Navigating catastrophic thinking anxiety w/ Carrie Howard

Mama Knows

In this conversation, Nina and Carrie delve into the complexities of catastrophic thinking and high functioning anxiety. Nina shares her personal experiences with catastrophic thoughts, particularly in her roles as a professional and a mother. Carrie, a therapist specializing in high functioning anxiety, explains the nature of this anxiety and how it manifests in seemingly successful individuals. They discuss the disconnect between external appearances and internal struggles, the mechanisms behind catastrophic thinking, and the roots of these thought patterns. The conversation also explores the differences between anticipatory anxiety and healthy preparation, providing insights into managing these feelings effectively. In this conversation, Nina and Carrie Howard delve into the complexities of catastrophic thinking, exploring its roots in fear and anxiety. They discuss how different individuals experience catastrophic thoughts in various situations and provide practical strategies for recognizing and managing these thoughts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sitting with discomfort and uncertainty, as well as offering support to loved ones who may struggle with anxiety. Carrie shares valuable techniques for grounding oneself and fostering a sense of safety, ultimately encouraging listeners to cultivate self-awareness and compassion in their mental health journeys.

00:00: Understanding Catastrophic Thinking
03:05: High Functioning Anxiety Explained
06:03: The Disconnect Between Appearance and Reality
08:34: Defining Catastrophic Thinking
09:13: The Mechanism of Catastrophic Thinking
11:37: The Roots of Catastrophic Thinking
17:51: Anticipatory Anxiety vs. Catastrophic Thinking
19:10: Healthy Preparation vs. Catastrophic Thinking
20:50: Understanding Catastrophic Thinking
23:56: Practical Strategies to Combat Catastrophizing
30:06: Sitting with Discomfort and Uncertainty
34:00: Supporting Others Through Catastrophic Thinking Carrie Howard is a licensed anxiety therapist, mental health educator, and content creator who specializes in high-functioning anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. With over a decade of clinical experience—and a personal journey with anxiety herself—she helps women face their fears, build self-trust, and navigate life with more confidence and calm. Carrie’s work has been featured in outlets like Good Morning America, Shape, HuffPost, and Verywell Mind, and she’s known for blending professional insight with a deeply compassionate, relatable approach.

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