The Role of Overthinking
Overthinking is a common problem that can lead to anxiety and a range of negative mental health outcomes. It's important to understand the role that overthinking plays in anxiety and to develop strategies for managing and reducing it.
At its core, overthinking is the act of thinking excessively about something. Overthinkers generally notice difficulty with worrying about the future, replaying situations from the past or analyzing a current situation over and over to think of the best solution. While a certain amount of thinking and planning is necessary and healthy, overthinking goes beyond this and becomes unproductive and even harmful.
One of the main ways that overthinking contributes to anxiety is by creating a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. When we overthink, we tend to focus on the worst possible outcomes or scenarios. This can lead to feelings of fear, worry, and hopelessness, which in turn can trigger more overthinking. This cycle can be difficult to break and can cause anxiety to spiral out of control.
Overthinking can also lead to avoidance behaviors, as we may try to avoid situations or tasks that we associate with negative thoughts. This can make it difficult to engage in everyday activities and can further contribute to feelings of anxiety and isolation.
Often in relationships, with others overthinking can cause us to reach out for support to get reassurance from others, it can be difficult to stop anxiety without having the validation and support from others. This can push partners and relationships away, especially if the other person has a hard time being emotionally available or has a hard time setting boundaries.
In addition to its effects on anxiety, overthinking can also have a negative impact on our physical health. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to a range of physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and difficulty sleeping. Overthinking can also interfere with our ability to make decisions, as we may get caught up in the details and struggle to see the bigger picture.
Counseling is great for overthinking and helps overthinkers understand the underlying needs and reasons that drive overthinking. When we can become aware of what is causing overthinking, we can work on changing the pattern and getting those needs met in a healthier and more fulfilling way. Counseling can also help to help us gain strategies to recognize overthinking quicker and give us skills to stop the cycle.
