Cycle 8 - Video 2 - Smarter Than BPD Quiz

Catastrophizing and How to Control It

• Individuals with BPD tend to catastrophize their view of self, others, and the world, leading to maladaptive patterns.
• Distraction and reappraisal strategies are adaptive methods of emotional and behavioral control that individuals with BPD tend to choose less often.
• Catastrophizing is the tendency to see situations as the worst they could be, resulting in increased anxiety and stress.
• Possible causes of catastrophizing include uncertainty, fear of loss, fatigue, and anxiety.
• Catastrophizing is bad because it puts individuals into fight, flight, or freeze mode, leading to maladaptive patterns and behaviors.
• Distracting oneself, visualizing success, recognizing the irrationality of catastrophizing, and using positive affirmations can help control catastrophizing.
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol and bringing reality into the situation can also help control catastrophizing.
• The worst case scenario is rare, and there is a higher probability of a better outcome than catastrophe.
• BPD is the most effectively treated personality disorder, with 80% of individuals experiencing remissions that can last for many years.
• Individuals with BPD are survivors who are tenacious and resilient.
• Berating oneself and blaming oneself for catastrophizing are not helpful.
• Utilizing adaptive techniques and strategies can help individuals control and manage catastrophizing tendencies.