Q: Which specialist doctor to consult for mental disorders?
A: A psychiatrist can be consulted for mental disorders. A clinical psychologist can also be consulted.
Q: What are distorted thinking patterns?
A: Distorted thinking patterns are unhealthy ways of thinking that distort one’s perception, and therefore, reality.
Q: What happens in a cycle of negative thinking anxiety?
A: In a cycle of anxiety, one negative thought can lead to hypervigilance, causing more attention towards possible threats. Then this fuels further anxiety. Not being anxious can also be a cause for anxiety, as it could mean that one is being careless and ignoring threats.
Q: How do I stop personalizing?
A: One can stop personalizing by being more mindful, not jumping to conclusions and considering other possible alternatives.
Q: How do I change my anxiety thought patterns?
A: Anxious thinking can be changed by being mindful, labeling thoughts, noting them down, getting an objective perspective from a friend and seeking professional help.
Q: How do I know if my thoughts are irrational?
A: If one’s thoughts are leading to a great deal of distress and impairment, taking a great deal of time on a daily basis, it is likely that they are irrational.
Q: Is irrational thinking a mental illness?
A: Everyone experiences irrational thoughts, but when it is frequent, intense and for long durations, it could be a symptom of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. When the thoughts cause a lot of distress and disrupt functioning, it is highly likely that it is a mental illness.
