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Worrying
Redemption
Posts: 3,440 Boards Guru
I’ve realized how much I overthink things, and it’s been affecting me for years. For example, when I went to my volunteering role yesterday, I was steaming clothes, and the steamer was slow. I started wondering if I was doing something wrong or if it wasn’t working. I worried about getting told off and whether people were watching me, even though it turned out the steamer was just slow. This kind of overthinking happens a lot in general, whether I’m wondering if I’m doing something wrong, if my body language or looks are off, or if people are thinking negatively about me. I often assume the worst, which makes it hard for me to not worry about what others think.
I’ve been doing this for years, and sometimes I just don’t think highly of myself. I know I can be harsh on myself, but it’s hard not to be. I also find it difficult to be positive about myself. For instance, when I was watching an Instagram live stream of a YouTuber and asked a question, I noticed my question kept getting missed. I overthought, wondering if they were ignoring me or if they'd heard bad things about me, even though comments get missed all the time in busy live streams. I tend to feel negative when things aren't going well, and when something does go well, I'm surprised. I often don’t take compliments well or think things that go well aren't good enough. These feelings have been with me for several years now, and it’s tough to shake them off.
Recently, I’ve also been worrying about my health. After seeing a guy have an epileptic seizure, I got scared that it might happen to me or that I might develop a similar condition, and I started overthinking how it would impact my life. I don't want to make that incident about me, but it did give me that worry. I’ve always worried about my health, and when I don't feel well or get sick, I often overthink it, wondering if it's something deeper or a condition. Sometimes, I eat a few takeaways in a week, and I feel guilty because I worry about how it might impact my health. I track how many I’ve had, thinking, "This is the second one" or "This is the third." I’m not sure if everyone does this, but I just worry about it, even though I know it's important to stay healthy.
I’ve been doing this for years, and sometimes I just don’t think highly of myself. I know I can be harsh on myself, but it’s hard not to be. I also find it difficult to be positive about myself. For instance, when I was watching an Instagram live stream of a YouTuber and asked a question, I noticed my question kept getting missed. I overthought, wondering if they were ignoring me or if they'd heard bad things about me, even though comments get missed all the time in busy live streams. I tend to feel negative when things aren't going well, and when something does go well, I'm surprised. I often don’t take compliments well or think things that go well aren't good enough. These feelings have been with me for several years now, and it’s tough to shake them off.
Recently, I’ve also been worrying about my health. After seeing a guy have an epileptic seizure, I got scared that it might happen to me or that I might develop a similar condition, and I started overthinking how it would impact my life. I don't want to make that incident about me, but it did give me that worry. I’ve always worried about my health, and when I don't feel well or get sick, I often overthink it, wondering if it's something deeper or a condition. Sometimes, I eat a few takeaways in a week, and I feel guilty because I worry about how it might impact my health. I track how many I’ve had, thinking, "This is the second one" or "This is the third." I’m not sure if everyone does this, but I just worry about it, even though I know it's important to stay healthy.
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Comments
I think first of all, you definitely aren’t alone in this. I think a lot of us can often fall into the habit of overthinking things and worrying more than we perhaps need to about situations we encounter. I know I definitely have had my own moments of doubts and worry, with similar thoughts such as ‘are these people watching me’. I think what helps me is reminding myself that ultimately, most people are more focused on what they are doing or thinking, rather than paying attention to me. I know it can be hard when you’re in a cycle of overthinking things, but try not to take things too personally and remember that at the end of the day, as long as you’re giving your best and doing what you can to enjoy life and be a good person, it is not something other people can judge you for. Or if they do judge then that’s often a bigger reflection on them that it is you.
Just remember you definitely aren’t alone in this and we are all here for you if there’s more things you start to overthink in the future – it happens to the best of us so try not to worry too much (easier said than done i know
sending hugs
@sinead276 I really appreciate this it means a lot. I completely agree that overthinking is something many people experience, just to different extents. I know I tend to do it more than others, and it can be hard to break out of that cycle. But you're right, most people are too focused on their own lives to be watching or judging us. Thanks for the reassurance, it really helps.
that sounds really tough! it makes a lot of sense why overthinking would be exhausting, especially when it’s been a habit for so long. it sounds like your mind is always running through worst case scenarios, even in situations where there’s no real reason to worry. i completely get how that can make things feel overwhelming and make it hard to enjoy the good moments.
i just want to remind you that your thoughts aren’t always a reflection of reality. like with the steamer, it wasn’t you doing anything wrong, it was just slow, or the livestream, comments get missed all the time, and it had nothing to do with you personally, but i know that even when you recognise that logically, it doesn’t always stop the worrying.
it’s completely understandable to have concerns about your health too. i think a lot of people experience that to some degree, but it sounds like it really weighs on you. it’s ok to care about your wellbeing, but i hope you’re not too hard on yourself over things like takeaways. having a few in a week doesn’t define your health overall, and feeling guilty about it only adds more stress.
i know breaking out of overthinking isn’t easy, but you deserve to be kind to yourself. you’re not alone in feeling this way, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
we’re always here for you
@shannon_164 Sorry for the later reply but thank you so much for this it really means a lot. Overthinking can be exhausting, but your words remind me that I’m not alone and don’t have to figure it all out by myself. I appreciate your kindness and support more than I can say. I will remember that you was here during the tough times supporting me and I'll be here for you just as much as you are for me.