Why do I overthink everything?

Overthinking is your brain's attempt to gain control over situations that feel uncertain.

Possible Reasons

You have a strong need for control or certainty

You've been burned by unexpected outcomes before

You care deeply about getting things right

Your brain is wired to scan for threats

You don't trust your own judgment

What It May Feel Like

Like your thoughts are a hamster wheel that won't stop

Like you're exhausted but can't turn your brain off

Like every decision has impossibly high stakes

Questions to Sit With

  • What am I afraid will happen if I make the wrong choice?
  • Has overthinking ever actually prevented a bad outcome?
  • What would it feel like to trust myself more?

Stories for this feeling

If this sounds like you, here are three stories.

More questions