Imagine an email with the subject line “Can we talk?” One person thinks “I’m in trouble.” Another assumes “they probably want to schedule something.” Same message — two different reactions.

The evidence

The difference isn’t the event; it’s the story each brain created. One reason cognitive behavioral therapy is among the most researched psychological treatments is that it teaches people to recognize — and gently question — the stories they automatically tell themselves (Serafini et al., 2023). Our interpretations often influence our emotions as much as the events themselves.

The practice

When something stressful happens, pause and ask: what actually happened? What story did I tell myself? Is there another explanation that’s just as plausible? You don’t have to believe every thought your brain produces.

This article is for education and general wellbeing. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not replace your physician. mindspan is a wellness screen, not a diagnostic test.