Understanding Overthinking: The Pseudo-intellectual Trap

Ever gotten in a mental loop where you’re continuously searching for answers to a problem and rather than come up with solutions you hit a dead end? Well, you’re not alone. It is normal to find yourself lingering on a problem longer than usual. Overthinking is a human phenomenon. It is every inch of our lives, like blinking, it is involuntary and largely beyond our control. Even when it is detrimental, people cannot help but overthink. But what is overthinking, why is it a trap everyone should avoid? Is there a way out? In this article, we’ll examine over-thinking, and its complexities and provide strategies for escaping the trap.

Caught in the swirl of overthinking. 🌀 #tCaPC

Overthinkers dwell on issues longer than is normal, even when the answer is clear. Overthinking is a sign of our refusal to accept the outcome of a situation. Imagine your old dog got run over by a car, but you choose to agonize. The doctor says they need to give it a couple of stitches, so you have nothing to worry about. You already know the old fellow is safe in the hands of the vet, but you won’t accept it. You choose to wait, certain something will go wrong. This is overthinking. So, over time you discover you’re caught up in a web of paranoia, barring every action or clarity. Just like Irene in our story below, recognizing the red flags of overthinking earlier can help you avoid the trap. Through personalized care, she regained focus and embraced each day as it came.

Irene’s Story

Irene is an investment banker with a 9/5 job that gives her as much financial stability as could be desired. Her life is amazing with just Foxx and Tim (dog and boyfriend) adding spice and warmth. One weekend Tim brings Foxx home bruised and whimpering. Irene had called earlier to cancel the dinner date; she and Tim had scheduled it during the week. She had a lot more work to put into a quarterly report. Since he was already home, Tim decided to take Foxx for a late-night walk. Around the neighborhood, Foxx runs off to chat with Lynxx, a female dog. He gets careless and is hit by a car. He is limping and severely injured on the left foot. Irene arrives at the hospital panicky and anxious both for Tim and Foxx. For the next few days, she would wallow in fear, especially for Foxx. Understanding the telltale signs of overthinking is the first step to overcoming it.

Deep in thought #tCaPC

If you are constantly overthinking things, here are signs you need to seek professional help:

The Mask of Complexity

Overthinking makes you lose control, roaming in an endless search for calm that’s often elusive. Rather than solve the problem at hand it complicates it. Many times we fall for it because it offers a pseudo-intellectual cover, that is, a sham for escape from reality. This is the reason you end up rationalizing the most convenient course of action you eventually take; thinking. Just like Irene rationalized her anxiety that there was no way Foxx was going to survive the accident with the degree of bruises he sustained. It took professional help during couple therapy with Tim to make her accept that Foxx’s bad foot was only temporary.

The Illusion of Nuance

Overthinking can be an illusion. Overthinkers hide simple problems in sheets of imaginary dilemmas and dig up problems where there are none. Often, the ability to untangle webs of serious problems is something they find oddly satisfying. This is as much a severe type of mental illness. Overall, the simple problems people picture as complex are merely smokescreens created to pass up tough realities, even when a simple approach is apparent. Irene imagined that Foxx would never walk with his left foot again despite the doctor’s assurance. This line of thought gave her more peace of mind than any possibility of recovery. Understanding how overthinking works, the red flags, and how to avoid the mines are important for escaping the snag.

Intellectual Escapism

Finding solace in the depths, she escapes reality. 🌊 #tCaPC

Overthinking is pseudo-intellectual offering intellectual escape from reality. When you overthink you find that you simulate and engage in problem-solving, however, unproductive. That’s why at the end of the day you are unable to come up with any other course of action other than the obvious one. By overthinking Irene was trying to evade the hard truth that Foxx may have to live with a broken leg the rest of his life. Overthinking can leave you feeling like a coward merely taking your mind to the gym and working it up until you’re exhausted. Understanding that overthinking is nothing like intelligence can help you overcome the problem.

The Fallacy of Complexity

Overthinking thrives on a fallacy of complexity, yet, many people fall for the trick. Granted, life is full of complex issues heavy enough to sink anyone into anxiety and depression. However, not every problem involves long-winded answers. It’s like trying to kill a loud fly with a sledgehammer. Overthinking issues can be exhausting, wasting productive energy and prolonging decisions and actions. You can escape overthinking, by simply taking life as it is; simple.

Embrace simplicity in nature's beauty. 🌼 #tCaPC

Conclusion

Overthinking is a human phenomenon. Many people are ignorant of the red flags and are often caught up in the web even before they realize the danger to their mental health. Overcoming overthinking starts with recognizing the red flags, and the dangers it can pose to your health. Many people mistake overthinking for cleverness, rather than acknowledging the mental trap that it is. By embracing simplicity, you can avoid escaping the trap and focus on the things that matter more. When next you catch yourself agonizing and overanalyzing a simple problem, take a step back, and trust your instincts.