Anonymous-EmpathyAI/Distortion-Analysis-PACLIC39 huggingface dataset:
Patient question: A few months ago, I started seeing a counselor for the first time at my college. The reality is, I should have seen a counselor a very long time ago but I was always reluctant too until a recent breakdown. My entire life, I’ve always felt very anxious around almost any social situation. I have always been extremely shy and struggle making friends. I assume people are thinking negative of me and won’t like me, therefore I may come off really distant and very difficult to get to know. I struggle trusting anyone, making it really hard for me to make friendships (or keep friendships of any kind). It causes me a lot of issues in my job and my professional performance because I lack self-confidence and fear being judged. The counselor seemed to agree that what I was explaining seemed a lot like social anxiety. Even going to see a counselor was extremely challenging even after multiple sessions, I was still feeling as anxious/shy since the first few sessions. It’s really hard for me to warm up to people (if not seemingly impossible even if I know them for years) even though the counselor was very kind and nice. I found therapy hard and became frustrated with myself, so I called it quits after like the 8th or 9th session. I did make some progress and learned a lot, so it wasn’t a total waste of time. But overall, I felt hopeless like things for me weren’t ever going to change. I’m able to “Challenge” my negative thoughts with more positive ones but it didn’t really change how I truly felt. So, I began doing some research online about SAD and came across the term “avoidant personality disorder”…the description seemed very similar to SAD and began to wonder what if I had APD? Then, I also learned that treating personality disorders can be very difficult and may not be curable but treatment may relieve some symptoms. It kind of made me feel hopeless because what if the reason I haven’t been able to be “free” from this is because I have APD? Or am I overreacting? I’m not a huge fan of labels but wondering if it’s common for a therapist to tell you if they diagnosed you or not? Mine didn’t really ever “diagnose” me, they did however tell me the therapy we did was CBT.

Distorted part: I assume people are thinking negative of me and won’t like me, therefore I may come off really distant and very difficult to get to know.   But overall, I felt hopeless like things for me weren’t ever going to change.
Dominant distortion: Mind Reading
Secondary distortion: Fortune-telling
Patient question: From the U.S. I guess I’ll start with the fact that I’m an Iraq war veteran. I don’t think that has anything to do with my issues but I’m not a doctor. For a few years I would on occasion feel like I didn’t belong anywhere, I cannot really describe the feeling, but I didn’t feel depressed. Those moments would only last a few days, maybe a week. Now I’m stuck, I feel like a part of me is gone and I don’t belong anywhere,I feel like I want to go somewhere but don’t know where.

Distorted part: Now I’m stuck, I feel like a part of me is gone and I don’t belong anywhere,I feel like I want to go somewhere but don’t know where.
Dominant distortion: Mental filter
Patient question: From a teen in Italy: (All the things written started more or less 2 years ago but now they’re going worse and worse) I’m an almost 16 years old girl and I don’t know if what I feel is normal. I know that adolescence is a difficult period for most teenagers but I think that for me it’s a little bit too much. I’ve got a lot of problems that my friends don’t have or that at least don’t show.

Dominant distortion: No Distortion
Patient question: One of The Main Problems I Have Noticed Is Things That I Like Make Me Sad. Why? So for a few years now I’ve had problems with depression and also anxiety. I don’t have the funds or time to see a therapist, so i try to take care of my mental health on my own, by seeing friends and keeping busy with hobbies, etc. Logically, things i enjoy should make me happy, like watching tv shows, reading or listening to music for instance. But lately these have just made me feel more depressed. It’s gotten to the point where i won’t finish books or series or won’t draw or won’t listen to certain songs because i just feel really sad and empty when i do. I don’t understand why, and that is a problem because if i can’t understand it i can’t fix it. Why do the things that i love not make me happy anymore?

Distorted part: Logically, things i enjoy should make me happy, like watching tv shows, reading or listening to music for instance.
Dominant distortion: Should statements
Patient question: I’m 25 weeks pregnant with my first child, his second, and I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. Before I got pregnant we were into alcohol and weed and clubs and we lived the fast paced city lifestyle. After I got pregnant, I decided to change my life for the better, cut off bad influences, and become a sober parent for my son especially since I know the pain of growing up with drug-abusing parents. My child’s father hasn’t changed any, and he says he doesn’t want to.. not even for our son. He says because of things that happened in the past, he loves me but he doesn’t trust me and he believes after I have my son I’ll go back to my old ways and that my changes are an act. He texts other women in my house, he barely talks to me, and he makes me feel unappreciated in every way. Because I didn’t have a father in my life growing up.. I’ve been trying to keep him around for my baby but, I’m starting to have second thoughts on whether this is more beneficial than it is harmful.. I don’t know what to do. WHATEVER I do needs to be the best possible option for my son.

Distorted part: He texts other women in my house, he barely talks to me, and he makes me feel unappreciated in every way.
Dominant distortion: Overgeneralization
Patient question: At an early age, I’ve always disliked people my own age. I thought that they were immature compared to me. As I got older, however, I started getting used to my ever-changing body, and so did everyone else. My opinion of them has not changed over the years, but it appears that everyone is “growing up faster” than I am on the sexual side of things.

Distorted part: At an early age, I’ve always disliked people my own age.
Dominant distortion: Overgeneralization
Patient question: I am seventeen and I dated this guy for about six months. We were so happy together, and we always had a great time when were were hanging out. We then ended up breaking up because of a lie that was spread around. After we broke up, we settled everything and wanted to go back out with each other and when we tried, my mom would not let us. She hates him for some reason and will not even let me talk to him. I love him with all my heart, and he treated me so well but my mom will not allow us be together. I am no longer allowed to see him, talk to him or even make contact with him in school.

Dominant distortion: No Distortion
Patient question: My daughter has experienced mental illness and over time her diagnosis has changed. She is 20 and had to leave college to return to enter an intensive day treatment program. She suffered from depression, anxiety, hallucinations and some cognitive changes where she could not read nor do school work. First she was diagnosis as Major Depression with psychosis, then schizophrenia, then they were ruling out PTSD and now they are saying Psychosis since the PTSD symptoms were from delusions.She is taking Geodon, Zoloft, Trihexyphenidyl and Temazepan…which are helping. What is the difference between schizophrenia and psychosis and why is it so difficult to get a diagnosis?

Dominant distortion: No Distortion
Patient question: Last month I feel like I was doing ok. I was a little depressed (lots of things going on) but, I got a job and I was sooo excited. My first day I satrted feeling dizzy and lightheaded. I went to the dr. and I had a sinus infection. The next couple days I started having panic attacks and lots of anxiety. Then I woke up the next day and was so anxious I couldnt think straight. I didnt feel like “me” anymore like I was walking around in a fog. this kept up for 3 weeks.

Distorted part: Then I woke up the next day and was so anxious I couldnt think straight. I didnt feel like “me” anymore like I was walking around in a fog.
Dominant distortion: Magnification
Patient question: I’ve been feeling really lately. Like REALLY sad. And I’ve been crying a lot about a lot of things like school work and stress. Even the smallest things like overhearing classmates make fun of my weight. I know suicide is a horrible thing and I used to think that I would never do that. But I’ve actually been considering it. It’s just… so hard. When I look up whether I’m depressed online, I don’t even have some of the symptoms. So I’m afraid that I’m overreacting like the annoying, dumb, fat drama queen that I am. So. Am I depressed?

Distorted part: And I’ve been crying a lot about a lot of things like school work and stress. Even the smallest things like overhearing classmates make fun of my weight.  So I’m afraid that I’m overreacting like the annoying, dumb, fat drama queen that I am. 
Dominant distortion: Labeling
Secondary distortion: Magnification
Patient question: I am 22, and just suffering from depression. I do not know what has caused my depresssion or if there is a cause, however I have done lots of searching within myself. I have found that I have strange dreams and nightmares. I have had a reoccuring nightmare of being intimate with my father, not always involving sex, but being intimate. When I have this dream I feel guilty and scared. Every time I have the dream it feels like the first time, but then I remember that I’ve had the dream before and I pretend like I didn’t dream it. I have never asked anyone about this dream, I am too scared. I am afraid that it’s just a dream, but I am more afraid that it may have really happened. I struggle with trust issues, and I always have my entire life, especially with men. I do not know if this ties into these dreams? I am starting to feel awkward around my father. How do I make this dream stop, but most of all how do I know if it’s more than just a dream?

Distorted part: When I have this dream I feel guilty and scared.
Dominant distortion: Personalization
Patient question: Freom the U.S.: I’m 18 and currently desperately in need of getting help but I feel like I have no where to go. It would be best for me to see a therapist, however, I’m currently living with my parents and they “don’t believe in that sort of thing”; I have tried going to see a therapist before but they just bullied me into not seeing one. Not only that, but I’m also out of a job and can’t afford to talk to someone without them knowing. I am a complete loss at what to do.

Distorted part: I am a complete loss at what to do.
Dominant distortion: Magnification
Patient question: From a teen in the UK: I been have a problem deciding if only “female friend” really likes and cares about me, I tried to date her and went nowhere says we are still friends. I have had doubts about whether or not she really cares about me for few years.

Distorted part: I have had doubts about whether or not she really cares about me for few years.
Dominant distortion: Mind Reading
Patient question: After years of trying to overcome my fear of opening up and being judged, I finally started therapy again last week. My problem is this: I just found out that the counseling service I’ve started going to is based out of a baptist church and my therapist is very clearly religious (shares religious posts on facebook [and yes, I checked her facebook page after the first appointment], bible verse plaques all over the office, etc.).

Dominant distortion: No Distortion
Patient question: From a teen in the U.S.: I’m 17 years old, when i was 15 my older brother passed away due to long term heroin addiction. he was my very best friend and i watched him die. being that i am in high school, the easiest way for me to shut the pain out was by partying. eventually that came around to slap me in the face and i had to deal with the pain that i had pushed away for so long all at once.

Distorted part: being that i am in high school, the easiest way for me to shut the pain out was by partying. eventually that came around to slap me in the face and i had to deal with the pain that i had pushed away for so long all at once
Dominant distortion: Personalization
Patient question: Hi my same age cousin has reinvented herself so to speak she tells people falsehoods about her childhood. She appears to have good sense in the present but she tells everyone including me about her times in Virginia growing up. She live 2 miles from me her whole life. She tells me and others about her 15 years plus abusive marriage where he was controlling and isolating. She was unable to contact her mother and father because of him. Only problem is she lived in same house as her mom and dad. She also says he never let her work and next breath she tells you about her working 15 years at a factory nearby. She has recreated her life where she was a victim of some type. Her husband didn’t treat her badly. No one will speak to her anymore. She acts normal today but when she discusses past it is all fiction. So strange. Let her talk for 15 minutes and she will contradict what she just told you. The central theme is she is a victim of this or that

Distorted part: So strange.
Dominant distortion: Labeling
Patient question: Me and my ex have been broken up for 2 years now. We met when I was a senior in high school 18yo and he was 21. About 2 and a half years older. We broke up because he had to leave Florida for a job in Chicago after college and I was told that’s the only reason. Our relationship was going good and we both really liked each other but apparently he liked the thought of the job and his potential life in Chicago more or maybe he felt it was just something he had to do. 2 months before he had to move away he broke up with me because he realized he was probably going to move away and he didn’t want to hurt me anymore than he had to and thought it’d be smart to end it earlier than later. I freaked out and basically lost my mind and was beyond depressed until we got back together. He texted me telling me he missed me and we got back together until right before he had to move. Ever since he moved and away and we broke up I’ve been severely depressed and even felt suicidal at times. I basically just feel like my whole life has been taken away and I can’t stop thinking about him. I literally think about him 24/7 and feel an unbearable pain every time I think about him and it’s just too much. Usually people take a bit and get over their ex, but it’s been 2 years and I still would do anything for me and him to get back together. I still think about him first thing when I wake up and last thing before I go to bed and I don’t know why I’m so obsessed with him. He was just an average looking (to most people) very nice normal guy that was going to college and as soon as I met him I instantly fell in love. I’ve tried everything possible but I just can’t get over him and I seriously need help. This is the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life and it’s all day every day. Please help.

Distorted part: I basically just feel like my whole life has been taken away and I can’t stop thinking about him. I literally think about him 24/7 and feel an unbearable pain every time I think about him and it’s just too much.
Dominant distortion: Magnification
Patient question: From Canada: I get upset and/or hurt way too easily by other people, and often over trivial things. There are times when I would simply retire from the situation, ruminate and then feel fine. But there are also times when I would get irrationally angry, and in those moments I also become really mean and hurtful.

Distorted part: I get upset and/or hurt way too easily by other people, and often over trivial things.
Dominant distortion: Should statements
Patient question: From a teen in the U.S.: I have noticed this for quite some time. I can’t feel empathy or sympathy towards people. An example of this is when my best friend was crying in front of because she was getting death threats, I couldn’t bring myself to actually care. Another example is when my uncle died, and my dad was crying in front of me. I found it hilarious.

Dominant distortion: No Distortion
Patient question: From Argentina: I have had symptoms of depression ever since I was 12, after a whole childhood of struggling with behavioral issues and being bullied. I think about suicide everyday, even though I’ve never attempted it. I honestly think I’m useless and have no future ahead of me. There is nothing I feel I’m good at or that I really enjoy. Every day, focusing on my studies seems to require more and more will power.

Distorted part: I honestly think I’m useless and have no future ahead of me.
Dominant distortion: Fortune-telling
Secondary distortion: Labeling
Patient question: I’ve been known to help out friends and loved ones that are going through their own trials and tribulations, and I genuinely do love doing this because I know its the right thing to do and it makes me happy to see them find the light at the end of the tunnel per say. But as the years go by I’ve noticed that the same people I’ve helped out seem to either leave me in the dust or I get the feeling they weren’t actually appreciative of me helping them out. Don’t get me wrong, I get that I’m not gonna be the only important thing in their lives but it still really hurts me for them to just drop me off like that when considering the countless hours I’ve spent with them assisting them through their own dilemmas and stretching my olive branch as far as I possibly can. But even then sometimes they would outright ignore my advice or spit it back in my face, only for them to get hurt because they didn’t listen to my advice and by the end of it they come back saying I was right only for them to do the same exact thing and continue their own vicious cycle and it pained me deeply to see them that way. I can even think of moments where one of them would leave me in the dark while vaguely communicating with me leading me to get frustrated and anxious over what in gods name they’d be doing only for them to be completely fine by the end of it. It’s terrible. Plus, every time I’ve tried to get in contact with some of these people now they seem to blow me off as if I never said hello. As a result, I feel hurt, I don’t always think about them but when I do it feels like a dagger in my heart. I feel like I maybe shouldn’t have tried to assist them and maybe I wouldn’t feel like the way I do now. This really shouldn’t bother me as much as it should but this just leads me to feel like I’ve been used and thrown away and as a result I question my own worth or if I should even bother. I’m sorry for the rambling, thank you for your time

Distorted part: But as the years go by I’ve noticed that the same people I’ve helped out seem to either leave me in the dust or I get the feeling they weren’t actually appreciative of me helping them out.
Dominant distortion: Mind Reading
Patient question: I feel like I have too many issues, I don’t know what to do anymore. I think to try to type out my problems in a box might be a little difficult. I will be very thorough as that is what needs to be done to understand me. I live with a single mother, and my younger sister. My father abandoned us when I was 3 years old which I never got over. My mother tried to replace him with drug addicts, alcoholics and pedophiles. I, being so young, and helpless was caught in the way.

Dominant distortion: No Distortion
Patient question: Is it true that there should be no normal physical contact (hugging, ect) between a male and his female friend? I have a female friend whom with I have been friends with for about 8 years. We are best friends basically, but when we get around each other it is like we never ever touch. Not intentionally or anything. I do like her and want to be with her because seems like it’s only natural that I would develop feelings for her, right? But even though she may not view me in that manner, isn’t it normal for friends to at least hug? We have never hugged , or shared small physical contact (touching of the shoulder, ect.) Is this normal for close male and female friends? Or is this because our fear of sexual arousal? Could it be a sign that she might be interested in me as well but does not want to ruin the friendship?

Distorted part: I do like her and want to be with her because seems like it’s only natural that I would develop feelings for her, right? But even though she may not view me in that manner, isn’t it normal for friends to at least hug?
Dominant distortion: Should statements
Patient question: So, a lifelong issue (as I’ve come to the realisation of) is that my mood, thoughts and feelings change way too quickly, way too easily and for no strong reason. It’s a bit like I’m not tethered to reality, I sort of live in my mind constantly thinking about things, but it’s like I can’t easily conceptualise the future and say, my upcoming exams, or just grounded LIFE as we know it. I get tonnes of ideas/realisations on a daily basis but in seconds the mood i had to follow through disappears. I can’t really identify my moods because they’re all so weird, and if i try to figure it out, it changes. It’s like i can’t control my mind. There’s not one single thing I know about myself that’s permanent. I don’t even feel I love my parents, because it’s more just like my mind wasn’t made for that to happen – my mind was made instead to constantly evaluate and re-evaluate things, contemplate, make up ideas and future plans, and worries over the most nonsensical things (see below). On that note, I haven’t been through trauma at all, my parents are very loving, as are my friends and extended family. But my attitude towards them consistently changes (assuming I think about them, and the reasons to change attitude are usually random ones that suddenly just seem relevant in the moment). The same applies to everything – I have no fixed opinion or view on anything at all.

Distorted part: So, a lifelong issue (as I’ve come to the realisation of) is that my mood, thoughts and feelings change way too quickly, way too easily and for no strong reason.
Dominant distortion: Should statements
Patient question: Ever since I was little I’ve never fit in. I didn’t have any friends at school besides family members. I did have an invisible friend, but I hardly ever went out to recess. I always stayed inside and read books at the library. But it never bothered me that much. Also I had a problem that my sister(she doesn’t live with me) mentioned I had when I was little. I would always repeat what another person said to me, not to be snarky, but I just couldn’t help it. I researched this a little bit and I now know it to be echolalia. I also enjoyed picking at dead skin. I was moved up to magnet schools (for highly intelligent children…or that’s what they said), but I still didn’t fit in.

Distorted part: Ever since I was little I’ve never fit in.  I always stayed inside and read books at the library.
Dominant distortion: Overgeneralization
Patient question: From a teen in Egypt: When i was a child i was sexually abused and when my father found out he didnt do anything. i tried to move on and i think i have although i behave in ways that make me wonder if it has affected me. i am left in an infinite circle of questions and now 6 mmonths ago i was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. i just finished chemo and im getting better but im scared of whats next if my childhood was crap and the time im 18 is cancer how about 21? What will that be like? am i gonna lose a fucking limb or someone i love. i just wanna know how to fix this and the anxiety attacks i get

Distorted part: i just finished chemo and im getting better but im scared of whats next if my childhood was crap and the time im 18 is cancer how about 21?
Dominant distortion: Overgeneralization
Secondary distortion: Emotional Reasoning