Re-submitted:

Dear IMBACK:

“Maybe I should just let her go… I overthink way too much“- for someone who overthinks way too much,  it is difficult to let go of anything or anyone.

You mentioned overthinking back in Feb- March this year: “I have searched throughout the internet for answers but this just makes me overthink everything…  I overthink everything… Yes, (I) have obsessive thinking and it fits well with the description of having the same occurring thoughts”.

Today, in your second post, you wrote: “It’s like I have to plan everything or worry about something all the time…. I always worried… Do I maybe just need to get a life maybe?“- you need to solve the overthinking problem first.

very well mind/ how to know when you’re overthinking: “Overthinking involves thinking about a certain topic or situation excessively, analyzing it for long periods of time. When you overthink, you have a hard time getting your mind to focus on anything else. It becomes consumed by the one thing you are thinking about…

“Signs of overthinking include: * An inability to think about anything else * Being unable to relax *Constantly feeling worried or anxious * Fixating on things outside of your control * Feeling mentally exhausted * Having a lot of negative thoughts *  Replaying a situation or experience in your mind * Second-guessing your decisions * Thinking of all the worst-case scenarios”.

The last words in your original post today are “my common sense.“- is overthinking helpful when it comes to making sense of things, identifying problems and coming up with practical solutions? Let’s see:

very well mind: “While some people believe that overthinking may be helpful since it involves looking at an issue or problem from nearly every viewpoint possible and anticipating future events, the opposite is true…

”Finding ways to put an end to overthinking can help you take action in your life versus simply thinking about things that are bothering you. Instead of going over something in your mind again and again, you can start to take the steps necessary to resolve the situation.

”Overthinking is different from problem-solving. Overthinking is about dwelling on the problem, while problem-solving involves looking for a solution. Imagine a storm is coming. Here’s an example that shows the difference between overthinking and problem-solving:

* Overthinking: ‘I wish the storm wouldn’t come. It’s going to be awful. I hope the house doesn’t get damaged. Why do these things always have to happen to me? I can’t handle this.’

* Problem-solving: ‘I will go outside and pick up everything that might blow away. I’ll put sandbags against the garage door to prevent flooding. If we get a lot of rain I’ll go to the store to buy plywood so I can board up the windows.’

“Problem-solving can lead to productive action. Overthinking, on the other hand, fuels uncomfortable emotions and doesn’t look for solutions.”

I’d say, IMBACK, that your first priority should be addressing the overthinking problem and replace it with problem-solving, sensible, beneficial thinking. What do you.. think?

anita