Cognitive Distortions
What is a cognitive distortion
Thinking errors caused by irrational thoughts that may later cause distress or anxiety when not processed
what does ADHD stand for?
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
"I should be getting straight A's" "I should be eating healthy".
"Should"
"I should be getting straight A's" "I should be eating healthy".
TRUE - their mouth/esophagus goes straight into their intestines.
Which cognitive distortion is Woody Whatsit
"What If"
what chemical is related to the reward center of your brain that is also responsible for motivating you to get things done?
dopamine
"what if i flunk my test?" "what if I never get a job and i am homeless?"
"what if" and/or "catastrophizing"
"what if i flunk my test?" "what if I never get a job and i am homeless?"
remember positive examples where these thoughts are not true. what if it all works out? will you survive your worst case scenario? (spoiler: yes!)
Is the Platypus a reptile or a mammal?
mammal
what is the friend method
True/False: People with ADHD are constantly overstimulated.
FALSE - they are usually UNDERstimulated so they seek out stimulating activities
*friend is unusually quiet at school today* "She is probably mad at me - it must have been something I did"
Personalization, Future Telling
*friend is unusually quiet at school today* "She is probably mad at me - it must have been something I did"
look for evidence - are you really to blame? if yes, accept responsibility and move on. How much control do you actually have over this situation? Assume the best intentions. Friend method.
How does the platypus defend itself?
through venomous spikes on their feet
"you will/won't..."
"they will/won't...."
etc.
True/False: scrolling on social media creates more dopamine in your brain than taking a walk outside.
FALSE: little activities that provide tiny amounts of dopamine (social media etc) may give IMMEDIATE reward but ultimately do not make more dopamine than taking a walk or other fulfilling hobbies/activities.
*falls down and spills lunch on the floor* "I am such a clumsy loser....I never watch where I'm going"
Labeling, Overgeneralizing
*falls down and spills lunch on the floor* "I am such a clumsy loser....I never watch where I'm going"
Friend method. Challenge negative thoughts with proof against them.
How does the platypus feed its children?
it sweats milk out for them through its sweat glands - they do not have nipples!
Come up with one real life or fake example of someone (or you) Overgeneralizing.
a wide variety of examples is acceptable.
what are some ways to make boring things more fun/stimulating? for ex) doing homework or chores?
music, timers, competition, body doubling, etc.
*family is planning on moving out of town and switching schools next year* "What if I never make any new friends and then my new friends will move on and forget about me? My life will be ruined...."
catastrophizing, fortune telling, what if
*family is planning on moving out of town and switching schools next year* "What if I never make any new friends and then my new friends will move on and forget about me? My life will be ruined...."
what if the worst case scenario happens? can you handle it? (spoiler: yes!) Use calming strategies to calm down your body and mind before making decisions: will help you operate with a clear head.
How does the platypus hunt its prey?
dives underwater and uses electrical pulses to sense their prey (they become blind and deaf and rely only on this)