Exaggerating problems is a common tendency among human beings that can cause immense suffering and distress. However, from a Buddhist perspective, this tendency is not a random occurrence, but rather the result of interdependent causes and conditions that can be traced back to the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination.

In this context, ignorance or avijja, represents the primary cause, as it gives rise to mental formations or sankhara, which lead to the conditioning of consciousness or viññana. As a result, a persons perception of reality is shaped by their habitual patterns of thinking, leading to a distorted view of problems. This tendency is then reinforced by the psychophysical constituents of the individual, known as nama-rupa, which are susceptible to exaggerating problems due to their interactions with the external world through the six sense bases or salayatana.

When a person encounters a situation that triggers their tendency to exaggerate problems, it leads to a process of contact or phassa, resulting in an unpleasant feeling or vedana. The person then develops a craving or tanha for a solution to the perceived problem, which intensifies their attachment or upadana to their perception, ultimately leading to the cycle of becoming or bhava. This cycle reinforces their habitual patterns and karmic tendencies, thereby perpetuating the cycle of exaggerating problems and contributing to future rebirths.

To break this cycle, mindfulness and awareness are essential. By cultivating awareness and insight into the true nature of reality, one can begin to recognize and let go of distorted views of problems, such as their exaggerated nature. Intentionally cultivating positive mental habits and behavior, reframing problems in a more realistic and optimistic way, reducing the influence of past conditioning on present experiences, developing a deeper understanding of the interdependence of body and mind, practicing sense restraint and mindfulness, equanimity and non-reactivity to pleasant and unpleasant feelings, detachment and self-awareness, developing insight into the causes and conditions of clinging, cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning beyond the immediate problem, and recognizing the impermanence and transience of all phenomena are all ways to reduce ones tendency to exaggerate problems.

Through mindfulness and understanding, one can break the cycle of exaggerating problems, ultimately leading to greater peace and freedom from suffering.