Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
Psychologists say why ‘stop overthinking’ advice often fails
Two psychologists in Gurugram say telling someone to “stop overthinking” does not explain how to do it.
They describe overthinking as a cycle in which a person replays a thought, looks for certainty and briefly feels more prepared, before the same worry returns.
The mind may be trying to protect the person, but complete certainty is often impossible.
Thinking can help when it leads to a specific action; repeatedly revisiting the same issue without progress can increase anxiety.
The psychologists suggest asking whether there is something practical to do right now.
They also recommend separating known facts from assumptions and checking whether the goal is solving a problem or feeling completely certain.
Their advice is to notice when reflection has turned into repetition, rather than expecting to have no worries.
Psychologists say telling someone to “just stop overthinking” is unlikely to help because overthinking can be driven by the brain’s search for certainty.
Dr Rahul Chandhok and Dr Munia Bhattacharya describe overthinking as a repetitive loop that can briefly feel protective but often increases anxiety.
They distinguish problem-solving, which leads to a specific action, from rumination, which revisits the same issue without progress.
Bhattacharya suggests asking whether anything can be done now, separating facts from assumptions, and checking whether the goal is a solution or complete certainty.
Chandhok advises noticing a thought without automatically engaging with it, rather than trying to force it away.
- Who
- Psychologists Dr Rahul Chandhok and Dr Munia Bhattacharya
- What
- Advice on why “just stop overthinking” may fail and how to respond to repetitive thoughts
- When
- Published October 10, 2026
- Where
- Hindustan Times; the experts are based at hospitals in Gurugram
- Why
- They say the brain seeks certainty to feel protected, but complete certainty is often unavailable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Problem solving produces a specific action, whereas rumination circles around the same issue, without any progress
Overthinking is often your brain asking for certainty that life cannot give you.
Trying to push unwanted thoughts away can make them seem even more persistent
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Published
- October 10, 2026
- Experts
- Dr Rahul Chandhok and Dr Munia Bhattacharya
- Chandhok's workplace
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- Bhattacharya's workplace
- Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram
- Bhattacharya's self-check
- Three questions about possible action, facts versus assumptions, and the search for certainty
Sources
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