There’s no denying that thinking too much isn’t good. In fact, it can be downright harmful, resulting in stress, anxiety, depression and even physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Does that mean you need medication to help? Not necessarily; in fact, there are ways to cure overthinking, some of which don’t even require any drugs at all! Here are some techniques for managing overthinking and making it easier to stop thinking so much about the things you have no control over. Why Too Much Thinking Might Be a Mental Disorder
An Explanation of Overthinking
The word overthink is often used to describe any prolonged or intense thought process, but in psychology the term has come to refer to a mental disorder that may include:
-Depressive thoughts and moods, -Anxiety, -Obsessive compulsive disorder, and/or -Phobias. Why Too Much Thinking Might Be a Mental Disorder
Signs of Overthinking
Overthinking happens to all of us from time to time. In most cases, overthinking is harmless and a great way to get out of those grooves we fall into from time to time. When it becomes disruptive, however, it can be classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This psychological disorder can have many side effects including extreme mental distress and feelings of preoccupation with the thoughts running through your head.
Types of Overthinkers
There are many people who overthink, including but not limited to: Those with obsessive compulsive disorder, high neuroticism scores on personality tests, those diagnosed with ADHD, and victims of trauma.
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Negatives?
The benefits of too much thinking are dependent on the person. For some, overthinking could lead to improved problem-solving skills and enhanced creativity. However, for others, it can be a hindrance that prevents them from finishing tasks due to analysis paralysis. When someone does not know how to make decisions or is fearful of making mistakes, the result can be paralyzing analysis that cripples his or her ability to act.
Tips to Manage Overthinking
Whether you’re just starting to feel the effects of overthinking or you’ve been battling it for years, there are some steps you can take to get back on track. Here are some practical steps that may help you manage overthinking:
– Start off by identifying what areas in your life seem most affected by your thoughts.
How to Cope with Overthinking
If you’re experiencing negative thoughts, try creating a self-care plan that includes activities that you enjoy, with the goal of reducing your overthinking. Talking to someone who makes you feel good might also help. It’s important to remember that although we have those moments where it feels like there’s nothing else going right in the world, we have plenty of positives that outweigh the negatives.
Where can I learn more about this topic?
A study done by the University of Cincinnati shows that as many as 50% of us will experience one episode of OCD at some point in our lives. And 25% of these cases result in people actually suffering from chronic anxiety and depression caused by their mental disorder.
Q.&A.
There’s the age-old adage that sometimes you need to take a step back and take time to think, but research has found overthinking can actually be linked to mental disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Some research suggests it’s because when people are consumed with thought, they become less connected with their reality or ability to problem solve.
What causes too much of thinking?
An excessive amount of thinking is usually caused by people living in constant worry and fear. This, in turn, contributes to an overflow of thoughts in the mind and leaves you feeling stressed out and panicky. Although there are many other possible causes of overthinking such as autism spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, these are by far the most common triggers.
Which disease is caused by over thinking?
Excessive or persistent thoughts are typically a sign of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is an anxiety disorder that manifests in repetitive, intrusive thoughts, feelings of dread, and compulsive rituals. The intensity can range from moderate to severe, which may lead to distress. People with OCD often also have high levels of compulsivity and extreme concern over things like dirt or getting contamination on themselves.
What happens to your brain when you think too much?
Overthinking is actually a mental disorder because it often leads to anxiety and an inability to function. That’s what happens when the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for controlling impulsive behavior, takes over from the amygdala, which is responsible for filtering threats.