ve been struggling with recently—catastrophizing. It’s where my mind jumps straight to the worst-case scenario, convincing me that disaster is just around the corner. I worry I’ll get stuck in bad housing, start smoking again, miss out on comic-cons, run out of food, or worse, end up in jail. Common sense would say that’s a bit extreme, right? But when you’re in the middle of those thoughts, it can feel very real.
Cognitive therapy is helping me work through this by applying logic and reality to my thinking. What’s likely to happen? What’s just my mind spiraling? The goal is to bring more balance into how I view the world and avoid falling into those traps.
So, what about you? Have you noticed any cognitive distortions or false beliefs creeping into your own thinking? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re managing your own cognitive chaos!
by Dan and Bonkers
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TODAY!!!
