Worse Case Scenario Mentality

tall penguin

I'm finding this to be a difficult pattern of thinking to over-ride. Being raised a jw we're always on edge waiting for Armageddon and so we see everything around us in light of that.
I still find myself going down that road mentally whenever I get any unexpected news in life. My mind starts racing and going down the worst case scenario path. Before I know it, I'm all riled up and feel like I'm going to have a panic attack.
Can anyone relate to this?
tp

Big Dog

I did this for probably 3 or 4 years after I got out (was raised JW, left at 18 without being baptised) until I was finally able to deprogram myself from the knee jerk panic reaction. I did it by realizing that bad stuff has been happening for a long time and the lastest round of crap was no different.

OldSoul

Yep. I suffer the same kind of mental blocks. It is crippling, in that it produces a kind of anxiety that increases the probability of the worst case scenario coming true, or nearly true. Anxiety aversion is what I have identified as the primary culprit in my fear of success.

I am working to change my thought patterns. This forum has helped a lot.

Respectfully,
OldSoul (of the "O, God! What If It Works Right!" Class)

BrendaCloutier

Dog, I hate those anxiety attacks!

however, there is another side to "worst case scenario". Question one's self as to "what is the worst thing that can happen if..." can actually have a possitive outcome.

Example: "What is the worst case scenario if I give my resignation now, without another job to go to?"

I don't find a job before my money runs out in 4 months

I have to move to a less expensive place

I can't pay my bills

etc

or:

I get the satisfaction of dropping the ball on their pointy little heads, and I get out of this rats nest. (and I had a job in less than 1 month)

I chose #2 - getting the satisfaction of dumping on them. They didn't grovel to keep me, but they were stuck without me.

A more simple approach: What is the worst thing someone can say to me if I ask them for something: "No". It could come with a spew of crap, but the bottom line is "no". And you know what? "No" is ok. They might even say "Yes"

So you can turn this around to become an asset, instead of a liability.

Remember, Armageddon came in 1975. So from here on out, it's paradise.

dedpoet

When I first started to fade, I had those "what ifthey're right" feelings for a while, I guess its the fear factor they instil into all their victims, but after a year or so away, I didn't believe much of it anyway, and I don't believe any of it now. It will be the same for you TP, it just takes time.

Take care

dedpoet

tall penguin

Thanks all. I appreciate these kinds words and encouragement. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
tp

Satanus

I still tend toward that kind of thinking, especially if i'm into something new or strange. Gonna get therapy soon.

S

damselfly

I own the "Worst Case Survival Handbook"

I always imagine the worst case scenario so I can run thru it in my mind and be prepared *just in case* For me it prevents my panic attacks because I now have a plan in case things go horribly wrong. Then I can just relax and see what happens.

Dams

DanTheMan

I own the "Worst Case Survival Handbook"

I received that as a sort-of gag gift from my sister and bro-in-law because of my "worst case" mentality...lol

I have very little hope for the future of the United States. The gigantic and ever-increasing federal deficits combined with the gigantic and ever-increasing debt-loads that individuals and families are buried under, I can't see how it can go on. People on this forum have ridiculed me (slightly) for being pessimistic about the future, I say that you have got your HEAD in the freaking SAND if you don't see an economic Armageddon on the horizon....and that's just one thing...

People ask me why I have no desire to have children...sometimes I feel like answering them "Are you kidding??"

Worse Case Scenario Mentality

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