During the last weeks and months the terms “conspiracy theorist” and “antivaxxer” have been used quite frequently. In this post, we will discuss what this actually means.
“Depending on how we interpret events, our minds can sometimes play tricks on us. They can convince us of things that aren’t true, even though they feel rational to us.
When these inaccurate beliefs influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we can feel anxious, stressed, angry, or depressed about ourselves (or the world around us). These faulty beliefs are known as cognitive distortions.[..]
Anyone can experience cognitive distortion, which the American Psychological Association defines as “faulty or inaccurate thinking, perception or belief.” Negativity is often the defining characteristic.[..]
…cognitive distortions are a pattern of thinking that interferes with their lives and relationships. In these cases, distorted thinking can lead to chronic anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems such as misuse of substances.[..]
4. Labeling/mislabeling
You often define yourself and others with negative labels. In assigning labels, you focus on one past behavior or event. Your co-worker is “lazy” because they came to work late. You’re “stupid” because you failed the math test.”
Source: https://share.upmc.com/2021/05/cognitive-distortions/
Labeling is like calling someone “Conspiracy theorist”, “Antivaxxer”, and so on.
Have you ever called someone this way?
Have you ever thought that someone is a ….?
Well, you might be lucky…it might just be faulty or inaccurate thinking at best 
…but it might be a symptom of an underlying mental condition.
Image credits:
Photo from Michael Knoll by Pixabay
