What thoughts are you having at this moment? Are you truly focused on this article, or is your mind wandering to other matters?
Have you ever suddenly formed an idea about the article despite just starting to read, or are you fixated on yourself or another person, with thoughts crashing in like waves, even when you believe you are concentrating? Is this your usual experience?
Do you sometimes feel anxious because your thoughts seem uncontrollable? When anxiety rises, do you pay attention to your thoughts, or are you more aware of your emotions and what you need to do next?
Was it the sight of that loving couple at breakfast that made your heart race, or was it the thought that popped into your head, "I’ll never have a relationship like that"?
These questions aim to enhance your awareness, which we hope this article will foster. This understanding will become clearer by the end of the article. For now, let your mind explore the various thoughts that wash over you.
Even if they are hard to manage, you can still choose to continue reading and perhaps reflect on what you learn about your thoughts for future use.
What Are Automatic Thoughts and Cognitive Distortions? Automatic thoughts occur quickly and without conscious effort. These familiar thoughts can also be referred to as routine thoughts, spreading into many areas of our lives as if activated automatically.
This is likely why cognitive therapy refers to negative thoughts as “automatic thoughts.” These thoughts are recognized in therapy, and efforts are made to improve them.
Though the automatic negative thoughts we will discuss are diverse, they are generally classified as "cognitive distortions." Cognitive distortions describe irrational or exaggerated thoughts that distort how a person views reality, usually leaning towards the negative.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), cognitive distortions are flawed thinking patterns that shape our views about ourselves and the world around us. These are automatic patterns we build and reinforce over time.
The Role of Automatic Thoughts: Is Constant Activity in Our Minds Harmful? While it's true that our minds can feel overwhelmed by nonstop activity, this continuous operation can be useful in certain ways. When we say "non-stop," we are not referring to any mental disorder.
The automatic system can be seen as a reflex where the mind processes information without our awareness. This reflex allows us to perform tasks smoothly without needing to plan every movement.
For instance, when we stand up to make coffee, we don’t think about where our hands and feet should go; we just do it. Our experience guides us through the process. Thus, the automatic system is crucial for interacting with our environment effectively.
So, when does this automatic mental state become problematic? How is it connected with our thoughts, feelings, and actions?