Always in ‘crisis mode’?

Always in ‘crisis mode’?

 You might be catastrophizing. Here’s how to calm the spiral naturally

Have you ever seen a simple situation instantly turn into the worst-case scenario in your mind? Your partner or friend is running late and your thoughts jump straight to disaster. Your boss asks for a meeting and suddenly you’re convinced you’re losing your job.

If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing catastrophizing - a common thinking pattern that can leave you feeling stuck in a constant state of stress. For many people, this mental spiral can affect sleep, focus, emotional balance, and overall wellbeing, making it harder to stay grounded in everyday life.

Kate once read something that really stayed with her that can be connected to this topic. Sadness is moving through me, but sadness is not who I am. Fear is moving through me, but fear is not who I am. Excitement is moving through me, but excitement is not who I am. Anger is moving through me, but anger is not who I am. And so forth. To recognise this, in the moment, and observe the emotion with a rational mind,  allows it to pass without you attaching yourself to it.

What actually is catastrophizing?

Catastrophizing is when the mind automatically jumps to the worst possible outcome, even when there’s little evidence to support it. It often starts with a small trigger; an unanswered text, too many Whatsapp groups constantly pinging, uncertainty around work, kids growing independence. From there, the mind creates an escalating chain of ‘what ifs’.

While occasional worst-case thinking is normal, repeated catastrophizing can make it feel like your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode.

Why do we do it?

This pattern is often rooted in the brain’s natural threat-detection system. Our minds are designed to scan for danger, uncertainty, and possible negative outcomes. In modern life, that same survival response can become overactive, especially during periods of:

  • work stress

  • relationship uncertainty

  • poor sleep

  • burnout

  • overstimulation

  • financial pressure

The result? Your nervous system stays on high alert, even when there is no immediate threat.

How to break the catastrophizing cycle

The good news is that catastrophizing is a habit that can be interrupted. Reality-check the probability. Ask yourself: How likely is this outcome, really? Look at the actual evidence rather than the emotional story your mind is creating.

Separate thoughts from facts

A useful mental shift is changing: “I’m going to lose my job.” to “I’m having the thought that I might lose my job.” This creates emotional distance and helps stop the spiral.

Focus on what you can control

Instead of replaying the worst-case scenario, shift your attention to practical next steps. Small actions help restore a sense of calm and agency.

Create a calming evening routine

Catastrophic thinking often becomes louder at night. A consistent wind-down ritual can help support a more balanced mindset:

  • breathwork

  • mindfulness

  • limiting screen time

  • journaling

  • herbal tea or CBD tea

  • a CBD evening routine

Many people choose to include CBD oil, gummies or tea as part of their self-care rituals to help create a sense of relaxation before bed. Combine any of these 3 products for high-anxiety with our CBD Anytime Tea.

Can CBD support a calmer mindset?

While CBD is not a treatment for mental health conditions, our customers use it as part of their daily wellness routine to induce calm, relaxation, and balance during stressful periods.

When paired with mindful habits like breath work, grounding, and better sleep habits, it can become part of a more grounded lifestyle approach.

Catastrophizing can make everyday uncertainty feel overwhelming. The goal isn’t to eliminate worrying completely,  it’s to notice when your mind is creating a story that pulls you away from the present moment. By slowing down, checking the facts, and building calming rituals, it becomes easier to respond rather than react. And sometimes, the most powerful shift is simply remembering: a thought is not the same as reality.




*CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

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