Overthinking at this time may have become an inherent discussion among students. When someone overthinks, they avoid problem-solving and looking for solutions. Often we do not realize we are overthinking. Therefore, it is important to know what overthinking is to be more aware of ourselves.
“Overthinking means using too much time to think about something in a detrimental way. It can be rumination and worry,” said Wirdatul Anisa, Psychologist at the CPMH UGM Online Lecture on Friday (18/6).
Rumination is the tendency to dwell on the past. Meanwhile, worry is a tendency to think negatively about the future.
“It’s not an easy thing to change the habit of overthinking,” said Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, a psychologist and researcher at Central Public Mental Health UGM.
To change the habit of overthinking requires strong will and determination. However, to reduce this habit, we can start by realizing what we are thinking, and then we can direct our thoughts in a more rational direction.
“Worry starts from our response to something excessive,” Nurul added.
In addition, if worrying and rumination continue, it can turn into catastrophizing, which is a form of cognitive distortion. A person who experiences catastrophizing will exaggerate and have irrational thoughts and feel like they do not have a way out.
“Often, someone who is catastrophizing does not realize and believe that they have no power over the extreme anxiety they feel and tend to feel helpless,” said Wirdatul.
Negative thoughts are not necessarily wrong, but the most important thing for us is to realize that we have control over these thoughts. Thoughts, feelings, and behavior are related to each other. Thus, when we can think positively, we will do positive behaviors. To be able to think positively, we should assess an event by responding positively first.
Source: https://www.ugm.ac.id/id/berita/21277-mengenal-apa-itu-overthinking
