I over-analyse everything, and think far too much. Can I stop?

Question

Hi,

I've been having this 'problem' for quite some time now, but have simply lived with it. I find it difficult to get by in the real world, and thought I'd ask for some help.

Whether I'm reading a book, or conversing with a friend, I find it extremely difficult to digest what is being said, because I'm generally thinking about things which are entirely different. I find I cannot continue to invest my full concentration into a piece of subject matter which is of little, or no interest to me. I have to be truly interested in it to concentrate. I also pace around my home thinking about different things all of the time - they're usually insignificant pieces of data that don't need to be thought about, but I can't prevent myself.

I also tend to over-analyse everything I come into contact with. My friend can simply sit there and enjoy his music, while I'll be scrutinizing it note by note, for no apparent reason. The same applies to reading - sometimes I will read each sentence two, or even three times, just to make sure I have understood it, and that there are no other hidden messages contained within the text. Furthermore, I tend to see patterns in everything (or make them myself). A prime example is our fish tank - whenever I look at it I don't just simply enjoy the display. I monitor each fish, and each peripheral inside the tank to see if there are any patterns emerging.

I don't know if any of this is intertwined with me being a long time sufferer of depression and high anxiety. I have read a few different things to see if there is a correlation there, and have found that some of it may be linked with anxiety. But, I'm not really interested in that. I want to know if there are any methods to prevent me from over-analysing everything, and thinking too much. So, if you know of such a way, I'd be very appreciative if you'd let me know!

Answer 1

It's all about control yes?



But if it is about control then you have obviously lost control of your controlling otherwise you would be in control of this.. Get a hold of yourself before you start spinning in circles..



rather than 'Analise' be pro-active, that will help you regain control of your life.

Answer 2

Over Analyse

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

I over-analyse everything, and think far too much. Can I stop?

Hi,



I've been having this 'problem' for quite some time now, but have simply lived with it. I find it difficult to get by in the real world, and thought I'd ask for some help.



Whether I'm reading a book, or conversing with a friend, I find it extremely difficult to digest...

Answer 4

What i could only share is, i try to focus on anything that is on hand in order to understand and we don't have to over analyze it anyway or think about it too much. What happens if we tend to over analyze or scrutinize every detail of just anything is we are working our brain so much that will be stressing in the long run While if we can just relax and go with the flow, it is so much better feeling. Take care.

Answer 5

Hello there, my theory is this:



Humans think alot to make sense of their environment (it's an ingrained behavior in order for survival), its natural to analyse everything that is perceived.

Sometimes it is easy to get in a state of over-analyzing everything. When a person becomes anxious, they are basically perceiving (either real or an assumed 'false') danger in their environment.

Perceived false dangers are born in the mind through the individual analyzing things and adopting false beliefs. These false beliefs get ingrained in their subconscious mind (suppressed thoughts and memories).

The way a person perceives things is determined by their beliefs about the world stored in their unconscious mind. For example, the person may have formed a belief that they are boring to talk to (formed from previous experience) , therefore they will automatically perceive the person they are talking to as looking bored. This may to them avoiding social situations because they fear they will be rejected. (A potent fear evolved for survival)



This is how a constant state of anxiety is formed - perceiving everything as a threat - and depression - when an individual's beliefs are pessimistic and thus feels like they can't change and nothing ever will'



Over-thinking is a mechanism whereby the person is trying to figure out the truth of things and/or trying to find solutions to things. However, the person's issues rarely gets resolved as they are in a constant state of pessimism, assuming the worst in everything, forming negative/untrue beliefs and therefore the cycle never ends. As the level of anxiety increases, the amount and speed of thoughts increases. Thoughts become unclear and the person is trapped in a state of confusion and fear, because their ego is constantly being attacked.



Here's the trick:



To get out of this vicious cycle, first, you must slow down your thoughts. Breath. Start being aware. Notice that voice in your head talking to you right now. What is it saying? Is it positive or negative? Optimistic or pessimistic about things? Telling you that youre capable and worthy or the opposite? This will be hard at first as the mind is untrained and naturally wonders and gets distracted. Keep persisting on this one! Keep prompting yourself to be aware.



Learn to analyse your own thoughts, do therapy on yourself:

This page gives you questions to ask yourself - http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/cbtstep5.htm



Again, keep persisting, i know it is hard, but i promise you it will get easier and easier, and eventually you WILL overcome your anxieties and fears and lift the depression. You will start to form a habit of healthier thinking without fear. Life will become better.



Being in the moment means just being aware of the things happening around you, not being in your head with those unhelpful thoughts of yours, which are in the past and future.



I wish you well on your journey,



Peace :)

Answer 6

Well the only things you really can do is to distract yourself every time you start analyzing though personally i dont see anything wrong with it when listning to music i think its good your actually paying attention to all the notes and making sure you understand the novels you read what if you wouldnt what if no one would pay attention at all? Idk just saying seems normal infact seems very intellectual that you think this way..but since thats not what your asking you need to distract yourself for short periods of time so try to listen to a song and see when you start analyzying so lets say after 3 seconds you really start to analyze every beat so now try to space out for 5 seconds and you keep doing that for longer periods of time if its hard to be spaced out try doing somehting ridiculous like tap your head and stomp you feet watever works.

good luck. hope this helps

Answer 7

You sound like you are very intelligent. Many people are taught how to do this on degrees; I wish I was more like you. You have a naturally analytical mind. I have depression, it is the depression that is tiring, not the thinking. Sometimes, I feel drugged as a result of depression.

Answer 8

Among the many important responsibilities dog owners have, training a dog is among the most important. Learn here https://tr.im/uPp6S



Well-trained pets are easier to care for and love, cause less damage to your home (and theirs), and live happier lives.



Dogs send myriad messages with their bodies and their voices -- this is one reason why they're so fascinating and beloved. The more you understand their messages, the more you understand them and how your own messages are being understood.

Answer 9

Watch stupid shows on TV. Play video games. Get a boyfriend. Join a church.

Answer 10

I THINK YOU NEED TO GO OUT MORE MAYBE EVEN PARTY BECAUSE I THINK YOUR PROBLEM IS THAT U THINK TO MUCH JUST LET LOOSE FOR A WHILE TILL U GET THE HANG OF IT BUT OTHER THEN THAT MAYBE YOU CAN USE THIS HELP WITH YOUR CAREER OR SUMTHIN HAY MAYBE EVEN JOIN THE FBI