One surprisingly powerful way we can help struggling children feel better is to help them change negative thinking patterns. Some kids get into the habit of turning every small setback into bleak, self-critical thoughts. A slight from a classmate becomes “Everybody hates me.” A missed fly ball becomes “I’ll never be any good at baseball.” Recognizing these patterns, which therapists call “cognitive distortions,” is a key part of therapy for things like depression, anxiety and emotional volatility.
This week on childmind.org we take a look at 11 common cognitive distortions, from what’s called “catastrophizing” (blowing up a minor setback into a disaster) to “personalization” (blaming yourself for things that are not your fault). Recognizing them — and helping children recognize them, too — is the first step towards getting free of them.
