False Beliefs and Suspicions

Due to different reasons we become suspicious or have false beliefs from time to time. Sometimes these suspicions are real and sometimes these beliefs are false. Most of the beliefs which arise due to psychosocial problems are not real and they make make our lives very inconvenient.

Here are some common false belief examples:

  • Some people fear that they suffer from a serious disease, even if there are no symptoms.They may feel that they have cancer or a heart disease. As a consequence, these individuals visit many doctors with and carry out many tests. They do not easily believe the test results, which confirm that they do not have any disease, but they visit more specialists and carry out more tests. This wastes substantial amount of time and money, generates unnecessary pressure and stress upon the the person in question and the family members.
  • Some people may feel that the people around them are hiding something or are unfaithful. In extreme cases they believe that others are against them and they want to hurt them.
  • Some people may have obsessions regarding cleanliness so they frequently wash their hands and feet.

In most cases, with reasonable explanations and analyzing supporting evidence and facts, you might be able to distinguish unrealistic beliefs. This will automatically alleviate the problem. If you are unsure or do not have enough evidence, be active! Ask questions and find out the truth yourself.

Here are some examples of simple ways to test your beliefs:

  • If you are somebody who believes that nobody likes you, you might ask people who you communicate with regularly for their opinion. For example, a student may feel that all of his friends do not like him. The student could ask 10 of his friends how they feel about him. Out of 10 friends 7 may happen to like him and only three may not like him. Since most of his friends like him, the student may realize that his previously held suspicion was a mere exaggeration.
  • Sometimes absence of effective communication also creates suspicion. Therefore, talking openly may help. Similarly, if the spouses are not sincere and comfortable to discuss their concerns enough, they may look at each other with suspicion. Be open and ask questions.
  • If these efforts do not reduce your beliefs and if this interferes with your daily life it might signal a more serious problem. Then, please seek professional help from a psychosocial counselors, a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

For more information and help please contact TPO Nepal.