What Is Distorted Thinking?

Cognitive distortions are biased, exaggerated thought patterns or beliefs. This irrational thinking gives a false sense of reality that can lead to social anxiety, depression, general anxiety and other mood disorders.

5 types of cognitive distortions

Jumping to conclusions and making negative assumptions without proof to back them up

All-or-nothing thinking or polarization, things are either a complete success or an absolute failure

Overgeneralization is when a single negative experience is used as proof of future failure

Personalization happens when we blame ourselves for negative events that we have no control over

Emotional reasoning is when your emotional reaction blocks out rational thinking