What are distorted thoughts?

Distorted thoughts are like when your brain tells you something that isn't quite true, kind of like when a toy looks bigger than it is from far away.

Imagine you have a favorite cookie jar, and every time you look at it, you think there are 10 cookies inside. But really, there are only 3. Your brain is making the cookie jar seem fuller than it is, that's a distorted thought!

Sometimes your brain acts like it’s wearing foggy glasses. You see something, but it looks different from what it actually is. That’s how distorted thoughts work.

• If you're worried about something and think the worst will happen, your brain might make that worry feel bigger than it is, just like a small puddle looking like a big lake when you’re wearing foggy glasses.
• Or if you're happy and think everything will always go well, your brain might make that happiness feel permanent.

These distorted thoughts can change how you feel about things, sometimes making them seem better or worse than they really are. It's like your brain is playing a fun game with your feelings!