©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
Catastrophic thoughts involve imagining worst-case scenarios and predicting doom and gloom. If you’re not careful, those thoughts can keep you stuck in a dark place. And the more often you entertain them, the more likely they are to happen again.
Catastrophic thoughts are a common issue we tackle in therapy, and they often go hand-in-hand with issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and stress. The strategy I share in this episode is one of my favorite ways to combat them. Start using this tool today, and I think you might get some instant relief.
Key Takeaways:
“Our brains sometimes look for so much danger that they prevent us from enjoying life because we’re constantly imagining horrible things happening.”
“Playing the script through until the end helps us recognize that we do have control over the way we feel and behave despite catastrophic thoughts.”
“By considering potential outcomes and recognizing our ability to cope, we can challenge and overcome catastrophic thoughts.”
0:02:41 My new book announcement and offer of a free month of therapy
0:03:15 Introduction to the concept of catastrophic thoughts and their impact
0:04:00 The reasons behind catastrophic thoughts
0:05:30 How catastrophic thoughts prevent action
0:08:45 The truth about risks
0:10:30 How catastrophic thoughts can become self-fulfilling prophecies
0:11:15 Therapeutic strategy of playing the script through until the end to challenge catastrophic thoughts
[0:14:30] How to cope with catastrophic thoughts
[0:15:00] Controlling your response to catastrophic thoughts
[0:15:30] Try playing the script through until the end
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get exclusive bonus episodes, access to the Mentally Stronger community, and answers to your questions about mental strength.
Buy Amy’s books on mental strength
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com
Pre-order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don’t Do, and get one free month of therapy at BetterHelp.
LMNT — Get your electrolytes in balance with LMNT. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/stronger, and get a free sample pack with any purchase.