Mentally, overthinking can lead to anxiety. When individuals continually worry about potential future events or dwell on past mistakes, they can develop generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, and relationships. For instance, someone might overthink an upcoming job presentation, imagining all the ways it could go wrong, which can lead to significant anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
Depression can be linked to overthinking. Ruminating on negative experiences or self-criticism, people can fall into a depressive state. Rumination involves repetitively thinking about the causes, consequences, and symptoms of one’s distress, rather than focusing on solutions. This pattern of thinking can intensify feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, core symptoms of depression. For example, someone who constantly replays a breakup in their mind might begin to feel unworthy of love, leading to deep sadness and withdrawal from social activities.
Psalm 94:19 offers comfort to those who struggle with overthinking and anxiety: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Thankfully, the verse acknowledges the reality of anxiety but also points to the joy and consolation found in God. It reassures believers that they are not alone in their struggles and that God provides solace amidst their worries.
~Bible Tools.com
