Thinking deeply helps you move the needle forward in your decision-making. Overthinking, however, is about being stuck. As an introvert, I've spent a lot of my life inside my head. I often feel the most comfortable there.
When you're in deep thought, you may thoroughly analyze an issue or problem, but you're not judging yourself. You're focusing on neutral observable facts. Overthinking though is driven by negative self-talk. Your thoughts may not reflect the truth of the situation and tend to be very self critical and harsh.
Overthinkers ruminate about what others think of them; deep thinkers wonder what others think about the world and all the interesting things in it. Overthinkers overcheck their work, anticipating all the possible scenarios; deep thinkers let things be 'good enough' and move on to planning for the best possible outcome.
Rehashing challenging or uncomfortable conversations. Fixating on things you can't control, change or improve. Imagining the worst-case scenario or outcome. Following your worries out of the present moment and into an unchangeable past or unforeseeable future.
While overthinking itself is not a mental illness, it is associated with conditions including depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance use disorders. Rumination can be common in people who have chronic pain and chronic illness as well, taking the form of negative thoughts about that pain and healing from it.
Overthinking often involves ruminating about the past and worrying about the future. Overthinking isn't the same as healthy problem-solving. Problem-solving consists of thinking about a difficult situation when necessary. Overthinking, on the other hand, involves dwelling on the problem.
Stress, anxiety, perfectionism, and negative thought patterns can all contribute to overthinking. If you'd like to gain control over overthinking, you might start by practicing mindfulness, challenging negative thoughts, engaging in self-care, practicing positive self-talk, and spending time with friends and family.
Busying yourself with an activity is the best way to change the channel. Exercise, engage in conversation on a completely different subject, or get working on a project that will distract your mind from the barrage of negative thoughts.
INFP and INFJ: The Overthinkers
When it comes to these types, their anxiety can stem from an inclination to overthinking. Psychology Today defines overthinking as “an excessive tendency to monitor, evaluate, and attempt to control all types of thought,” something this INFJ knows all too well.
You spend a lot of your free time thinking about the hidden meaning behind things people said or did or events that occur. You often ask yourself “what if…” questions. You dwell on moments when someone says or does something you don't like.
Worry prods you to use problem-solving skills to address your concerns. Anxiety is persistent, even when concerns are unrealistic. It often compromises your ability to function. Worry doesn't impair function.
Type Of Overthinking #2: Rumination About The Past
This can involve, for example, incessantly dwelling on a mistake you made in the past, or continuously replaying a time you were hurt over and over again in your mind.
However, it can also lead to potential misinterpretation of symptoms. Take, for example, ADHD. While most people associate ADHD with hyperactivity and impulsivity, it can also manifest in more subtle ways, such as through intrusive thoughts and overthinking.
No, overthinking isn't a recognized mental health condition, but it can be a symptom of depression or anxiety. Overthinking is commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), says Duke. GAD is characterized by the tendency to worry excessively about several things.
Physical Health Effects
This constant loop of worry and analyzing can be taxing on the mind and body. Overthinking has been linked to physical health issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic fatigue, insomnia and sleep disruption.
What Is Rumination? This not-so-fun cycle of thoughts is called rumination. Basically, they're repetitive thoughts that our minds can't seem to stop obsessing over. Unfortunately, they can be ROUGH for our mental well-being. You might call them racing thoughts, or feel like you're always in your own head.
What drives this is underlying anxiety. Common forms include worrying, perfectionism, struggle with making decisions, and excessive control over yourself and others. Keys to coping include getting your rational brain online, using your gut reactions as important information, and taking acceptable risks.
Overthinking is caused due to various reasons like fear, intolerance to uncertainty, trauma, or perfectionism. Overthinking can also be a symptom of already existing mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or depression.
In addition, medications originally designed for depression, the SSRIs (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor, Cymbalta, and others), are also capable of lowering the underlying level of anxiety which takes a lot of steam out of this phenomenon.
Anxiety itself can cause symptoms like headaches or a racing heartbeat, and you may mistake these for signs of illness.
Overthinking strikes all of us at some point, but if it goes unchecked and unresolved, overthinking can certainly morph healthy relationships into toxic relationships. If you fall victim to your thoughts and allow them to go too far, they can end up driving a wedge of distrust between you and other people in your life.
People with anxiety disorders often feel that their concerns are not taken seriously or that "it's all in their heads." This minimizes their pain and discomfort, and leaves psychiatric and associated medical conditions unaddressed. It should be noted that the statement "it's all in your head" is not entirely wrong.