Overthinking and Emotional Wellbeing: Navigating the Balance
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
In the complex landscape of our inner thoughts and emotions, the phenomenon of overthinking stands as both a common struggle and a significant challenge to our emotional wellbeing. As the modern world constantly bombards us with information, choices, and uncertainties, the tendency to ruminate and excessively analyze can take a toll on our mental state. We hope to shed light on strategies and insights that can help individuals navigate the maze of their thoughts and restore a sense of equilibrium to their emotional wellbeing.
What is overthinking? “Overthinking is when you dwell on or worry about the same thing repeatedly. People who overthink can be paralyzed by their worries and may struggle to make decisions or take actions. Overthinking can be caused -and contribute to- depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders [1] ”
It is important to think about the pros and cons of overthinking: “What are the pros of overthinking?; it requires research; it may include others in the decision-making process; it gives people the chance to reflect. What are the cons of overthinking? it creates uncertainty and doubt; it eventually cedes leadership responsibilities to someone else; it creates an infinite loop of possibilities, but without any implementation [2] .”
Is overthinking a mental illness? No, according to Cleveland Clinic [3] , “is not a recognized mental health condition, but it can be a symptom of depression or anxiety. Overthinking is commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)”. What does overthinking look like?
- Worrying that jumps from one topic to the next.
- Thinking of the worst-case scenario.
- Struggling to make a decision, including second-guessing.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Feeling on edge.
- Seeking repeated reassurance from others [4] .
How to stop overthinking? Step back and look at how you are responding; find a distraction; take a deep breath; meditate; look at the bigger picture; do something nice for someone else; recognize automatic negative thoughts (ANTs); acknowledge your successes; stay present; consider other viewpoints; take action; practice self-compassion; embrace your fears; ask for help [5] .
In conclusion, the perils of overthinking are evident in the toll it takes on our emotional wellbeing. Striking a balance between thoughtful contemplation and incessant rumination is crucial. Recognizing the signs and implementing mindfulness techniques can empower us to regain control over our thoughts, fostering a healthier and more peaceful mental state. By taming the overactive mind, we pave the way for greater emotional resilience and a more fulfilling life.
[1]https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/how-can-i-stop-overthinking-everything
[2]https://brandongaille.com/8-pros-and-cons-of-overthinking/
[3]https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-overthinking-a-mental-illness/#:~:text=Is%20overthinking%20a%20mental%20illness,worry%20excessively%20about%20several%20things.
[4]https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-overthinking-a-mental-illness/#:~:text=Is%20overthinking%20a%20mental%20illness,worry%20excessively%20about%20several%20things.
[5]https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-overthinking#have-compassion