Overthinking: Why Are We Often Trapped in Our Own Thoughts?
Introduction
Have you ever felt like you can’t sleep because you’re overthinking something that hasn’t happened yet? Or, feel stressed out because you’re thinking of all the bad possibilities of one small decision? This is called overthinking – a condition where one takes too long and too deeply to process a thought, even to the point of negatively impacting mental health.
In the world of psychology, this phenomenon is one of the interesting topics to study, especially for students or prospective undergraduate students of Psychology who are interested in exploring how human thoughts and emotions affect each other. This article will take an in-depth look at overthinking, its causes, and how psychology explains why we often get caught up in our own thoughts..
What is Overthinking?
Overthinking is the tendency for a person to constantly think about a problem, scenario, or possibility beyond reasonable limits. This constant churning of thoughts is usually not accompanied by action, and leaves one feeling emotionally exhausted.
The characteristics of overthinking include:
- Constantly dwelling on small decisions and fearing missteps
- Often imagining the worst-case scenario
- Difficult to focus as your mind wanders to many things
- Feeling your heart and mind are out of sync meaning: emotions are not in line with logic
Overthinking is not just about thinking too long, it can lead to disorders such as anxiety, chronic stress, and even depression if not properly addressed.
What is Psychology’s View on Overthinking?
In undergraduate psychology, overthinking is studied from various approaches, such as cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, and even neuropsychology.
- Cognitive Psychology
This view highlights how individuals process information. Overthinking can occur due to cognitive distortions, such as:
- Catastrophizing: imagining the worst possible outcome of a situation.
- Rumination: repeating negative thoughts without finding a solution.
2. Clinical Psychology
From this angle, overthinking is often associated with anxiety disorders or depression. In some cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is very effective in helping individuals combat their own harmful thoughts.
3. Neuropsychology
Brain studies show that individuals who overthink have excessive activity in the prefrontal cortex area – the part of the brain that plays a role in decision-making and self-reflection.
Mengapa Sering Overthinking?
There are many factors that make a person prone to overthinking. Here are some of them:
Psychologist Factor
- Rendahnya self-esteem: Kurang percaya diri bisa membuat seseorang ragu dan terus-menerus mengevaluasi keputusan.
- Perfeksionisme: Takut membuat kesalahan menjebak kita dalam pola pikir yang berputar-putar.
Environmental Factors
- Social and academic pressures: Students often think about things that may not happen, such as fear of failure or not being able to meet expectations.
- Negative environment: Lack of social support can exacerbate overthinking tendencies.
Factor Biologis
- Unbalanced brain activity or genetic factors can also trigger obsessive thinking patterns.
Why are we often trapped in our own thoughts?
Often times, our own mind is our biggest enemy. Instead of solving the problem, overthinking makes things worse. Here are some reasons why this might happen:
1. Our Brains Are Designed to Survive
Manusia cenderung memikirkan skenario terburuk sebagai bentuk pertahanan diri. Tapi jika tidak dikendalikan, ini berubah menjadi overthinking.
2.Unsynchronization of Heart and Mind
When the heart and mind are out of sync, we tend to get confused, agitated, and have difficulty making decisions. As a result, we choose to continue thinking without acting.
3. Lack of Self-Understanding
This is why it’s important to study undergraduate psychology. One of the foundations of psychology is knowing yourself – your emotions, thoughts, and healthy coping mechanisms.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can everyone experience overthinking?
A: Yes, overthinking is a natural reaction, but if it persists, it can become a psychological problem.
Q: What is the difference between overthinking and self-reflection?
A: Self-reflection aims for positive evaluation, while overthinking often gets stuck in fear or regret.
Q: Do undergraduate psychology students learn how to manage negative thoughts?
A: Course. Students will learn CBT techniques, mindfulness, and evidence-based clinical interventions.
If you are interested in building a career in mental health, social care, or education, choosing S1 Psychology is the perfect first step. Let’s start your journey with Telkom University now!
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Tags : S1 Psikologi |Psychology
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