Overthinking can be an early indicator or symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. To stop overthinking, you can try challenging your thoughts, reaching out for support from loved ones, or finding a mental healthcare professional for extra help.
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Is overthinking a mental illness?
Overthinking is also often associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and borderline personality disorder. To break the habit, Carroll says a good first step is to take note of what triggers your overthinking.
Are Overthinkers smart?
Constant rumination could be a sign of intelligence.
A penchant for worrying ― which is a common habit for overthinkers ― is correlated with more verbal intelligence, according to a paper published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.
Can overthinking be cured?
It is possible to stop ruminating
With awareness and some lifestyle changes, it’s possible to free yourself from ruminating thoughts. If you find that you’re unable to use these tips to help your rumination, you should consider contacting a mental health professional for assistance.
How can I calm my mind?
Here are some helpful, actionable tips you can try the next time you need to calm down. Admit that you’re anxious or angry. Challenge your thoughts. Release the anxiety or anger. Visualize yourself calm. Think it through. Listen to music. Change your focus.
Can overthinking damage your brain?
In a study published in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers found that chronic stress results in long-term changes in the brain. 3 These changes, they suggest, might help explain why those who experience chronic stress are also more prone to mood and anxiety disorders later on in life.
What is overthinking caused by?
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.