Q: Which specialist doctor to consult for mental disorders?
A: A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can be consulted for mental disorders.
Q: Is overthinking a mental disorder?
A: Overthinking by itself is not labeled a disorder but the tendency to overthink is common in several mental health conditions such as phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, depression, eating disorders, and somatic symptom disorders.
Q: How do I stop overthinking everything?
A: Overthinking can be curbed by measures such as journaling, setting a fixed worry time, practical problem solving, social support, and professional help.
Q: How can I quiet my mind?
A: Ways to quieten the mind include learning to ignore or tolerate thoughts by withholding attention, being mindful in the present, and maintaining a thought record or diary.
Q: How do I know my overthinking is problematic?
A: If the amount of time spent in thinking, the frequency and the intensity are high, and the excessive thinking leads to distress and impairment in daily life activities, it is likely that a mental health disorder could be present.
Q: How do I help someone who overthinks?
A: You can help someone who overthinks by first trying to understand their need to do so and empathize, and then explore healthier ways of dealing with situations along with them. Making fun of them or telling them to stop overthinking is unlikely to help as they are already finding it difficult.
