Yes – and no.

Catastrophising itself is not like a hyperfocus (to me). But what results as a means to counter or stop the vicious circle of catastrophic whirlwinds in my head is quite like it.

Let me explain.

Working with clients that suffer from either an addiction or a compulsive disorder/panic attacks/anxiety disorder or suffering from all of revealed something without diving too deep into neurological or psychological processes.

The way that many addicts – and likewise people prone to anxiety disorders – try to compensate for their, let’s say, pressure, is some sort of relief mechanism. I guess that this mechanism is actually triggering a dopamine release, but I am not so firm in that respect.

The effect, however, is similar, at least it is my observation and my very own experience:

1. There is a trigger that either made me want to drink or delve into something to release dopamine to compensate for either the addiction pressure or the urge to compensate for something “new” OR I try to find a mechanism to stop the downward spiral of catastrophising.
2. I take the substance (alcohol) for a quick relief, numbing my thoughts and emotions OR I buy something new to boost dopamine, indulge in something that gives me pleasure and I can bite myself into (hyperfocus) OR I am getting obsessed with a topic that frightens me up to the point that I find something that is a (seeming) solution, only to find it is not enough and I try to find more information or recognition only to relieve the feeling of fear and anxiety
3. I forget time and get lost in the process
4. When the “relief effect” dissipates, an even hollower and gloomier state of mind arises.
5. I don’t learn from the experience in a way that I would avoid this loop of maladaptive behavior.

While hyperfocus has a very positive effect in many activities and habits, this does not hold true for addiction, toxic habits (short term dopamine release in the pursuit of a quick fix or kick) and it doesn’t hold true for getting obsessed with fixing anxieties by overthinking.

In the end, the effect is the same for all three mechanisms (alcohol, quick dopamine kick, anxiety relief): A lot of time and effort, short feeling of emotional bliss or stability, followed by a hollow drop one level deeper. The higher the frequency of succumbing to these mechanisms, the quicker the battery of resilience and resources deplete and the harder it is to maintain stability before depression or panic sets in.

Better to take preventive measures than to mend damage that has already been inflicted.

This is why I don’t want to get back to drinking.

This is why working on my self efficacy as a self sustaining mechanism is so important.

This is why I am seeking therapy, also with medication.

And I am happy with it.

Until next time, take one step at a time and keep up the faith in yourself.