bcksolvepuzzles
“Welcome to bcksolvepuzzles, where a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) shares educational mental health strategies with empathy, resilience, and a touch of dark humor. As a veteran and traveler, I bring a unique perspective to offering insights on trauma, anxiety, depression, conflict, and distorted thinking, drawn from my professional training. Expect practical tips, actionable tools, and nods to hiking, biking, exploring new places, and finding humor in the chaos. This content is for educational purposes only, not psychotherapy or professional mental health advice; please consult a licensed professional for personal support. Subscribe to start reframing your journey!”
bcksolvepuzzles
STOP THINKING THE WORST! 😰
Ever think, “It’s all going to fail” or “They hate me”? That’s catastrophic thinking—your brain assuming the worst. Let’s explore why it happens and how to stop it!
WELCOME TO MY FIRST POST!Hi, I’m Brent! I’m a therapist traveling the world, thrilled to launch my YouTube journey with this post about catastrophic thinking. Join me to learn how your brain works! 😊
WHAT IS CATASTROPHIC THINKING?Catastrophic thinking is when your brain leaps to the worst outcome, like “I’ll fail this test” or “I’ll be alone forever.” It’s common in stressful moments—like exams or conflicts—when your brain’s alarm overreacts, making small worries feel huge.
WHY DOES YOUR BRAIN DO THIS?Our hunter-gatherer ancestors survived by assuming danger, like “That rustle is a predator!” 🦁 This negativity bias kept them alert to threats like wild animals or scarce food. A thought like “I’ll starve” spurred action to hunt or hide. Today, your brain overreacts to modern worries like a late text or work mistake.
YOUR BRAIN’S LIKE A COMPUTERPicture your brain as a computer running an antivirus program. Catastrophic thoughts are like pop-up alerts screaming “Danger!” for no reason. 💻 They’re trying to protect you, but in today’s world, they often misfire, flagging safe situations as threats.
THREE WAYS TO STOP IT
1. Pause and ask, “Is my brain overreacting?” Reframe “I’ll fail” to “I’ll take it one step at a time.”
2. Ground yourself: Notice 3 things you see or hear to calm your brain’s alarm.
3. Connect with nature: Take a walk or view travel photos to gain perspective, like I do on my global hikes. 🌿
LET’S TALK!What’s a worst-case thought you’ve had? Which tip will you try? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Follow my Instagram for nature and travel inspiration! Subscribe for more mental health tips! #MentalHealth #CatastrophicThinking
For education only, not therapy or professional advice. As a California LCSW, I share general mental health insights, not for diagnosis or treatment. Consult a licensed professional for support.
9 months ago | [YT] | 3
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