When our thoughts become distorted or exacerbated as a result of feeling anxious or low, we can call this Twisted Thinking.

There are different forms of Twisted Thinking which we will look at now. Twisted Thinking can be defined as when our thoughts become distorted or exacerbated as a result of feeling worried or low.

Black-and-white Thinking

What is it?
Seeing things in extreme terms. People either love or hate you, you are either right or wrong, etc.

Example
“She wants me to do more around the house. This means I’m completely useless.”

Should and Ought

What is it?
Thinking the way we want things to be is the way they ought to be

Example
“I should have talked more on the date. I ought to be more confident.”

Overgeneralising

What is it?
Believing that one instance applies to all situations

Example
“I couldn’t get out of bed today, i’ll always be a failure.”

Catastrophising

What is it?
Thinking a situation is much worse than it is

Example
“My friend is five minutes late to meet me, something bad must have happened!”

Glass Half Empty

What is it?
How are we viewing the events in our life?

Example
“I only have 2 close friends, other people have so many more.”

Jumping to Conclusions

What is it?
Negatively interpreting an event without any good reason.

Example
“There’s no point in me reaching out to my brother because I know he doesn’t want to talk to me.”

Emotional Reasoning

What is it?
Assuming our feelings convey useful information and basing our judgements on them.

Example
“I feel so guilty tonight, that must mean I’ve done something wrong.”

Mind Reading

What is it?
Assuming we know what someone else is thinking

Example
“They saw me stumble and think i’m stupid.”