overthinking and anxiety

[Overthought]

Hi I am a 37 year old man and all my life I thought it was completely normal to overthink things to death I mean even the most basic of daily occurrences will swirl around my brain and what’s worse is my brain only accepts the worst possible outcome. It has literally plagued me since I was a teenager but until recently I did not know it was unusual to do it.

a example would be that I see a pair of trainers but instead of buying them my mind fights and struggles with itself over and over until I’m filled with anxiety and sometimes dread.

trainers are a small thing if it’s actually something important my body turns to stone but my mind insists on thinking of every little detail and it forces me to inaction.

if anyone has any real works experiences with overcoming this it would mean the world to me.

[Focusedmind]

My OCD mind makes me overthink many things, which is why my avatar is "Focusedmind." But I have also found that it is a curse and a blessing in that I often overthink things that are not worth worrying about while observing the details that others may miss. I worked as a Certified Public Accountant (a Chartered Accountant in the U.K.) for years and was successful because I often caught the specifics that others overlooked, but I also could get lost in big projects. So, I think it is a matter of finding work and hobbies you are good at and excelling in these areas. Some characteristics can be both good and evil and depend upon how you use them.

[Overthought in reply to Focusedmind]

My profession is currently that of a hotel manager the hardest part of being an over thinker for me is that there are so many things that I have to deal with and for a while I viewed my over thinking as like due diligence considering everything at great length. Inevitably I always fall into the same pattern full of brilliant ideas with absolutely zero follow through.

I’ve lost entire days just sat with my body frozen and my mind racing and I have just reached the point where I don’t want to do it anymore.

I don’t know why I’m so hard on myself all the time.

Thank you for responding

[Focusedmind in reply to Overthought]

Have you considered working with a counselor trained in CBT therapy and using ERP techniques? They may be able to help you with your overthinking.

[secrets22]

I hear you and i go through all the same thoughts as you.

[Goldilocks11]

A phrase that popped into my mind when you talk about losing whole days as frozen from overthinking is paralysis by analysis. Try blasting some of your favourite music. Very best wishes to you.

[GhostRobin in reply to Goldilocks11]

Agreed, singing along specifically helps me get my mind unstuck! Just something to DO that can keep my mind occupied!

[Focusedmind]

When I find that overthinking is "paralysis by analysis," I try writing lists of what I need to do each day. I then try to narrow that list to the items that are really important to do first. Focusing on a few items initially seems to get me started and moving towards a few goals. I break down larger goals into small steps to complete.

I also use a digital calendar on my computer, which contains activities I need to do on a continued weekly basis. I print out my calendar and place it where I can easily see it throughout the day.

I also meditate regularly, which seems to calm and focus my mind. It allows me to understand the priorities in my life better and not get stuck and unable to act.

[BlackRoseOldies]

Omg yesssss I do the same thing I analyze everything it annoys people for the way I think