• Why does your brain jump to the worst case?
• Why do small things feel so big?
• What if your thoughts are not the real problem?

In this episode, Jessica Davis breaks down why catastrophic thinking keeps coming back, even when you journal, use positive self-talk, or tell yourself to stop spiraling. The problem is not that you are too negative or irrational. It is that your brain is acting like a fire alarm, trying to protect you from danger, even when the threat is not actually an emergency.

Jessica explains how catastrophic thinking is often driven by an overactive alarm system, perfectionism, negativity bias, high-alert mode, and the relief trap. You’ll learn why reassurance, overpreparing, researching, and avoiding may calm anxiety for a moment, but keep the loop going over time. This episode will help you understand what is happening underneath the spiral and how to start turning down the alarm.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Why catastrophic thinking feels so hard to stop
• How your brain acts like a fire alarm
• Why perfectionism can become emotional armor
• How negativity bias keeps worst-case thoughts loud
• Why reassurance and overpreparing feed the relief trap
• How to remind yourself of the whole truth, not just the worst moment

Got a question or feedback? Text us and share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

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🎙️ Presented by Davis-Smith Mental Health

This podcast was created by Davis-Smith Mental Health, offering counseling for teens & young adults in Illinois (only). We accept BCBS PPO, Aetna PPO, and self-pay clients.

Links:
Anxiety Survival Toolkit:
https://www.blockoutthenoisepodcast.com/anxiety-survival-toolkit/

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https://blockoutthenoisepodcast.substack.com/welcome

Davis-Smith Mental Health:
https://www.davis-smithmentalhealth.com/

1:1 Confidence Coaching:
https://tidycal.com/blockoutthenoise/confidence-coaching

⚠️ Disclaimer: Block Out the Noise provides personal insights and practical stra...