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Anxiety and cognitive distortions

Anxiety and distorted thinking Is your outlook very black and white?  Do the what ifs get in the way of you making a decision about anything? In CBT practitioners use the term 'cognitive distortions' to describe this type of thinking. Do some of these apply to you? Catastophise or minimise Exaggerate the importance of your mistakes or to believe the worst case scenario will happen.  Or to minimise your qualities, achievements or your pain.  I will often hear from clients that others have it far worse than them. Black and white thinking Everything is seen in absolute terms.  There is no grey with this thinking.  If your achievements aren't perfect - then in your mind you have failed.  The reality is is that we achieve success in little steps which then leads to big steps but this can get lost when someone is expecting themselves to know everything and be perfect.  Mind Reading Assume that people are reacting badly to you or will judge you.  It can also be that you think you
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5 simple tips to deal with panic attacks

  Dealing with anxiety can be very debilitating. I know from personal experience. I suffered from anxiety attacks in my mid-twenties and when it happened for the first time was a very frightening experience to go through. My first panic attack took place in a crowded restaurant with work colleagues. It was close to Christmas and everyone was chatting away, eating, drinking in a noisy atmosphere. There was one man at our table at the far end that continued to stare across at me. I had met him for the first time that night as he was part of a different department to mine.  His continued staring at me left me uncomfortable. I started feeling more and more hemmed in and overwhelmed and then it happened.... My heart started racing, I started having tunnel vision, I felt hot and panicky and all I wanted to do was get away. I abruptly left the table and ran outside to gasp for cold air and to be alone while I tried to understand what had just happened.  Slowly I recovered and started feel
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Location: London, UK
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