Series Title: “Grandpa’s Clinic: Simplifying Health, One Chat at a Time”
Episode 1: Why Do We Always Imagine the Worst? — Understanding Catastrophizing
Scene : Dr. Iyer, a retired physician, sits on the verandah reading a medical journal. His grandson Arjun, a 20-year-old Psychology student, walks in, looking stressed.Where Grandpa Dr. Iyer decodes complex health topics for his curious grandson Arjun — and for all of us!
Arjun: Grandpa, can I ask you something? I’ve been feeling anxious before exams… but it’s weird. I keep thinking, “If I fail, my life is over!” Even though I know that’s not true.
Dr. Iyer (smiling): Ah, Arjun beta, what you’re experiencing is something we call catastrophizing. It’s when your mind plays drama king and jumps to the worst possible conclusion, even if the situation doesn’t deserve it.
Arjun: So, basically my brain’s overreacting?
Dr. Iyer: Exactly! Our brain is wired for survival. Long ago, imagining worst-case scenarios helped humans avoid danger. But in modern life, your brain still hits the panic button — even for exams or small mistakes.
Arjun: That explains why I feel so tense over small things. Is this common?
Dr. Iyer: Very common. In fact, studies show that people who catastrophize often have higher stress hormones like cortisol flooding their system. Over time, this leads to anxiety, depression, or even physical issues like headaches and sleep problems.
Arjun: But Grandpa, it feels so real. How do I stop my brain from going into overdrive?
Dr. Iyer: Good question. Here’s what doctors and psychologists suggest:
Challenge the Thought: Ask yourself — “What evidence do I have for this worst-case scenario? What are the actual chances?”
Practice Mindfulness: Observe your thoughts without judging them. Over time, this trains your brain to slow down.
CBT Techniques: That’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It rewires negative thinking patterns. Many apps even teach these basics now.
Face Your Fears: Step by step, doing things you fear helps your brain realise — “Hey, the world didn’t end!”
Arjun: Hmm… I never thought of exams like that. Maybe I’ve been making my fear bigger than the actual problem.
Dr. Iyer: Exactly! Our brain magnifies uncertainty. But once you recognise it’s just a thought pattern, you regain control.
Remember, beta — It’s okay to feel nervous, but don’t let exaggerated fears run your life.
Arjun (smiling): Thanks, Grandpa. You should seriously start teaching these to more people!
Dr. Iyer (laughing): That’s what we’re doing now, Arjun. Welcome to Grandpa’s Clinic — where we untangle medical jargon over tea!
Stay tuned for the next episode : Episode 2: “What’s That Strange Feeling Before You Sleep? — Understanding Hypnagogia”
