09/14/2026
A thought can feel completely true and still not be the full story.
“I failed, so I’m useless.”
“They haven’t replied, so they must be angry with me.”
“This went wrong, so everything will go wrong.”
When we’re stressed, anxious, hurt or exhausted, our minds can jump straight to the worst-case scenario. We might focus on one bad moment, ignore the good, or assume we know what someone else is thinking.
That doesn’t mean you’re being dramatic. It means you’re human.
A helpful pause can be: “Is this a fact, or is it a worried thought?” Then try asking, “What else could be true?”
You don’t have to force yourself to be positive. Just aim for a kinder, more balanced view. Especially on the days your inner voice is being harsh.
FREE COMMON THINKING TRAPS CBT COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS POSTER
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