Keeping informed about what is happening locally, nationally and globally is important, particularly during times of uncertainty, isolation and increased stress. However, at stressful times, we tend to be driven by our emotions and opinions, which create a vicious cycle by fuelling each other. Our emotions strengthen our opinions, which in turn, intensifies our emotions.
This may lead to impulsive behaviours and problematic long-term consequences, including lack of control over our thoughts.
To help stop our emotions taking over in a negative way, it can be helpful to ask ourselves whether what we’re thinking is fact or opinion. So, what’s the difference?
The facts:
Opinions:
Similarly, we can form opinions as individuals or groups on a range of topics, particularly when we are constantly exposed to events. This is evident during the current COVID 19 epidemic, where it seems everyone has an opinion on what we should be doing to address this global issue. Whilst often well meaning, these opinions can be ill informed, biased and driven by personal belief systems rather than facts.
It’s important that we take time to listen and follow reputable sources of information on what actions we need to take. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t form an opinion and discuss what you’re thinking with others. It just means that when you are listening or giving your opinion, you recognise that it is just your perspective rather than factual information that should be followed.
Realising that many thoughts are opinions rather than facts makes it less likely that we’ll be distressed by them, and gives us more confidence to make wise and calm decisions about what is the best action to take.
So, before you follow someone’s advice or get fixated on your own thoughts, ask yourself – is this a fact or an opinion?
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