Feeling a sense of foreboding or predicting negative outcomes is not uncommon, and it can be a manifestation of anxiety. This is often referred to as "catastrophic thinking" or "negative thought patterns." It is a cognitive distortion where individuals tend to anticipate the worst possible outcome in various situations, even when there is little evidence to support such predictions.
Anxiety can cause your mind to be hyper-vigilant to potential threats, making you more prone to notice negative events or interpret ambiguous situations as dangerous. As a result, you may become more sensitive to negative experiences and see them as confirming your initial fears.
It's important to recognize that while these feelings may seem like they are predicting bad outcomes, they are not accurate predictions or evidence that something bad will inevitably happen. Anxiety can create a bias towards negative thinking, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy where your actions and decisions are influenced by the expectation of negative outcomes, potentially increasing the likelihood of negative events occurring.
If this pattern is affecting your daily life and causing distress, it's essential to address it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very effective in helping to challenge and reframe these negative thought patterns. By working with a therapist, you can learn to identify irrational beliefs, test their validity, and replace them with more balanced and realistic thoughts.
Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond to them in a healthier way.
Remember that seeking professional help is a positive step towards managing anxiety and its related thought patterns. With the right support and tools, it is possible to develop a more constructive and positive outlook on life.