Cognitive Triangle

As we discussed in the previous step, the same stress, anxiety, and other reactions to the pandemic can affect the way we think, behave, and feel. 

This triangle is called the Cognitive Triangle. It shows how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are often interconnected within us. Usually, a situation starts the Cognitive Triangle cycle. The pandemic can definitely be an event that triggers this cycle.

Here are some definitions and examples of each corner of the triangle:

• Feelings: These are emotions, such as happy, sad, scared, angry, or worried.
• Behaviors: These are actions taken in response to a situation. This could be having a hard time sleeping, researching material, avoiding others, starting conflicts with others, and buying supplies. 
• Thoughts: These are interpretations to the current situation. This could include believing we are doomed, worries about the future, reminding ourselves of the threat to our health or others' health. 

Sometimes, this cycle can be damaging or negative to our mental health. This is when we need to implement strategies and skills to overcome and break this cycle to come out of the other side stronger and capable of conquering the pandemic together.  

Stop and Think:

Think of some thoughts, behaviors, and feelings you are currently experiencing because of the pandemic or crisis in your life. How are these interconnected?

Let's look into specific strategies we can use toward each of the corners of the triangle.