Overthinking

[whoamihahahaha]

Hiya, I suffer from really awful anxiety and it forms itself in overthinking a lot of the time. Overthinking ruins my life and relationships because I overanalyse every situation and fixate on a single crazy idea which isn't even happening. They make me freak out and accuse people of stuff that isn't even real.

Does anyone have any tips on how to stop my brain from actually having these crazy thoughts or tips on how to stop myself from making a deal out of them?

Trying to stay present and active will help. Activities like crossstitch, knitting, crochet, colouring in, drawing, sewing...they're all good because they keep your mind busy and stop you thinking too much.

I am a serial over thinker! It has led to many a sleepless night. The one thing that has massively helped me is exercise. I joined a CrossFit gym and the combination of a supportive community and the endorphins from the exercise make life so much easier.

Does anyone have any tips on how to stop my brain from actually having these crazy thoughts or tips on how to stop myself from making a deal out of them?

Stop believing in the thoughts. In your own experience they are not true and never come true. Go to your experience and just observe the thoughts without becoming attached to them. Separate from them. You are aware of them. So choose not to believe in them.
Mindful meditation can help you achieve this.

Oh God I overthink too. It drives me insane.

I suffer in the same way . I just about to put my name down for some CBT. I don’t know if it will be of any benefit for me but I have to something . It’s makeing my life torcher

It took me a while & citalopram for anxiety & a counsellor who told me I can’t believe what I think. I used to catasrophize (is it a word?) everything, I would go to worst scenario....my mind was constant chatter. Without rest.

Mindfulness & meditation are wonderful tools, but at my worst times I couldn’t control my thoughts.

I am much better now. I meditate & I no longer take citalopram.

I couldn’t cope with the constant chatter in my head . Always overthinking everything . It was starting to ruin my life . The low moods were getting lower the overthinking worse . I gave in last week and went to my GP. She’s given me sertraline only 59mg to start with. I’ve got on well with them . Today was day eight. No really bad side effects yet. I think they have started to help a little bit. My Brian feels quieter . But I’ve still had some very low moods. But it’s early days from what I’ve read . I’m going to try the CBT that she recommended too. I’ve suffered off and on for years . But the last six months it’s been non stop and a million times worse . I’ve made a small start on the way to becoming well again. It’ll be a long road I know. But still I’ve made a start .

Are you currently seeing anyone, OP? I would second CBT and anxiety meds. It can really destroy relationships and cause yourself a lot of unnecessary hurt so please do see someone.

Mindfulness & meditation are wonderful tools, but at my worst times I couldn’t control my thoughts

Don't try to control your thoughts. Just watch them. Do not attach to them. Trying to control them creates conflict.

Can I ask these of you who went on medication, did it ever affect your creativity?
I have a very active imagination and like to write, and my imagination has always been like an escape for me. But I have heard that meds can mess with your ability to be creative.

No, i can’t say it impacted my creativity, although I’m not sure how my creativity expresses itself..... It did level my mood, which in turn quietened my overthinking (which was anxiety), it brought me some peace when my mind was chaotic.

Noego - i agree mostly with your statement above, however when i was at my most anxious & chaotic, I couldn’t cope & certainly wasn’t rational enough to not attach & let them flow.

however when i was at my most anxious & chaotic, I couldn’t cope & certainly wasn’t rational enough to not attach & let them flow

Then just let them be chaotic. They won't harm you.

Try this

really like that link noego especially the line about being present to watch your body fall. very moving