Mind Traps
Thinking in absolute terms, like "always" or "never"
What is All-or-nothing thinking
"That person didn't want to go out with me, so no one will"
What is overgeneralization
"I only won because there was no competition"
"I won because I am good at what I do"
Continually shooting down positive experiences
What is disqualifying the positives
You pass a friend at the Student Center who doesn't say hello and you think he/she doesn't like you
What is mind reading or jumping to conclusions
"I failed this test, so I will never graduate"
"I failed this test, so I will study more in the future"
Focusing on the worst possible outcome
What is catastrophizing
"I shouldn't question authority"
What is making should statements
"I should always be nice regardless of how I feel"
It is okay to be upset sometimes. My feelings are valid
What is emotional reasoning
Instead of thinking "I made a mistake", you think "I'm a loser"
What is Labeling
"I had a relapse so I might as well give up my recovery"
"I had a setback, but I am still moving forward in my recovery"
Assuming you or others directly caused things when that may not have been the case. Blaming yourself or taking responsibility for something that wasn't your fault
What is personalization
You share personal details in group, but one person tells you to get over it. You spend the rest of the day focusing you attention on this comment and start to feel pathetic
What is mental filter
"It's my fault my person got divorced"
It is not my fault. Relationship conflicts happen for a variety of reasons