Episode 16 - Fibromyalgia Pain Science Education -   Catastrophizing pain and symptoms
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This episode continues pain science education of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain. 

Today we are talking about catastrophizing thoughts,  what they are, why you have them, how they affect pain and fibro, and how you can unlearn this way of thinking.  

Catastrophizing is a cognitive distortion that prompts people to jump to the worst possible conclusion, usually with very limited information or objective reason to lose hope. 

When a situation is upsetting but not necessarily catastrophic, they still feel like they are in the midst of a crisis.

Everyone has negative thoughts. But for some people, negative thinking can spin out of control and out of proportion to the reality of a situation. A relatively small error, disappointment, or source of embarrassment (or even the possibility of one), a lab result, a symptom, or a diagnosis - can sometimes become a cause for significant fear or distress— a catastrophe in one's mind.

Catastrophizing is a very common behavior in someone who has chronic pain. 

Pain catastrophizing has been proven to worsen pain, increase disability, decrease functioning, and worsen mental health. 

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You can see the full transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1890983/10222422

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Disclaimer: This podcast provides information only and does not provide any medical or psychological services or advice. None of the content on this podcast prevents, cures, or treats any mental or medical condition.