We widely claim, justify and believe that overthinking is a disease, a mental condition where a person imagines everything that has not happened and might never even happen in future.
Commonly called a trait of a depressed person who imagines all wrongs in their thinking and start living with that created dark mindset. Everyone gives GYAN (wisdom) don't overthink, don't think too much or it will harm your mind and will make you negative. To some extent, that might be true as well. But for the overthinker that's the route to the scenario where the worst thing has not yet happened. It to some extent gives them strength to know that it's still not that bad. It's an escape route that no one knows is needed or not.
Well, overthinking at times gives strength too if not done in negative corotation. The science behind Overthinking says when a mind is unable to process reality, it creates memories that we either wish to happen or we know what should not happen.
Our friend Ishaan was the perfect example of it.
After he gave interview in his current organization, he already got promoted then appraised in future then got fired in his imagination.
How? Let's have a look in the process.
When he appeared for the call, he gave his best, answered all questions, was well presentable, clear. He was nervous but had clarity in his approach. So, the interview went well, and he was promised feedback within few days.
While waiting, he saw few posts on the opening, and he was like company is still searching for new candidates after meeting him. Earlier his overthinking was running in positive direction where he was promoted, appreciated. A loner like him made new friends, enjoyed, had someone to share things. But then the anxiety got better of him. He went through such negative thoughts that he called HR to say that if company wants to reject him then he is not interested too.
Thankfully to his luck, the HR was on leave for few days so they couldn't contact Ishaan for next process. When he now thinks about it, he thanks his stars for not able to reach HR that day.
So, our friend decided to now think only positive from now onwards. He got the job, was happy and worked really hard to achieve all targets. All was going well till one day......
His Mom called, festivals were coming so family gathering had to be done. He happily with his head high finally was willing to fly with newfound wings to his home. He was welcomed by all, and days were going happily with celebrations till that happen.
His sister and brother arrived with obviously grand gifts, sweets that was not thoughtful but expensive in terms of money. As expected, parents were all GAGA seeing them and suddenly the child giving his all leaves in parent's love felt smaller Infront of lavish gifts but little time.
He to avoid going back to his depressed self, started overthinking as how he is being praised for giving time to family, being valued and loved. As a result, his loneliness took over and he got back to his shell. The efforts and enthusiasm that he came with slowly and painfully died.
Seeing this, I was forced to think is it always necessary to value materialistic things over emotional gifts? That too by your very loved ones? No, no I am not everyone does it with their kids, but harsh reality and luxury approach says otherwise.
Krishna said," the weak cannot say he can forgive if he has no strength to fight but to forgive and not fight is the only option he has".
Same was the case with our Ishaan. He had no strength or willingness to stand up for his self-respect. As is the case with most of us. So, to keep his sanity, he started living in his delusion self, where everything was good. At least no one was demeaning him or judging him to make his self-small. Childhood traumas, neglect, various comparisons forced him to overthink everything before it even happens.
Little, he knew that he was training his mind to work for him in negative manner. Something called Subconscious mind that acts as a savior when we cannot handle pain. It acts as a friend and creates memories where all strength is gathered. Extreme scenarios already lived so nothing harsh in reality can ever harm us.
Knowing this, we cannot say if overthinking acts as a negative trait or an escape route from pain?
Food for Thought:
It saves some of us from pain and to some gives hope in life that seems unreal still we cling to it for strength. No Right or Wrong this time.
