What is the Mental Filter Cognitive Distortion?

 

As humans, we are all prone to negative thinking sometimes. It’s natural to let these thoughts run wild once in a while, however, when we begin to fall into a pattern of ignoring a bigger picture and ruminating on solely negative thoughts, we experience the mental filter cognitive distortion. Although this is a universal experience, understanding and identifying cognitive distortions can help us create a healthier mindset that will lessen anxiety, depression, and allow us to manage unhealthy thinking habits.

What is Mental Filtering?

Cognitive distortions are the brain’s way of synthesizing a lot of information by creating a general statement surrounding that information, which is often not always true. Mental filtering is one of the most broad and common cognitive distortions surrounding negative thinking in which we fail to see a greater picture and focus explicitly on the negative. Here’s how you might identify mental filtering:

• Mental filtering looks similar to negative thinking but on a very broad scale. Our brains filter out everything regarding a situation that isn’t negative information. For instance, if you typically are a high-performer at work but make a mistake one time, mental filtering ignores the positive impacts you’ve made and instead causes you to believe you are horrible at your job. 
• This is often paired with unrealistically high expectations, such as anticipating that you will always succeed or do well, when this is impossible. 
• The mental filter cognitive distortion can cause a cycle of poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and anger within ourselves, which then results in more negative thoughts and a continued filtering cycle.
• Mental filtering can be considered to be a constant “glass half empty” approach, in which our negative outlook might feed into more negative thinking and results.

Overcoming the Mental Filter Cognitive Distortions

Recognizing our negative thinking habits can feel difficult, but overcoming the mental filter cognitive distortion is possible. Reframing negative thoughts takes practice and time, but you don’t have to do it on your own! Dr. Gene Devers and Associates at Philly Family Life Counseling LLC are experienced counselors and Cognitive Behavioral Therapists who can help you understand and overcome cognitive distortions. For more information, call us at 215-677-3810 or fill out our online form. Your negative thoughts don’t have to control your mindset; the road to a happy life starts with the first step. Call us today!