What to do if when you think about the future it seems scary?
It is mid-2022. Most of us are experiencing some form of fear of the future at this time. Some of us are afraid of the economic crisis, some of us are afraid of the pandemic, some of us are afraid of the refugees (and many more things to add to the list).
What we need to realize is that it is not the future that we fear, but our thoughts about it.
Catastrophe – Catastrophizing
In general, catastrophic means ‘a very bad event’. It describes a situation that will create a catastrophic effect. It can also be expressed as a bad interpretation of any event. It is evaluated in order to effectively explain the size of a situation.
We are in a catastrophic prediction cycle when evaluating the future.
- We are faced with an unknown event/situation.
- We define it as a disaster.
- We make a prediction like the end of the world has come.
- THE END OF THE WORLD.
- PANIC.
For example, an economic crisis begins. Many companies downsize. The person starts to think:
“I will definitely be fired → I will not be able to find a job anymore → I will not be able to pay the rent → My landlord will kick me out → I will start living on the street.”
And this flow of anxiety creates a cycle.
It’s like we’re sitting in front of the TV all day long, watching the most horrific news on a single channel.
Thoughts are about only one thing: “I’m definitely going to get fired and I’m definitely going to end up on the street!”
In moments of catastrophe
- A person chooses to think of the worst-case scenario.
- They don’t think of alternative scenarios at all.
- The disaster is so big, scary, and inevitable that a person can do nothing to prevent it doesn’t.
Fighting Future Fear and Catastrophe: Multiplying Monitors
It is up to us to interrupt this disturbing broadcast. There is an exercise that I recommend to my clients for this.
Exercise “Four Monitors”
Imagine that there are four monitors in front of you showing different versions of the future.
- The first one should be as depressing and doom-filled as possible.
- The second one should be moderately depressing.
- The third one should be realistic but more positive.
- The fourth one should be unrealistically positive, like “Aliens came and saved everyone from everything at once.”
When you can’t find a way back from the anxiety you feel and it’s affecting your functionality, getting expert support will be extremely beneficial for you.
You can take steps regarding your unhealthy fear of the future in Cihangir and anywhere there is internet, and call my office for more information and to make an appointment.