Nope! I used to get so paranoid if I entered a room & folk did that laughing and stopping thing. I'd always think they were laughing at me. So in my friend circle, and at work, if anyone walked into a room mid laugh, I would explain what we were just talking about. I found that this spread like wildfire, and others felt included in the joke rather than the butt of the joke. I still haven't found a way around the whispering one yet though, sometimes it's just necessary to speak quietly.
I totally do this all of the time 🤦🏾♀️. My brother had surgery today and I had his funeral planned by the time his wife called to tell me how successful the surgery was. This video was on time. Thanks K.
I can relate. For me, it usually revolves around imagining the sudden death of my husband or one of my children in a situation where it is really unlikely but not impossible to happen. Like the kind of stuff that kills people in 'Final Destination' movies so really unsettling, it roots from PTSD for me.
My favorite distraction is creativity - photography, songwriting, and videography. I also love sunsets when I'm stressing around that time of day. They sooth me and remind me that I'm not in control of certain things.
I always keep my head down and try to ignore it. But I must be the worst because I can ignore it until im home then I can’t stop wondering what I did to make them talk about me
I personally believe combatting whispers may include reminding yourself of who you are, reminding yourself of your achievements (even if it’s just being strong) and trusting the whispers won’t last forever. The more you give energy to a bad situation, the more energy the bad situation has to work against how you see yourself. Everyone has an option to ‘reinvent’ or start a new chapter for themselves, no one should be denied of this. If it’s a friendship group or colleagues, or even family, seek a person, group or even professional/online services which can aid you as a safe space to talk. Do not isolate yourself, and don’t believe the only option is to ‘put up’ with toxicity.
This is a great video. I used to catastrophize a lot, and it was exhausting. I worked myself through it by talking to a therapist, and practicing Buddhist philosophy. Everyone's different so some ways of coping work better than others. Feeling much better these days. I love curiosity stream so much. I've been using it for about 5 years. ❤️
I found it very funny that "patient" Kati talks to "therapist" Kati, gets advice to see a therapist about catastrophizing and then catastrophizes about therapy. Kinda ironic. I actually really liked this "dialog" format, it makes me feel understood and I believe more people will be able to relate and connect to the video. Maybe ridiculous, but helpful in my opinion 🙂
Brilliant. No question, absolutely brilliant. The nagging voice is played to perfection. The nag inside my mind felt really ashamed being exposed like this. I think you should make more such videos just showing the negative voices and make a playlist out of it. Diagnosis is crucial and necessary for recovery as you obviously know, and I'm sure seeing the nagging voice inside their head being played out so accurately in an internet video will help a lot of people experience their "It just clicked!" moment. That moment is often the actual start of the recovery process, till which time everything else is just a temporary patch. Please do give it a thought. Also, subscribed inside 5 minutes.
Kati, thank you for this. This is my third time sitting through this until the ending, it was just too real and I kept having to step away. I have spent most of my 29 years catastrophizing for basically everything. I've always operated in a manner that would protect me, or keep me from being "caught with my pants down". I have endured so much stress because of this and I enjoy absolutely nothing. I am pretty sure it came from my parents lack of preparation for anything and always getting a raw deal once life laid down its cards. I developed catastrophizing defenses to make sure I didn't get screwed as well. There is always a plan B, C, and sometimes D. I am extremely uncomfortable if there is no contingency plan. I need to find the balance you mentioned early on between being naive and being aware. Not all heros wear capes. 💛
‘Thinking a thought over and over again doesn’t change it to anything more than just a thought’... so true and so important. I really found this video helpful.
This is one thing has majorly helped me. Close your eyes. Imagine you are sitting on the bank of a slow passing stream. Imagine putting thoughts onto a leaf (good, bad, or neutral thought). Imagine the leaf (thought) passing down the stream. Continue to put the thoughts onto the leaf without rushing the leaf down the stream. Just sit there and let the leaf pass by as it pleases (some leaves will stay still). It's okay. Just let it be. You are practicing letting go of the thought. If you find your mind wander it's okay just start the exercise from the beginning. Imagine putting the thoughts onto passing leafs. This has greatly help reduce my anxiety and also letting go of heavy thoughts. I have schizophrenia and symptoms of psychosis. Hope this helps someone. - IA
Thank you for this Kati! Catastrophizing is the first symptom of anxiety I ever had-I can remember clearly in primary school, when I was about or 6, having this train of thought in everything. In high school I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and general anxiety disorder, and I've since been treated in many different ways, but I still find myself catastrophizing every now and then. Thank you for this video, you continue to be such a helpful resource!
i like the evolution of your channel and the creative way you show the thoughts we have when trying to roll back on any type of catastrophizing, because it definitely makes sense to me
I really enjoyed the back and forth commentary because instead of just giving advice it juxtaposed my thoughts with healthier thoughts; how to help those negative thoughts became clearer with this technique
Checking the facts has helped me...trying to rethink what's bothering me and coming up with reasons/facts why that something is bothering me is actually misguided. Your video AGAIN has showed up at exactly the moment something in my life was bothering me. Thank you Katie. You are truly a helper.
I really like the way you portrayed the constant worry and negative thoughts. And then how you confronted them with the tips, being understanding and patient.
My therapist noted I did this frequently and it was stemming from my abuse and trauma of childhood. She explained that I used it in a way to preempt problems happening that would hurt me so it would hurt less. I'm going through a stressful time with my spouse and I've found that trying to 'removing the thinking' and just feeling even though it hurts helps so much. I feel horrible and anxious but I'm not worsening it by thinking the negative thoughts. Thank you for this video, especially when you're going through a hard time 💖
I started seeing a therapist and specifically called out my own negative thought patterns. We I told him how I'd feel triggered by certain things and how I felt I couldn't control my own emotions in response. I've been slowly reconditioning myself and my thoughts. It's not easy, but talking to someone helps
This is one of the worst symptoms for me with my anxiety. When I started therapy i told myself I would fight it, and when I finally was crushing my anxiety I started making friends and I am now in a great relationship. But because I started socializing it came back full force. Rethinking my friendships and if my boyfriend is even into me. It’s hard but I’m taking it day by day. Thank you Kati!
Super post about catastrophizing! There's so much to learn -- sometimes it can be about the harsh judgments issued during childhood - which get normalized and become our self-talk. Thank you for putting these videos up. I recommend them to clients as back-up for sessions. :)
Sometimes I try to think of the most absurd thing that could happen in a worst case scenario, like Godzilla blocking a freeway to sleep or something got cancelled because somebody dropped a giant cookie and made a huge mess, or an alien invasion of squeaky green people that are knee high to an average man is the reason my mom’s car broke down. After awhile it gets so ridiculous that the actual worst case scenario seems survivable. But that’s me and my autistic brain being creative with negative thoughts, I don’t know if it will work for others.
I learnt about this in a DBT group. Its about using the skills to calm your mind. Itll never go. And EVERYONE does it. Its about how you deal with it..
i wonder if anyone will recognize this, but since we are on the topic of mantras : " I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. " :)
In some situations a pet (or ESA) can help. I have GAD (comorbid w/MDD) and I do have an Rx anxiolytic. But sometimes my pets preempt my need to take it (they seem to instinctively know how I feel). I always prefer to try "pet 'n' purr therapy" (or other non-Rx therapy, like deep breathing or just focusing on breathing), before I head for the pill bottle. My psychiatrist approves because, after 24 yrs, he knows that I'm not just educated about mental illnesses, but also that I know my body and my symptoms better than anyone else. DISCLAIMER: With a B.S. in psychology and a lifetime of MDD and GAD, "I know enough to be dangerous." ALWAYS consult YOUR doctor or therapist for what's best for YOU.
I really enjoyed this video!! Well done Kati😊... and I agree Chaos Kati was a welcomed addition here!! I hope she comes back to bounce perspectives around again! 👏🏻👏🏻... you should feel proud of yourself! It’s hard to put together this kind of multiple people/perspectives kind of video and you did a great job here! I enjoy how you relate what you say to everyone! Your clients must feel lucky to have you! I know I do, even via RUclips🙌🏼🌻🍁
This video could not have come at a better time. I started a new job literally today and am apartment hunting and I've been making myself sick worrying about all the ways they are going to go wrong. It's like you read my mind.
My therapist gave me a list of these cognitive distortions, I catastrophise all the time! The hard part is recognising it. Eg I am currently on holiday, and in the lead up I catastrophised A LOT. It's hard not to catastrophise when you have PTSD from child abuse, because the worst has already happened to you... So I see the world as an unsafe, scary place, and planning for the worst helps me feel safe. But I am learning to expect the best, and be flexible and adaptable in case the worst happens, but not waste time stressing about it. If the worst does happen, I know I will be okay, and I can't control the outcome or others anyway.
Kati! I cannot tell you how helpful this video was to me! Thank you! It is one of my chief struggles that leads to my relationship self sabotage (relationships) and has been doing so for literally decades! I love how you described how it could start out a small worry, but then slowly but surely... That was so accurate to me that I could have written it myself! Thank you!
Not only did I love the content... but (considering I do "characters" for skits and such) THE CREATIVE ADDITION WAS AWESOME!!! And you nailed probably every question that has gone through my head when told to try some of the same "tricks" for other topics :)
Yes. Im in dbt, the mindful skill does ask me to consider "there is not a crisis right now" and it is very grounding, very glad you can avert the immediate response.
I have been guilty of catastrophizing!!! I think I have some level of social anxiety disorder. This was such a fun video!!! I try to focus on checking the facts. Thank you for these tips! I need to self sooth more often...
I've been aware for a while that I do this a lot, but this is the first time I've found something that directly addresses how to deal with it. Thank you so much.
Hi, Kati! Out of topic but I just want to thank you for your videos about DSM 5 mental disorders! I have really understood them because of you and now I am a registered Psychometrician!! Just wanted to give you credits!! Thank you so much!!
I just moved to a new city yesterday and I'm feeling so overwhelmed and have been DEFINITELY been catastrophizing without even knowing what that was! My Dad actually said something to me last night that resonated too- he said: "If you were anywhere else- your anxiety would have you thinking about something else- It's anxiety, It isn't a crisis. Anxiety manufactured these feelings and the more you expose anxiety as anxiety and not a crisis, the more in control you will feel." Which goes along nicely with what you said about fact-checking! This video came to me at such a perfect time! Thank you Kati.
I generally find smells help me more often than not, but I also preoccupy myself with them. So there's a few things I keep with me just to keep grounded by smelling them. Lol it sounds weird but it helps when I'm freaking out and having a panic attack because there's too many people at WalMart when I'm there.
Check the facts...great point. "What if..." questions have a million answers, and they're all wrong except maybe one. I don't deal with "What Ifs." I look at "What is."
This Chanel is a real blessing. GAD has pretty much taken any happiness from my daily existence, but listening to these videos always helps with the feeling of emptiness. Thanks for your efforts.
I just love you! I have been struggling this past week with unresolved childhood trauma. You have been so helpful with questions that I've had, using your past video's! I've been super impressed with your wisdom and knowledge. Thanks for that!
You basically describe my mom. It's exactly what she's been doing since I remember. It's really hard to be around her. She's always painting the worst possible scenarios, she's even breaking friendships and her attitude is simply pulling every person around her down. To be fair she was born during ww2 and she lost her first born. So there were traumatic experiences in her life. But: She's convinced everything is different with her and nothing can help her. When she gets a diagnosis for anything physical she has and doctors start treating her, she claims it's not helping anyway because her body works differently. It's really hard. I love her and it hurts me to see her suffering but since she refuses to get help, it's hard to spend extended time with her. Her attitude hurt me a lot while growing up and only after I started working on myself that my mental health improved.
My therapist and i covered this a week ago. My black and white thinking really does affect me. I need to be reminded of that once in a while. Ive been using halt in my daily log on feelings for a while now. Ive since added other things to ask myself. It does help.
Kati!!! I love the cut aways with you in your dark makeup and outfit for the "negative" thoughts. It's a fun way of presenting in these videos! Thanks for all your awesome work Kati! 💜
This helped a lot! Just what I needed, the cure for looping catastrophic thoughts is to constantly engage on a loop of healthier distractions! Thank you!
Love the role play!! Your advice is really really helpfull for my catastrophizing which has been paralyzing fear that keeps me from showing up for myself. Check the facts- look for things to support more possitive outlook (hard one to do), 5 senses, montra works well, basic needs HALT, destract. Q: So is this something that CAN go away for good?
I started catastrophizing after my dad suddenly passed when I was 13. I’m 26 now and it just gets worse every year. It’s to the point where every time someone leaves the house, even to go to the store, I fear sudden death/injury. It’s debilitating.
Has anyone else noticed that Kati does not seem to age? I just re watched some of her vids from 2012 and I swear she has not aged a day. Whatever she is doing I think we should be doing it too.
I liked how you dressed differently to see how catastrophizing actually looks. Thanks for the good info. Your amazing for making these helpful videos that can help everybody out! You have such a library of videos and subjects ✌thanks girl!
I really like this new video technique. I like how you showed the negative side of our brain and the logical side. This also helps to show how to fight back to that negative self talk.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I so so so appreciate your use of "we" in these videos. It can make some of the most isolating things in my life feel just a little less isolating. Thanks, Kati, you're amazing
Getting into the science of The Polyvagal Theory really helped me understand my catastrophic thoughts because the science in this theory says that your body state comes first (uneasy sense / sensation in your body) then the thoughts follow. Thoughts follow body state. So somatic therapy - making my body feel safe - is the only thing that lessens my catastrophic thoughts.
First, I relate so much to this video, and I'm glad most of the points I was looking for were mentioned. Judgment has always been my biggest fear. I've experienced it my entire life, even to this day. I catastrophize that I will encounter judgment when I interact with the public, whether they be a stranger, a professional, or even family. I know that not all my experiences will be like that, however in that moment, the evidence from the past (recent or not) take hold. Even though the chances are lesser, it's still frustrating when being judged feeds the evidence more and more, supporting the catastrophized thoughts. As for a coping mechanism, I have often been told about breathing. It can help me a little, but in the end my focus on breathing creates more anxiety. For me, I use music as a universal tool for coping. It's calming when I need it to be, as well as a distraction from the "chaos" around me. I rarely leave the house without my headphones. It helps keep me grounded.
This video was super awesome! You really did an amazing job getting the catastrophizing message across to us using alt Kati! Wow! If possible (no pressure) more please. Thx4sharing! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏻
I find myself doing that a lot. I always think the worst is going to happen, especially to people I love and care about. Like one time a few months ago, when my boyfriend traveled somewhere on vacation by plane. I couldn’t contact him for over 9 hours, so I was thinking the worst was going to happen. 😪
i liked this new style of incorporating our responses; they were extremely accurate i felt heard and you gave really affirming answers. would love to see more of it in any coping skills related videos
a common catastrophizing worry i find myself and my friends thinking all the time is the fear of letting people down. for example, i have been terrified to tell my favorite teachers that i’m temporarily leaving the school to go to a rehabilitation school program for kids who struggle to function at school because of mood disorders. i’m so worried because i care so much that they think highly of me and by leaving i’m letting them down by failing to stick to the commitments i made at the beginning of the year and that they’ll think i’m unreliable and never think highly of me again. however, the reality (the facts) of the situation is that they will most likely be understanding and not feel let down at all. instead, they’ll probably be sympathetic that i’m going through a rough time and want me to do whatever i can do get better. i try to reassure myself of this and that helps give me the confidence i need to talk to them. i still haven’t gotten the chance, but i will ASAP.
When something happens and I start to go crazy about it and make a big deal, I try to tell myself What is this gonna change in your life? Is this something that will impact you longterm or will it pass in a while? Speaking out loud and trying to break down the situation helps me calm down on some days.
Oh my god this is the first time I'm hearing someone talk about thinking everyone is whispering about you. I've been doing this since about 12 I'd say, and been doing it everyday since. It's so so hard to stop. I thought I was the only one. For the longest time even the slightest whisper would send me into a spiral of negative thinking about myself. And it still does and I'm 19 now. Thank you Kati. I've recently discovered your channel and it's really helping me. Seriously.
I loved this format!!! It's like you took my negative brain & brought it to life! A big struggle for me is half of me loves and appreciates the mental health advice & half of me rolls my eyes just like "the dark Kati". In my opinion, this is one of your top videos! Oh, and I love the bloopers at the end 😂
Not everyone will enjoy your take on the potential thoughts of clients, but, I personally, think you nailed it! I found myself giggling at so many of the worrisome thoughts and feelings as I have certainly been there. 😁 Thankfully, such things about therapy don’t occupy my head any longer, but I can still do that whole eye roll thing with the thoughts that have taken their place. 🙄😜 And, I will always hate breathing exercises. I once asked my therapist if she thought I was stubborn. She giggled and said she preferred the word ‘resistance’. 😳 I laughed and told I loved that term! 🤣 I’ve been using it ever since! 😁 Must still be some of that inner child/teen getting out when I get that way, though. 🧐😬 How about doing a video regarding that! 😱 🙃 Started watching some of your videos a few months back, and I think you’re doing great at educating people about mental health. PTSD, Anxiety, MCA survivor. 💪💪💪
This video was so helpful! Thank you so much Kati, you’re a huge blessing/support for me. I will be making a list of things I like and also review my coping skills and research new ones. I appreciate you tremendously. ❤️
I like the format of going back and forth with the two sides. That made it really interesting and "dark Kati" already put out some questions, someone might have. Great video!
My catastrophizing tends to kick in its most severe in the middle of the night when I wake from a dream suddenly. I know this so I've come up with my own distress tolerance plan until I'm able to incorporate my REASON mind to balance out. Know that you're NOT alone, Keep in mind things rarely end up in complete dire consequence. We all have many DBT skills we can use in our toolbox we just have to be WILLING to use them. Love, peace and balance sisters and brothers.. ❤
When you're used to things going wrong, you are conditioned to expect it to happen. You have 2 choices: go with the flow anyway and get blind sided or anticipate issues. People of certain job titles are literally paid to foresee problems and might learn to do that in other areas of life
This was brilliant, also love the soothing jazz at the end :)
And the bloopers😂
I’m glad you liked the ending :)
I hope we get to see "Chaos Kati" again. She is fun.
Khaos Kati 😂
@@twiztidmomma22 Khaos Khati? XD
She's hot.
Yess. Join the Khaos side. We have cookies =^_^=
Hot too!
So it isn’t only me who thinks everyone is whispering about me
No
Nope! I used to get so paranoid if I entered a room & folk did that laughing and stopping thing. I'd always think they were laughing at me. So in my friend circle, and at work, if anyone walked into a room mid laugh, I would explain what we were just talking about. I found that this spread like wildfire, and others felt included in the joke rather than the butt of the joke.
I still haven't found a way around the whispering one yet though, sometimes it's just necessary to speak quietly.
We are whispering about how awesome you are because we are either too shy or jealous to tell it to your face....
Don’t worry. They’re never whispering about you because they’re too busy whispering about me
space in va der aww I should thing more like that
I totally do this all of the time 🤦🏾♀️. My brother had surgery today and I had his funeral planned by the time his wife called to tell me how successful the surgery was. This video was on time. Thanks K.
MRS.PREWITT Five so glad it went well! ❤️
I’m glad your brother is okay
I can relate. For me, it usually revolves around imagining the sudden death of my husband or one of my children in a situation where it is really unlikely but not impossible to happen. Like the kind of stuff that kills people in 'Final Destination' movies so really unsettling, it roots from PTSD for me.
My eye was infected with a flesh-eating amoeba that was eating its way to my brain, where it would finish me off.
Turns out, it was only a scratch.
Natasha Mudford 😂
My favorite distraction is creativity - photography, songwriting, and videography. I also love sunsets when I'm stressing around that time of day. They sooth me and remind me that I'm not in control of certain things.
It doesn't always help but I try asking myself these three questions:
Is it true?
Is it valid?
Is it worth it?
S.Arts.Wut awesome tip!
The last tip- is perfection
"Communicate with the person whispering and tell them about your past and concerns"
"You mean GIVE THEM MORE WHISPER AMMUNITION?"
Exactly this.
I always keep my head down and try to ignore it. But I must be the worst because I can ignore it until im home then I can’t stop wondering what I did to make them talk about me
Exactly what im thinking.
I personally believe combatting whispers may include reminding yourself of who you are, reminding yourself of your achievements (even if it’s just being strong) and trusting the whispers won’t last forever. The more you give energy to a bad situation, the more energy the bad situation has to work against how you see yourself. Everyone has an option to ‘reinvent’ or start a new chapter for themselves, no one should be denied of this. If it’s a friendship group or colleagues, or even family, seek a person, group or even professional/online services which can aid you as a safe space to talk. Do not isolate yourself, and don’t believe the only option is to ‘put up’ with toxicity.
@@MissBigBlueEyes96 This is good advice!!
I love how you did this "back and forth" with both sides of the thought process. This was excellent!
Jessica Mantei this was done absolutely fucking brilliantly
the role play got me so off guard but i love it!!!!
I like how there’s “two people”
literally sounds like my normal self and my anxiety arguing 😂😬
This is a great video. I used to catastrophize a lot, and it was exhausting. I worked myself through it by talking to a therapist, and practicing Buddhist philosophy. Everyone's different so some ways of coping work better than others. Feeling much better these days. I love curiosity stream so much. I've been using it for about 5 years. ❤️
I found it very funny that "patient" Kati talks to "therapist" Kati, gets advice to see a therapist about catastrophizing and then catastrophizes about therapy. Kinda ironic.
I actually really liked this "dialog" format, it makes me feel understood and I believe more people will be able to relate and connect to the video. Maybe ridiculous, but helpful in my opinion 🙂
I have been catastrophizing from a pretty young age. I also have anxiety
Brilliant. No question, absolutely brilliant. The nagging voice is played to perfection.
The nag inside my mind felt really ashamed being exposed like this.
I think you should make more such videos just showing the negative voices and make a playlist out of it. Diagnosis is crucial and necessary for recovery as you obviously know, and I'm sure seeing the nagging voice inside their head being played out so accurately in an internet video will help a lot of people experience their "It just clicked!" moment. That moment is often the actual start of the recovery process, till which time everything else is just a temporary patch. Please do give it a thought. Also, subscribed inside 5 minutes.
The Daves I Know Welcome to the Community!
Your mannerisms remind me so much of one of the therapists I have seen; gentle, bubbly, smiley, warm and the kindest laugh. ❤️
Kati, thank you for this. This is my third time sitting through this until the ending, it was just too real and I kept having to step away. I have spent most of my 29 years catastrophizing for basically everything. I've always operated in a manner that would protect me, or keep me from being "caught with my pants down". I have endured so much stress because of this and I enjoy absolutely nothing.
I am pretty sure it came from my parents lack of preparation for anything and always getting a raw deal once life laid down its cards. I developed catastrophizing defenses to make sure I didn't get screwed as well. There is always a plan B, C, and sometimes D. I am extremely uncomfortable if there is no contingency plan.
I need to find the balance you mentioned early on between being naive and being aware.
Not all heros wear capes. 💛
‘Thinking a thought over and over again doesn’t change it to anything more than just a thought’...
so true and so important. I really found this video helpful.
This is one thing has majorly helped me.
Close your eyes.
Imagine you are sitting on the bank of a slow passing stream.
Imagine putting thoughts onto a leaf (good, bad, or neutral thought). Imagine the leaf (thought) passing down the stream. Continue to put the thoughts onto the leaf without rushing the leaf down the stream. Just sit there and let the leaf pass by as it pleases (some leaves will stay still). It's okay. Just let it be.
You are practicing letting go of the thought. If you find your mind wander it's okay just start the exercise from the beginning. Imagine putting the thoughts onto passing leafs.
This has greatly help reduce my anxiety and also letting go of heavy thoughts.
I have schizophrenia and symptoms of psychosis.
Hope this helps someone.
- IA
Ismael A thanks for the awesome tips!
@@_just_TK Just trying to help
is this anybody else first time hearing the word *_Catastrophizing?_*
First time for me too.
Nope
No
My counseller called it *catastrophic thinking* so yes first time hearing that but not the first time hearing about the concept.
Yeah, most people just call it being pessimistic and/or paranoid.
Great video and better perspective. It’s nice to see the bad in a different way to actually realize what we’re sounding like
Thank you for this Kati! Catastrophizing is the first symptom of anxiety I ever had-I can remember clearly in primary school, when I was about or 6, having this train of thought in everything. In high school I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and general anxiety disorder, and I've since been treated in many different ways, but I still find myself catastrophizing every now and then. Thank you for this video, you continue to be such a helpful resource!
Thank you, as a person who catastrophizes, this was both incredibly helpful and incredibly validating.
i like the evolution of your channel and the creative way you show the thoughts we have when trying to roll back on any type of catastrophizing, because it definitely makes sense to me
I really enjoyed the back and forth commentary because instead of just giving advice it juxtaposed my thoughts with healthier thoughts; how to help those negative thoughts became clearer with this technique
Checking the facts has helped me...trying to rethink what's bothering me and coming up with reasons/facts why that something is bothering me is actually misguided. Your video AGAIN has showed up at exactly the moment something in my life was bothering me. Thank you Katie. You are truly a helper.
I really like the way you portrayed the constant worry and negative thoughts. And then how you confronted them with the tips, being understanding and patient.
My therapist noted I did this frequently and it was stemming from my abuse and trauma of childhood. She explained that I used it in a way to preempt problems happening that would hurt me so it would hurt less. I'm going through a stressful time with my spouse and I've found that trying to 'removing the thinking' and just feeling even though it hurts helps so much. I feel horrible and anxious but I'm not worsening it by thinking the negative thoughts. Thank you for this video, especially when you're going through a hard time 💖
I started seeing a therapist and specifically called out my own negative thought patterns. We I told him how I'd feel triggered by certain things and how I felt I couldn't control my own emotions in response. I've been slowly reconditioning myself and my thoughts. It's not easy, but talking to someone helps
D W congrats on getting started on your recovery!
Cool, it takes time man
This is one of the worst symptoms for me with my anxiety. When I started therapy i told myself I would fight it, and when I finally was crushing my anxiety I started making friends and I am now in a great relationship. But because I started socializing it came back full force. Rethinking my friendships and if my boyfriend is even into me. It’s hard but I’m taking it day by day. Thank you Kati!
Super post about catastrophizing! There's so much to learn -- sometimes it can be about the harsh judgments issued during childhood - which get normalized and become our self-talk. Thank you for putting these videos up. I recommend them to clients as back-up for sessions. :)
I liked that you used a second character.
the other kati is actually the negative side of my brain and this helps so much just to hear it and to hear kati to respond to it. i love this
Sometimes I try to think of the most absurd thing that could happen in a worst case scenario, like Godzilla blocking a freeway to sleep or something got cancelled because somebody dropped a giant cookie and made a huge mess, or an alien invasion of squeaky green people that are knee high to an average man is the reason my mom’s car broke down. After awhile it gets so ridiculous that the actual worst case scenario seems survivable. But that’s me and my autistic brain being creative with negative thoughts, I don’t know if it will work for others.
streamofawareness ok, I freakin’ LOVE this!!! Can I tweet this @ Kati on Twitter?
I learnt about this in a DBT group. Its about using the skills to calm your mind. Itll never go. And EVERYONE does it. Its about how you deal with it..
I LOVE the smokey eyes edit. Too funny but effective. Thank you for the laugh and of course the information.
i wonder if anyone will recognize this, but since we are on the topic of mantras : " I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. "
:)
In some situations a pet (or ESA) can help. I have GAD (comorbid w/MDD) and I do have an Rx anxiolytic. But sometimes my pets preempt my need to take it (they seem to instinctively know how I feel). I always prefer to try "pet 'n' purr therapy" (or other non-Rx therapy, like deep breathing or just focusing on breathing), before I head for the pill bottle. My psychiatrist approves because, after 24 yrs, he knows that I'm not just educated about mental illnesses, but also that I know my body and my symptoms better than anyone else. DISCLAIMER: With a B.S. in psychology and a lifetime of MDD and GAD, "I know enough to be dangerous." ALWAYS consult YOUR doctor or therapist for what's best for YOU.
Michele M “pet n’ purr” therapy!!!! LOVE IT! 😻😻
I really enjoyed this video!! Well done Kati😊... and I agree Chaos Kati was a welcomed addition here!! I hope she comes back to bounce perspectives around again! 👏🏻👏🏻... you should feel proud of yourself! It’s hard to put together this kind of multiple people/perspectives kind of video and you did a great job here! I enjoy how you relate what you say to everyone! Your clients must feel lucky to have you! I know I do, even via RUclips🙌🏼🌻🍁
This video could not have come at a better time. I started a new job literally today and am apartment hunting and I've been making myself sick worrying about all the ways they are going to go wrong. It's like you read my mind.
Rebecca H congrats on the new job! ❤️
My therapist gave me a list of these cognitive distortions, I catastrophise all the time! The hard part is recognising it. Eg I am currently on holiday, and in the lead up I catastrophised A LOT. It's hard not to catastrophise when you have PTSD from child abuse, because the worst has already happened to you... So I see the world as an unsafe, scary place, and planning for the worst helps me feel safe.
But I am learning to expect the best, and be flexible and adaptable in case the worst happens, but not waste time stressing about it. If the worst does happen, I know I will be okay, and I can't control the outcome or others anyway.
Kati! I cannot tell you how helpful this video was to me! Thank you! It is one of my chief struggles that leads to my relationship self sabotage (relationships) and has been doing so for literally decades! I love how you described how it could start out a small worry, but then slowly but surely... That was so accurate to me that I could have written it myself! Thank you!
Not only did I love the content... but (considering I do "characters" for skits and such) THE CREATIVE ADDITION WAS AWESOME!!! And you nailed probably every question that has gone through my head when told to try some of the same "tricks" for other topics :)
Exercise, stretching are 2 things that have really helped me with catastrophizing and just dealing with anxiety better. Reading is also good too.
Holy sh*t emo kati is so my thoughts 😂
She did such a great job! She truly knows her audience!!! ❤
My favorite mantra when I can feel a flashback is about to happen is "I'm safe now"
Yes. Im in dbt, the mindful skill does ask me to consider "there is not a crisis right now" and it is very grounding, very glad you can avert the immediate response.
So sweet. I'm going to try this.
Dark Sith Lord Kati was pretty interesting 😆👍
Patrick C did you have 100 likes?!
I have been guilty of catastrophizing!!! I think I have some level of social anxiety disorder.
This was such a fun video!!!
I try to focus on checking the facts. Thank you for these tips! I need to self sooth more often...
I've been aware for a while that I do this a lot, but this is the first time I've found something that directly addresses how to deal with it. Thank you so much.
Hi, Kati! Out of topic but I just want to thank you for your videos about DSM 5 mental disorders! I have really understood them because of you and now I am a registered Psychometrician!! Just wanted to give you credits!! Thank you so much!!
I just moved to a new city yesterday and I'm feeling so overwhelmed and have been DEFINITELY been catastrophizing without even knowing what that was! My Dad actually said something to me last night that resonated too- he said: "If you were anywhere else- your anxiety would have you thinking about something else- It's anxiety, It isn't a crisis. Anxiety manufactured these feelings and the more you expose anxiety as anxiety and not a crisis, the more in control you will feel." Which goes along nicely with what you said about fact-checking! This video came to me at such a perfect time! Thank you Kati.
What city?
I generally find smells help me more often than not, but I also preoccupy myself with them. So there's a few things I keep with me just to keep grounded by smelling them. Lol it sounds weird but it helps when I'm freaking out and having a panic attack because there's too many people at WalMart when I'm there.
Check the facts...great point. "What if..." questions have a million answers, and they're all wrong except maybe one. I don't deal with "What Ifs." I look at "What is."
Yes absolutely, was a great point in therapy.
Thank you Kati for creating this wonderful video ❤️ and giving me some tools to use. Thank you for explaining what this is.
This Chanel is a real blessing. GAD has pretty much taken any happiness from my daily existence, but listening to these videos always helps with the feeling of emptiness. Thanks for your efforts.
I just love you! I have been struggling this past week with unresolved childhood trauma. You have been so helpful with questions that I've had, using your past video's! I've been super impressed with your wisdom and knowledge. Thanks for that!
I've been reading about cognitive distortions lately. Great topic Kati.
You basically describe my mom. It's exactly what she's been doing since I remember. It's really hard to be around her. She's always painting the worst possible scenarios, she's even breaking friendships and her attitude is simply pulling every person around her down. To be fair she was born during ww2 and she lost her first born. So there were traumatic experiences in her life. But: She's convinced everything is different with her and nothing can help her. When she gets a diagnosis for anything physical she has and doctors start treating her, she claims it's not helping anyway because her body works differently. It's really hard. I love her and it hurts me to see her suffering but since she refuses to get help, it's hard to spend extended time with her. Her attitude hurt me a lot while growing up and only after I started working on myself that my mental health improved.
Love this. Nice character, makeup, switch Kati. I tried to help my friend stop this but it made them more angry.
This was so helpful. I didn't even know catastrohpizing was apart of anxiety disorders. Really makes sense now.
My therapist and i covered this a week ago. My black and white thinking really does affect me. I need to be reminded of that once in a while. Ive been using halt in my daily log on feelings for a while now. Ive since added other things to ask myself. It does help.
Yeah similar here, it takes time
Kati!!! I love the cut aways with you in your dark makeup and outfit for the "negative" thoughts. It's a fun way of presenting in these videos! Thanks for all your awesome work Kati! 💜
This helped a lot! Just what I needed, the cure for looping catastrophic thoughts is to constantly engage on a loop of healthier distractions! Thank you!
Love the role play!! Your advice is really really helpfull for my catastrophizing which has been paralyzing fear that keeps me from showing up for myself. Check the facts- look for things to support more possitive outlook (hard one to do), 5 senses, montra works well, basic needs HALT, destract. Q: So is this something that CAN go away for good?
I started catastrophizing after my dad suddenly passed when I was 13. I’m 26 now and it just gets worse every year. It’s to the point where every time someone leaves the house, even to go to the store, I fear sudden death/injury. It’s debilitating.
Melissa Hernandez please reach out to a mental health professional because with the right help it DOES GET BETTER! ❤️
Has anyone else noticed that Kati does not seem to age? I just re watched some of her vids from 2012 and I swear she has not aged a day. Whatever she is doing I think we should be doing it too.
The role playing actually helped because that's almost exactly how I mentally respond when someone is sincerely trying to be helpful.
I thought the roleplay was incredibly fun. Please go ahead and do more videos like this.
I liked how you dressed differently to see how catastrophizing actually looks. Thanks for the good info. Your amazing for making these helpful videos that can help everybody out! You have such a library of videos and subjects ✌thanks girl!
I really like this new video technique. I like how you showed the negative side of our brain and the logical side. This also helps to show how to fight back to that negative self talk.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I so so so appreciate your use of "we" in these videos. It can make some of the most isolating things in my life feel just a little less isolating. Thanks, Kati, you're amazing
Thanks for the new style of video. The role playing helps see the bigger picture. 😊
Getting into the science of The Polyvagal Theory really helped me understand my catastrophic thoughts because the science in this theory says that your body state comes first (uneasy sense / sensation in your body) then the thoughts follow. Thoughts follow body state. So somatic therapy - making my body feel safe - is the only thing that lessens my catastrophic thoughts.
I will check that out, kind of like the physical to mental order pyramid
this is such a creative way to make counter arguments tangible..especially when the counter arguments are so accurate
Katie's negative side is such a mood 😂
Awesome video, Kati! I’ve definitely been a victim of my own catastrophizing many times. This was so helpful! Hope we see Catastrokati again sometime.
I get way too excited when I see your uploads, Kati 😭😍 I love you!!
First, I relate so much to this video, and I'm glad most of the points I was looking for were mentioned.
Judgment has always been my biggest fear. I've experienced it my entire life, even to this day. I catastrophize that I will encounter judgment when I interact with the public, whether they be a stranger, a professional, or even family. I know that not all my experiences will be like that, however in that moment, the evidence from the past (recent or not) take hold. Even though the chances are lesser, it's still frustrating when being judged feeds the evidence more and more, supporting the catastrophized thoughts.
As for a coping mechanism, I have often been told about breathing. It can help me a little, but in the end my focus on breathing creates more anxiety. For me, I use music as a universal tool for coping. It's calming when I need it to be, as well as a distraction from the "chaos" around me. I rarely leave the house without my headphones. It helps keep me grounded.
Thank you for making this video in this way. Truly helpful 💜💜💜
This video was super awesome! You really did an amazing job getting the catastrophizing message across to us using alt Kati! Wow! If possible (no pressure) more please. Thx4sharing! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏻
I find myself doing that a lot. I always think the worst is going to happen, especially to people I love and care about. Like one time a few months ago, when my boyfriend traveled somewhere on vacation by plane. I couldn’t contact him for over 9 hours, so I was thinking the worst was going to happen. 😪
Square breathing really does help.
This is EXACTLY how I imagined Kati’s middle school emo phase!!!!! (All she’s missing is the JNCO jeans 😹)
i liked this new style of incorporating our responses; they were extremely accurate i felt heard and you gave really affirming answers. would love to see more of it in any coping skills related videos
I like what you're doing here with the new style of videos, Kati. It's fun :)
I love this!! It’s like a mini Sanders Sides :) Thank you so much, Katie!
Kati you nailed it! I loved this video. So helpful and I actually laughed out loud several times... thanks girl.
a common catastrophizing worry i find myself and my friends thinking all the time is the fear of letting people down. for example, i have been terrified to tell my favorite teachers that i’m temporarily leaving the school to go to a rehabilitation school program for kids who struggle to function at school because of mood disorders. i’m so worried because i care so much that they think highly of me and by leaving i’m letting them down by failing to stick to the commitments i made at the beginning of the year and that they’ll think i’m unreliable and never think highly of me again. however, the reality (the facts) of the situation is that they will most likely be understanding and not feel let down at all. instead, they’ll probably be sympathetic that i’m going through a rough time and want me to do whatever i can do get better. i try to reassure myself of this and that helps give me the confidence i need to talk to them. i still haven’t gotten the chance, but i will ASAP.
When something happens and I start to go crazy about it and make a big deal, I try to tell myself What is this gonna change in your life? Is this something that will impact you longterm or will it pass in a while? Speaking out loud and trying to break down the situation helps me calm down on some days.
Oh my god this is the first time I'm hearing someone talk about thinking everyone is whispering about you. I've been doing this since about 12 I'd say, and been doing it everyday since. It's so so hard to stop. I thought I was the only one. For the longest time even the slightest whisper would send me into a spiral of negative thinking about myself. And it still does and I'm 19 now. Thank you Kati. I've recently discovered your channel and it's really helping me. Seriously.
I loved this format!!! It's like you took my negative brain & brought it to life! A big struggle for me is half of me loves and appreciates the mental health advice & half of me rolls my eyes just like "the dark Kati". In my opinion, this is one of your top videos! Oh, and I love the bloopers at the end 😂
Not everyone will enjoy your take on the potential thoughts of clients, but, I personally, think you nailed it! I found myself giggling at so many of the worrisome thoughts and feelings as I have certainly been there. 😁 Thankfully, such things about therapy don’t occupy my head any longer, but I can still do that whole eye roll thing with the thoughts that have taken their place. 🙄😜 And, I will always hate breathing exercises. I once asked my therapist if she thought I was stubborn. She giggled and said she preferred the word ‘resistance’. 😳 I laughed and told I loved that term! 🤣 I’ve been using it ever since! 😁 Must still be some of that inner child/teen getting out when I get that way, though. 🧐😬 How about doing a video regarding that! 😱 🙃 Started watching some of your videos a few months back, and I think you’re doing great at educating people about mental health. PTSD, Anxiety, MCA survivor. 💪💪💪
Thank you so much for finally making this video! I live with this every single day but I’m in therapy and learning to deal with it☺️
I freaking love this video with dark/angry Kati and cute/sunny Kati!! Amazing job! I couldn’t stop smiling! 👏🏻🤗💜
This video was so helpful! Thank you so much Kati, you’re a huge blessing/support for me. I will be making a list of things I like and also review my coping skills and research new ones. I appreciate you tremendously. ❤️
I like the format of going back and forth with the two sides. That made it really interesting and "dark Kati" already put out some questions, someone might have. Great video!
My catastrophizing tends to kick in its most severe in the middle of the night when I wake from a dream suddenly. I know this so I've come up with my own distress tolerance plan until I'm able to incorporate my REASON mind to balance out. Know that you're NOT alone, Keep in mind things rarely end up in complete dire consequence. We all have many DBT skills we can use in our toolbox we just have to be WILLING to use them. Love, peace and balance sisters and brothers.. ❤
Lol! I love your "skeptical Kati" character, I SOOOO sound like that to myself in my mind sometimes! Great video, and thank you for this subject 💖😊
Almost 800k subscribers yess you deserve them all and more.
When you're used to things going wrong, you are conditioned to expect it to happen. You have 2 choices: go with the flow anyway and get blind sided or anticipate issues. People of certain job titles are literally paid to foresee problems and might learn to do that in other areas of life
Thank you for talking about this. My therapist a few years ago would talk about this, but I never fully understood it