cognitive distortion
Cognitive Distortion
A thinking pattern that makes a situation feel more negative, extreme, or hopeless than it really is.
Details
A cognitive distortion is a mental habit that pulls thoughts away from the full picture. When this happens, one mistake can feel like total failure, uncertainty can feel like disaster, and one awkward moment can feel like proof that something is wrong with you. These thoughts often feel believable, especially when you are stressed, but they are not always fair or accurate. Noticing them is the first step toward thinking with more balance and self-compassion.
💡 Real-Life Example
After getting quiet feedback from a manager, someone thinks, “I am terrible at my job,” instead of seeing it as one moment they can learn from.
This content is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis.