Might be a strange word that you have not heard, but most likely experienced and maybe even are plagued with this behavior from time to time.
Catastrophizing is when someone assumes that the worst will happen. Often, it involves believing that you’re in a worse situation than you really are or exaggerating the difficulties you face. For example, someone might worry that they’ll fail an exam, before even taking the exam, or even seen the questions.
This situation always starts in our mind. Then defining the truth versus assumptions. It is the ambiguity, or gray area between thoughts of “maybe” and absolutes where the condition is ripe to catastrophize. It comes down to being truthful with ourselves, being authentic.
Authenticity is an important value. It is difficult sometimes to muster up positive thoughts or statements when they simply do not line up with how we feeling. For example, if I have flu-like symptoms, I am not going to repeatedly say, “I am not sick, I am not sick, I am not sick.”
However, looking at Philippians 4:8, we might be able to realized just how often we do actually proclaim untruths in our mind instead of truths. The verse says, “fix your thoughts on what is true.” When we fix our thoughts on what might possibly happen, or the worst that could transpire, we are meditating on untruths. When we worry that the pain in our head is a cancerous tumor, we are dwelling on untruths. Could it be cancer or something else serious? Perhaps. But until that is the case, it is not true.
I cannot tell you the number of ailments, financial crises, failures, and serious consequences I felt like I have experienced over the years because I chose to fixate on what was untrue. And most of them never even came close to actually happening. They were just bouncing around in my mind as mere possibilities.
It may seem obvious and simple, but I have found tremendous relief by reminding myself to only focus on that which is — not that which might be. My task is to only focus on that which is known to be true.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:6-8 ESV