Overthinking? Here's How to Overcome It

Overthinking, a common mental health concern affecting around 28 million Indonesians, particularly young people, is hindering mental well-being, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Health.

Psychologist Ratih Ratnasari from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta explains that while thinking about the future is normal, excessive worry that causes anxiety signals overthinking. "Thinking is good as long as it produces solutions. But when thoughts make us more anxious and hinder action, that's when overthinking becomes a problem," she stated.

Overthinking manifests as persistent negative thoughts that are difficult to stop. Symptoms include dwelling on past mistakes, catastrophizing, insomnia, and emotional fatigue. This pattern can create a destructive cycle, starting with negative thoughts that trigger negative emotions. Consequently, individuals may procrastinate, avoid social interaction, seek excessive validation on social media, or withdraw from their surroundings.

Cognitive distortions, such as mind-reading or black-and-white thinking, worsen overthinking. "Often, what makes us suffer is not the situation itself, but how we interpret it," Ratih added. This distorted perception can lead to unnecessary distress, even when circumstances are not inherently negative.