Dear Whisperz Within family,

After two excruciatingly tedious days of mental gymnastics with Anxious Annie, Control Freak Carl, and Fearsome Fred, we’ve finally reached the last part of our series. The Olympic finale! (Not really, as my beloved characters refuse to retire—because why would they ever give me a break, right?)

Today, in Part 3, we focus on the grand finale of this mental marathon. Imagine our overthinking trio competing in an endless decathlon, each event designed to test our decision-making, mental endurance, and daily life resilience. Anxious Annie takes the lead in the worry hurdles, Control Freak Carl dominates the planning pole vault, and Fearsome Fred excels in the uncertainty sprint. As they navigate these relentless events, the toll on our mental health becomes all too clear. It's like we're constantly running a mental marathon without ever reaching the finish line. Each challenge leaves us more exhausted than the last, as we struggle to keep up with the never-ending demands.

These events wreak havoc on our mental health, leaving us mentally exhausted as we try to keep up with the constant demands. And let's not forget the emotional toll it takes on our loved ones, who are left watching from the sidelines, unsure of how to help without becoming part of the chaos.

So, what can be done to support an overthinker? We’ll tackle what not to say to an overthinker. Spoiler alert: telling someone to "just stop worrying" is about as helpful as a snowblower in the Sahara.

Overthinking can turn the simplest decisions into Herculean tasks. Take getting dressed for work, for example. What should be a quick, straightforward choice can spiral into an hour-long ordeal. Do I go with the practical choice or the stylish one? What will others think? Before I know it, I'm late and frustrated. This leaves me frazzled and starting my day already stressed out. I know this is just a minor thing, but it gives you a glimpse into how small things can become big challenges for an overthinker.

The impact on mental health is no less significant. I often feel like my brain has run a marathon, constantly cycling through thoughts, leaving me mentally exhausted. I tell my loved ones it's like having a circus in my brain with a one-man show.

Picture this: I could be at the beach, relaxing and soaking up the sun, supposedly having fun. But my brain? It's lost on an island in the middle of the sea, experiencing all four seasons at once. Instead of focusing on how to get off the island, I'm desperately trying to find a Wi-Fi connection to send an email, thinking about how to get dinner ready, and worrying about everything else. All this, while I'm stranded on that sunny beach. The irony is both laughable and utterly draining.

Then there's the toll on daily life. Overthinking can make even the simplest tasks seem daunting. My mind is always racing, always analyzing, and always preparing for every possible outcome. It's like living in a perpetual state of mental exhaustion.

Relationships are not spared either. Overthinking complicates communication with loved ones. A simple text can become a source of endless analysis. If my son says "Mom" instead of the usual "Mother Dearest," or a loved one sends a message without their usual "Love" or "Dear," my brain immediately spirals. Are they upset with me? Did I do something wrong? They’re probably just busy, but my brain doesn’t grasp that. This constant questioning and second-guessing can be incredibly frustrating for my partner and loved ones, who often feel helpless in the face of my relentless worries.

And let’s be real, this doesn’t just affect us; it impacts our loved ones too. They have to deal with our incessant need for reassurance and our habit of turning minor issues into major crises. Now, there are countless guides on how to handle an overthinker, but let’s be honest, who has time for that? Instead, let's flip the script and dive into what you should absolutely avoid doing. Here are some classic gems you should steer clear of, along with why they’re about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine:

  1. "It's Not That Complicated" or "Stop Overanalyzing" Ah yes, because belittling someone's feelings always works wonders. These phrases are guaranteed to make an overthinker’s brain spiral even further, questioning why they’re so wrong for feeling how they do. Congratulations, you’ve just thrown gasoline on the anxiety fire.
  2. "Why Are You So Worried?" Because clearly, we hadn’t thought about worrying until you mentioned it. Now that you’ve pointed it out, we’re definitely going to calm down. Said no overthinker ever.
  3. "Just Relax" or "Calm Down" While you’re at it, why don’t you solve world hunger and achieve world peace too? Telling an overthinker to "just relax" is about as helpful as tossing a drowning person a book on swimming techniques. It’s like throwing a bucket of water on a grease fire—ineffective and likely to cause an explosion.
  4. "Everything Will Work Out" or "Think Positive" The ultimate clichés. Thanks for that crystal ball insight, but overthinkers live in a world of "what ifs" and "just in cases." These phrases just add to the list of things we need to analyze.
  5. "That’s Ridiculous, Why Would You Think That?" or "You're Overreacting" Because our brains are wired to explore every possible scenario, no matter how absurd. Questioning this just makes us feel even more isolated and misunderstood. Great job! Telling us we’re overreacting is like telling a tornado it’s being a bit too windy. We know we’re overreacting; that’s kind of the whole point.
  6. "Just Stop Thinking About It" Brilliant advice. We’ll get right on that, right after we figure out how to stop breathing. Our brains don’t have an off switch, and this suggestion is as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Remember, overthinkers aren’t looking for a magic solution. We know our brains can be a chaotic mess. What we need is understanding, patience, and a bit of empathy.

Today's Wisdom

"Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself." – Hermann Hesse

Hermann Hesse was a renowned German-Swiss poet, novelist, and painter. He is best known for his works such as Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, which explore themes of self-discovery and spirituality. His words encourage us to find peace within ourselves, even when our minds feel like a chaotic mess.

In the midst of all the mental gymnastics and relentless thoughts, it's essential to remember that you have a place of peace within you. No matter how chaotic things seem, you can always find a moment of calm and clarity by returning to your inner sanctuary. Just like a lotus flower blooming in a muddy pond, you have the strength and beauty within you to rise above the noise.

Remember, keep whispering your truth—because your inner peace and clarity will always rise above the chaos of overthinking.

Leila ❤️