We talk often about mindset and perspective—but sometimes the focus stays on what needs to change instead of how change actually happens.

As we return from a short break, we’re resurfacing this episode because it feels especially relevant and leads into an important youth mental health awareness conversation next week.

In this episode, we focus on common negative thinking patterns—often called mind traps—that many of us fall into without realizing it. We share relatable examples and practical ways to recognize these patterns with more awareness and compassion.

The 10 thinking patterns discussed:

All-or-Nothing Thinking · Overgeneralization · Mental Filter · Discounting the Positive · Jumping to Conclusions · Magnification/Minimization · Emotional Reasoning · “Should”-ing Yourself · Labeling · Personalization/Blame

This episode helps set context for next week, when we widen the lens and focus on awareness—looking at the numbers and scope of youth mental illness and trauma.

🎧 New episodes return next week.

“Theme Song created by Wendy Babcock / WHEN Stories™”