Following are some common mind distortions that causes anxiety and depression.

1. One or Zero – 非黑即白

• – I’m a failure. I’m a loser.
• + I am perfect.

2. Predict the future – 预测未来

• – I will never pass this exam. I will not meet the one I love.
• + I will always succeed. I will always have this good luck

3. Put feeling as fact – 把感觉当事实

• – I feel they do not like me.
• + I feel they will let me pass the exam.

4. Mind reading – 读心术

• – He must not like me. He will not accept me.
• + He loves me so much, for sure.

5. Over-generalization – 过度泛化

• I did one thing bad -> I am bad in doing everything.

6. Discount the positive – 忽视积极证据

• I am a bad person -> “but you saved a dog’s life.” -> “Oh, that does not count. That is a small thing.”

7. Self-blame / should statement – 自责

• I should have did that.