Need help to stop Overthinking things

Post Reply New Topic

I have a major problem and that is I tend to overthink things. When I do this there are times I can go into irrationalities. For me it can be debilitating and I am having more and more difficulty getting things done because of this. Does anyone have any tips on what I can do to stop overthinking things? It is impacting me in trying to do chores, trying to obtain a job, and may be impacting how I conduct myself with other members on here.

If you recognize it in yourself, but cannot stop it by yourself, it may be time to seek professional assistance.

Yes, if you seek professional help, you may want to look for someone that does CBT.

The techniques are very helpful.

Something you can do in the meantime: keep a journal of the dysfunctional thoughts, or just tick marks (helps you figure out just how often it is happening).

I have similar issues. Most of the time it's not horrible, but it can be paralyzing. It wastes a lot of time and just makes you feel lousy.

This is a problem for me too.

For me the site zenhabits, by Leo Babauta, have been very useful. Perhaps it can help you too.

Not sure, I tend to over-think things as well..though its gotten to a new level now....the overthinking gets mixed in with my paranoia and yeah that can get to be obnoxious then I end up arguing with myself rather than doing anything. Maybe CBT would be helpful if you can actually identify which thoughts are dysfunctional or whatever....I have never really found that particular therapy approach very useful though. I know the feeling of having ongoing over analytical thoughts all the time and how annoying it can be.

You can always tell your mind to shut up I know I have, might get weird looks if you do it in public.

I tend to over-analyze as well.

Could it be an OCD thing? Maybe medication would help if it is.

It may be. I will go talk to my psychologist and see what she thinks. One thing she has told me to do is to imagine a stop sign. I will continue with that.

I had major issues with the SATs because I over-thought and over-analyzed things. I always seem to see the complex where it is simple. I've been told by this by many people including one ex-gf in my past. This is one of the reasons she broke up with me when I was about your age.

At the time, I didn't see it as an issue but I do now.