Mental health struggles and feeling addicted to my own thoughts

I found this really interesting because I’ve been reflecting a lot on my relationship with my thoughts lately. It’s like I’ve developed this strange addiction to them, and it’s not always the healthy kind. You know, it’s easy to get caught up in our own minds, especially when we’re faced with stress or uncertainty. But for me, it feels like I’ve been stuck in this loop, cycling through worries and anxieties that just won’t let go.

Sometimes I find myself obsessing over the smallest details, replaying conversations in my head or worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet. It’s exhausting, to say the least. It’s like I’m addicted to overthinking—like my brain has a mind of its own and it just refuses to hit the pause button. I’ve learned that sometimes, the hardest thing can be stepping back and allowing myself to just breathe, but that can feel downright impossible when I’m in the thick of it.

I’ve tried a few different strategies to help break these cycles. For example, I’ve started journaling, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. It helps me transfer some of those swirling thoughts onto paper, and somehow seeing them laid out makes them feel less overwhelming. Plus, there’s something therapeutic about putting pen to paper; it’s like I’m unloading a bit of the mental baggage I carry around.

Another thing I’ve been exploring is mindfulness. I know it sounds cliché, but when I can manage to focus on the present moment, it really does help quiet the chaos in my head. I’ve been spending a little time each day just sitting with my thoughts—acknowledging them without judgment and then letting them drift away. It’s not easy, and I still struggle on days when the weight of my thoughts feels heavier, but I’m learning to treat myself with more compassion.

What I find fascinating is how our thoughts can become this kind of unhealthy coping mechanism, almost like a security blanket we can’t seem to part with. I guess it raises the question: how do we untangle ourselves from our own minds and find a healthier balance? I’d love to hear how others navigate their mental health challenges. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by your own thoughts? How do you find that space to breathe?