3 ms·

I don't think you're claiming otherwise, but just to be clear, this is generally perceived as a bad thing, psychologically, along the lines of OCD/paranoia/anxi

I don't think you're claiming otherwise, but just to be clear, this is generally perceived as a bad thing, psychologically, along the lines of OCD/paranoia/anxiety. This is not a healthy approach, and it's concerning that some responders below seem to think it's a good idea.

gmadsen 5y ago
depends if it gives you anxiety. I think the healthy approach is "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best" I don't need to live in constant fear of the worst, but it helps to be prepared for it
- saiya-jin 5y ago
  IMHO that's pretty far from OP' description of a viewpoint.
- spywaregorilla 5y ago
  That's not catastrophic thinking then. Catastrophic thinking tends to fixate on irrational concerns, like, "Did I run over a person on my drive home and not notice" or "is that stranger planning to kill me?". "prepare for the worst" is super vague, because the worst is unbounded in implausibility.
  - etempleton 5y ago
    Unlikely, but not impossible. That is how I would describe my thinking when not on medication. Worrying about if I ran over someone without realizing it is an exact worry I have had.
    - spywaregorilla 5y ago
      Do you mind sharing what medication has worked for you and any downsides you've experienced?
      - etempleton 5y ago
        Escitalopram has worked well for me. I don't really experience any side effects, but it did take a few months to adjust and feel totally normal. Some sleepiness and a feeling like I could not concentrate fully during that break in period, but both of those subsided.
etempleton 5y ago
No, and to be clear, this is not a good approach to life. I was being a bit glib in my comment. I am not advocating for anyone to actually think in this way. I do indeed suffer from OCD/paranoia/anxiety, though it is currently well managed with medication. For anyone that actually thinks in this way, as I do, I recommend seeking help. It took me half my life to actually get help and I realized after being on medication just how bad my anxiety was. It is good to be cautious, but when you see daggers everywhere it is probably time to get help.

gmadsen 5y ago

depends if it gives you anxiety. I think the healthy approach is "Prepare for the worst, hope for the best" I don't need to live in constant fear of the worst, but it helps to be prepared for it

saiya-jin 5y ago
IMHO that's pretty far from OP' description of a viewpoint.
spywaregorilla 5y ago
That's not catastrophic thinking then. Catastrophic thinking tends to fixate on irrational concerns, like, "Did I run over a person on my drive home and not notice" or "is that stranger planning to kill me?". "prepare for the worst" is super vague, because the worst is unbounded in implausibility.
- etempleton 5y ago
  Unlikely, but not impossible. That is how I would describe my thinking when not on medication. Worrying about if I ran over someone without realizing it is an exact worry I have had.
  - spywaregorilla 5y ago
    Do you mind sharing what medication has worked for you and any downsides you've experienced?
    - etempleton 5y ago
      Escitalopram has worked well for me. I don't really experience any side effects, but it did take a few months to adjust and feel totally normal. Some sleepiness and a feeling like I could not concentrate fully during that break in period, but both of those subsided.

etempleton 5y ago

No, and to be clear, this is not a good approach to life. I was being a bit glib in my comment. I am not advocating for anyone to actually think in this way. I do indeed suffer from OCD/paranoia/anxiety, though it is currently well managed with medication. For anyone that actually thinks in this way, as I do, I recommend seeking help. It took me half my life to actually get help and I realized after being on medication just how bad my anxiety was. It is good to be cautious, but when you see daggers everywhere it is probably time to get help.