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Why do I always perceive the worst about something that doesn't even exist?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 05/24/2021 at 6:01pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
October 10th, 2016 12:46pm
It sounds like you are over-anxious. Anxiety rarely makes sense and comes on even if there's nothing to stress about.
KittyMoose
May 19th, 2015 5:36pm
I am always in the fear of the unknown. The flight or fight response is always at the ready. When dealing with issues I am unfamiliar with, I will often put myself in the other's persons shoes; but when dealing with myself I have no other shoes to be in. I expect the worse because I dont know any other way.
VanessaD92
June 10th, 2015 11:04pm
That's what anxiety does to a person! We can also anticipate the worst in order to not to let down if the worst happens. It's an unfortunate thing our brain does to protect us from getting hurt.
GivingstonTreegull
November 10th, 2015 4:51pm
People may perceive the worst outcome because it often seems like the more likely scenario. Especially if you are a negative person.
Manifestation
November 24th, 2015 5:25pm
Your mind is a powerful tool. It creates realities wherever you steer it to and such it is important to realize as such a powerful tool the means to be able to control it. As you can perceive the worst, you also have the ability to perceive the best. When you recognize the dualities of life you in turn are able to see the power of a mind and begin to steer it to creating realities of strength, empowerment and ability.
iouty
December 22nd, 2015 11:03am
It is common to perceive the worst about something that doesn't even exist because it is difficult to understand intense emotions. It is easy to self sabotage yourself into thinking you are much worse, lazier, heavier, worthless than you really are.
salomons
June 20th, 2016 9:50am
This is a pattern. You developed that pattern for a good reason. You might be looking for protection. Rather focus on the future you wish to have.
SpaceAngel
September 20th, 2016 5:30pm
Aha, Anxiety !!!! its called Anxiety my friend...thats how anxiety works...maybe you were judged in the past or people treated you badly, so you always think, what if this happens or what if that happens, to avoid something like that happening again,,or maybe its because you love yourself too much, :)
Anonymous
March 6th, 2017 11:34am
There could be many reasons and none of them has anything to do with your value as a person. Sometimes it's anxiety, or stemming from previous trauma. When we face this emotion of worry,or when we stay present in the moment we may find that the feeling of imminent danger fades away gradually within an hour, making us re-evaluate the integrity of that thought that caused the anxiety in the first place :) Good luck
junem
May 24th, 2021 6:01pm
The tendency to percieve the worst about something that does not exist is a form of catastrophizing rumination. There are several causes for this way of thinking. It could be a learned way of thinking past on from a parent or guardian. It can also be a symptom of a mental health issue such as depression or PTSD. Cognitive behavour therapy is most useful in helping break free from such thinking. It teaches to challenge the validity of such thoughts and reframe them more realistically. This may also be a form of pessimism that can be changed through the practice of affirmative thinking and gratitude list