Understanding Cognitive Distortions and ANTs

What are Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) often compared to, and why?

• Butterflies, because they are colorful and distracting.

• Bees, because they can sting you unexpectedly.

• Spiders, because they weave webs of confusion.

• Ants, because they sneak into your mind and cause trouble.

Which type of ANT involves assuming you know what others are thinking without any evidence?

• Jumping to Conclusions ANTs

• Mind Reading ANTs

• All-or-Nothing ANTs

• Catastrophizing ANTs

What is the main characteristic of Catastrophizing ANTs?

• They make you think you know others' thoughts.

• They turn small issues into major disasters.

• They see things as either perfect or terrible.

• They assume the worst will happen without evidence.

What is the first step in the Catch, Check, Change strategy?

• Challenge the thought with evidence.

• Check if the thought is really true.

• Catch the ANT by noticing the negative thought.

• Change the thought to something positive.

Which of the following is a helpful tip for dealing with ANTs?

• Focus on the negative aspects to understand them better.

• Keep the thoughts to yourself to avoid embarrassment.

• Ignore the thoughts and hope they go away.

• Talk to a trusted adult about your thoughts.