Overthinking can negatively impact a person’s relationships, work performance, and overall life satisfaction. Constantly thinking about past mistakes, worrying about future uncertainties, or constantly questioning the current situation can hinder a person’s happiness and peace. Additionally, overthinking can prolong the decision-making process and hinder one’s progress.
What is overthinking syndrome?
If we look at what overthinking means, which we often encounter on social media with expressions such as “overthinking” or “overthinkistan”, we can briefly call it “overthinking”. We can answer the question of what overthinking syndrome means as follows:
Overthinking is a condition also called excessive thinking or overthinking syndrome. In this state, the person thinks, analyzes and worries a lot about a particular issue or situation. Overthinking is often characterized by getting stuck in one’s own thoughts and experiencing the same worries over and over again in a loop.
What causes overthinking?
This syndrome is often associated with excessive worry about a particular issue or situation or exaggerated fears about the future. The person constantly thinks about possible scenarios, analyzes possible outcomes, and may come to unrealistic or exaggerated conclusions. This can increase a person’s stress levels and lead to emotional problems such as anxiety and even depression. Although the cause of overthinking is not clear, some situations can be triggering:
- Past mistakes and failures
- Toxic and unhealthy friendships and relationships
- Work or school performance
- Anxiety and fears
- perfectionism
- Depression, anxiety, stress
What are the symptoms of Overthinking syndrome?
Overthinking syndrome is a condition that manifests itself with some symptoms in our daily lives. It is important to recognize the symptoms of the syndrome when it comes to how to understand if you are overthinking.
Although the symptoms of overthinking syndrome vary from person to person, they are generally similar. Symptoms of overthinking are as follows:
- Constantly thinking about past regrets and events.
- Thinking about and imagining every detail about a future issue.
- Creating negative scenarios and getting stuck in these scenarios.
- Feeling of not being able to stop thoughts and quiet the mind.
- Obsessively thinking about the past or future.
- Constantly thinking about and exaggerating small mistakes or flaws.
- Focusing and worrying on negative possibilities.
- Constantly thinking “if only” and “what if” thoughts.
- Hesitating for a long time and having difficulty in making decisions.
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleep problems.
- Physical symptoms such as headache, muscle pain or digestive problems.
- Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy.
- Difficulty paying attention and concentrating.
How do I get rid of overthinking?
Overthinking is the tendency to overthink and constantly analyze. This can lead to anxiety, stress and depression. Overthinking syndrome treatment varies from person to person, and overthinking drug treatment should be carried out by a specialist if necessary. Some suggestions on how to treat overthinking syndrome are as follows:
- When you get caught up in overthinking, stop and practice mindfulness. Breathe deeply and bring your attention to your body and surroundings.
- Be aware of your thoughts and question them. Evaluate whether they are realistic and logical.
- Replace your negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts.
- When you start overthinking, direct your attention to something else. Engage in an activity you enjoy or exercise.
- Pick up a new hobby to keep your mind busy or spend time with your loved ones.
- Meditating regularly can help calm your mind and reduce overthinking.
- For those who cannot stop overthinking, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help. CBT is a therapy that helps change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
You can take an Overthinking test to find out if you are prone to overthinking. Sample questions for the Overthinking test are listed as follows:
- Do you often think about the mistakes you made in the past?
- Do you worry about the future?
- Do you think too much about little things?
- Do you have difficulty deciding?
- Do you have trouble falling asleep?
If you answered “yes” to 3 or more of these questions, you may be prone to overthinking. For overthinking treatment, you should definitely see a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist.