Overthinking? OR Imagination Running Wild?

[TrustYourSoul]

Over the past few years, likely due to numerous (negative) human interactions and/or decisions or events imposed upon me, I often find myself visualizing the worst possible outcome of a future situation. Not in an immobilizing, "worrying" way, but just negative. I believe I began subconsciously doing this as a sort of "advance coping tool" in the event that an anticipated encounter or event goes South.... then I am not caught off-guard. This is completely contrary to "thinking positively", or "declaring God's favor".

When I had cancer twice in the past, (age 25, then age 40) I was the "Queen of Denial", not accepting the notion that I wouldn't be cured. I turned down Chemo in one case, and got nuuclear radiation treatment one time only in the other. I am 60 now, and still here.

So, do I slap myself when I imagine the worst of an upcoming dialogue or event, and try to wave the Positivity Flag (and feel like a big dummy when things go wrong), OR, continue seeing myself in a play on a stage, crafting my dialogue and/or response to a poor outcome in advance?

I don't do this with Everything though. Only situations that I believe could "go South", then I am "ready" and feel less defeated or blindsided. If things go well, then I feel relieved and grateful.

Thank you in advance for your opinions.🙋‍♀️

[Hidden]

Hi there🙋‍♀️I can identify with this. You are describing what my psychiatrist says is my lovely (my word) ability to do "worst case scenario thinking. This sounds very much like overthinking. It also sounds like you are putting your body in fight-or-flight mode. I am currently in this mode for something I anticipate happening in May. For me, it's a way of protecting myself from further hurt. My psychiatrist gave me some information on gaining control over my ruminating thoughts. I'm actually going to do a post about what it talks about later on.

Overthinking is exhausting (to put it mildly). Living in my head these past few months has been hellish. You are most definitely not alone!

P.S. love the Alpaca! Is it one of yours?

[samack]

First of all, I love your sloth avatar. And the alpaca. I have to admit that I am on the prepared for negative part of the equation. However, if we can find a position of equanimity, through meditation?, we would be better off. Positivity is great, with the premise being and if the worst happens, that will turn out for the best too. Is that inborn or can we learn how to be this way?

[Dardiz1]

Sort of the same I overly negatively project the future with a negative worst case scenario in the belief I will be better prepared in case . So far have been wrong 90% of the time . In therapy how to adapt and surviving with coping skills therapist and some apps. But still have cases where I do it again . Like right now . Therapy that worked was to not plan too far ahead either week by week or month but no more than 90 days . B/C it will always work out more positive than I think .

[Survivor1687]

Thank you for sharing this. You truly are an inspiration and message of hope. Keep fighting your battle. (Hugs)