All the following are rational thoughts that can help alleviate anxiety except:

• A. If I feel anxious, it means something terrible will definitely happen.
• B. I have overcome difficulties before and can do it again.
• C. I can handle whatever challenges come my way.
• D. It's okay to make mistakes; nobody is perfect.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the question asks to identify which thought is NOT a rational thought that helps alleviate anxiety.
2. Review each statement carefully and consider whether it reflects a rational, calming, and realistic perspective.
3. Recognize that rational thoughts typically involve positive coping beliefs, self-efficacy, and acceptance of imperfection.
4. Identify the statement that reflects a catastrophic or irrational belief, such as assuming that feeling anxious guarantees a terrible outcome.
5. Conclude that the irrational thought is the one that says, 'If I feel anxious, it means something terrible will definitely happen,' because it promotes anxiety rather than alleviating it.