OVERTHINKING AS A GATEWAY FOR ILL MENTAL HEALTH

The constant, non-stop ferocity in which life operates in provides us with less and less free mental space, considering that every other day unveils a new set of circumstances, activities, challenges and responsibilities that we are entitled to mentally cater for and address. Even though cases differ as per individual, it is, however, a common consensus that we are all consistently bombarded by the different goings-on in our lives, and the truth is, the toll it takes on us individually manifests in a variety of ways, in the mannerisms we develop, the decisions we make, as well as through the psychological maladjustment that inadvertently materialises over time.

Exposure

As it is often the case, our exposure to different life experiences (both good and bad) places us in a position where we are obligated to be always mentally readily equipped to deal with whatever we may be faced with, something which is not always as smooth in process as it is in theory. Of the many by-products of this is a ‘mental commonplace,’ which many of us find ourselves in; a mental state of continuous thought and exertion that is seemingly endless and is often ongoing. We all agree that being in constant thought is standard human activity; however, a difference is established when this becomes the better part of ‘excessive.’

Difference

The follow-up question would be of course to ask how to tell when this ‘difference’ has been established or how exactly one can tell when your thinking goes overboard?
A response to this is a long distance from generic and, in most cases, a fair way away from standard; however, it is quite common in people with confidence and esteem issues, for instance. For some people, being an overthinker is a phenomenon that occurs naturally, which makes them very intricate thinkers who debunk every detail of every situation to its bare bones before, during or after an experience, but for some, it is the culmination of maladaptive psychological behaviours that result from the slight difficulty that comes with having to process a fair lot in a relatively short amount of time.

The concern about perceived overthinkers is that they become so preoccupied in their thoughts and their own convictions, so much so they drown out any other voice, even if it is one that seeks to offer help. Complications from this are, of course (the obvious); people who tend to overthink (a lot) tend to render themselves susceptible to very little assistance in mental health terms, and as a consequence, this opens the door to the mental health issues (like depression) that may most likely ensue.

Implications

The vitality to consider the mental health of so-called over-thinkers stretches beyond just the basic definition of what overthinking may be considered as to having more far-reaching implications in the mental health space. It can also be considered a characteristic trait in people who may be in a state of depression, those with esteem and self-confidence issues or even in individuals who may have exhibited symptoms of suicide ideation.

Therefore, to remedy this in our communities and households, it is paramount that we continue to be figures of social support to those around us, hold constructive conversations that offer advice kind of assistance to someone else who may be in need. Giving an ear to someone, even a stranger, may not hurt a bit and, in fact, may prove a life-saving act, especially for someone who may find themselves in the predicament of overthinking in the wrong mental direction. Send comments to: runsford0505@gmail.com

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