Worst-Case Scenario Thinking

Ever find your mind racing, convinced that a tiny worry is about to explode into a full-blown catastrophe? That's called "worst-case-scenario thinking" (also known as catastrophizing). It's a cognitive distortion that many of us experience, especially when there is a history of anxiety, stress, trauma. This workbook is designed to help you understand and navigate catastrophizing while giving you tools to help stop the spiral. Here’s What’s Inside the PDF: Understanding Catastrophizing: Learn what worst-case-scenario thinking is, why it happens (especially in response to anxiety, stress, or trauma), and see relatable examples of how it can show up in daily life. Recognize Your Personal Spirals: Explore worksheets designed to help you identify your unique triggers, common themes, and emotional patterns that fuel your catastrophic thoughts. You'll also learn the five common steps of a catastrophic spiral, from the initial trigger to the final feeling of overwhelm. The "Zoom Out" Challeng