Overthinking and Self-Doubt: Anxiety in College Students

Frequent daydreaming or excessive rumination?

Hello, Doctor :) I am a university student, and because some of my courses teach us about "reflection," I often find myself pondering what is right and what is wrong.
This has led me to think deeply about the meaning of life and why certain actions are considered right or wrong.
I keep thinking and thinking, and while I eventually conclude my thoughts, I can't help but dwell on the things I haven't figured out.
I also feel like I lack confidence in myself.
I frequently check if I have everything I need, if the door is locked, and so on, but I usually only check one or two extra times.
My parents often taught me to double-check everything before leaving the house, which might have contributed to my personality.
Is this related to obsessive-compulsive disorder? So now I'm starting to wonder if there might be some underlying issue at play, haha, and I often feel anxious about various things.
Is this due to a lack of understanding about many aspects of life, causing me to overthink? I feel like I lack confidence, so I often think that if I do something good, then something else will improve.
For example, if I don't do well on a test today, I might think that if I do something nice, then I'll do better tomorrow, or that if I accomplish one task, another will also improve (even though the two may not be related).
Does this indicate a lack of self-confidence, or is it obsessive behavior, or perhaps excessive worry or anxiety? I have also asked similar questions at another place (Health Magazine), and the doctor there mentioned that today's youth are exposed to too many different things, which leads to overthinking.
Is that true? I also asked if emotional well-being can contribute to overall health, and your response was correct.
Thank you very much; I am slowly learning to be more optimistic and think positively.
I apologize for asking so many questions, and I truly appreciate your response :)

Nín hǎo :), 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/06/16

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, being thoughtful or overthinking is neither inherently good nor bad; it depends on how you apply it and what impact it has on you and those around you.
Additionally, it’s important to know when to let go of certain thoughts with grace.
If your situation leads to smooth sailing, with praise from others and no psychological burden on yourself, that’s great.
Conversely, if that’s not the case, it’s necessary to explore the reasons and improve upon the issues you’ve raised, which is quite interesting—does action A affect action B? Perhaps the two are unrelated or lack a causal relationship.
However, I have always believed that doing good deeds, helping others, and maintaining an optimistic outlook can positively influence many aspects of life, steering things in a favorable direction.
Even when faced with challenges, it seems easier to resolve them.
If you find yourself inexplicably fearful of various things, that can also be a remedy! If we were to adopt a life attitude, I would recommend optimism and altruism, as they seem to be better for mental health.
If you practice this as well, that’s wonderful! Wishing you success in your studies and a happy Dragon Boat Festival.
Sincerely, Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan.

Reply Date: 2010/06/16

More Info

It's great to hear from you, and I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and feelings. From what you've described, it seems like you're experiencing a combination of overthinking, self-doubt, and anxiety, which are common challenges faced by many college students. Let's break down some of the aspects you've mentioned and explore them further.

Firstly, the tendency to overthink and reflect deeply on life’s meaning and the rightness or wrongness of actions can be a sign of a thoughtful and introspective personality. However, when this reflection turns into a cycle of rumination—where you find yourself stuck in a loop of thoughts without resolution—it can lead to increased anxiety and self-doubt. This is particularly common in academic settings, where the pressure to perform and the fear of failure can exacerbate these feelings.

Your mention of checking things repeatedly, such as ensuring you have everything before leaving or checking if doors are locked, can be indicative of anxiety or even obsessive-compulsive tendencies. While it’s normal to double-check things occasionally, if you find yourself doing this excessively or feeling distressed if you don’t, it might be worth exploring further. This behavior often stems from a desire for control in uncertain situations, which is a common response to anxiety.

The feelings of self-doubt you described—believing that your actions can somehow influence unrelated outcomes (like thinking that doing something good will lead to better exam results)—can also be linked to anxiety. This kind of magical thinking is often a way for individuals to cope with feelings of helplessness or lack of control in their lives. It’s important to recognize that while our actions can influence outcomes, they do not guarantee specific results, and this realization can help alleviate some of the pressure you place on yourself.

Regarding your upbringing and the influence of your parents' teachings, it’s not uncommon for childhood experiences to shape our behaviors and thought patterns. If you were taught to always check things before leaving, this could have instilled a habit of needing to ensure everything is perfect before moving on. While this can be a useful trait in moderation, it can become burdensome if it leads to excessive worry or anxiety.

The doctor you consulted mentioned that today’s youth are exposed to a plethora of information, which can lead to confusion and overthinking. This is indeed a relevant point. In our fast-paced, information-rich world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices and opinions available. This can lead to a state of analysis paralysis, where you find it difficult to make decisions or feel confident in your choices.

To address these feelings, consider implementing some strategies to manage your anxiety and promote self-confidence:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce the tendency to ruminate on past actions or future worries. Meditation can also help calm your mind and improve your overall mental well-being.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: Challenge negative thoughts by questioning their validity. Ask yourself if there is evidence to support your worries or if they are based on assumptions. This can help you reframe your thinking and reduce anxiety.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small achievements to build your confidence over time.

4. Limit Information Overload: Be mindful of the information you consume. Consider setting boundaries on social media and news consumption to reduce feelings of overwhelm.

5. Seek Support: Talking to a counselor or therapist can provide you with tools to manage anxiety and help you explore these feelings in a safe environment.

6. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Recognize that everyone struggles with self-doubt and anxiety at times, and it’s okay to seek help.

In conclusion, while your experiences may feel overwhelming, they are not uncommon among college students. By understanding the roots of your anxiety and implementing coping strategies, you can work towards a more balanced and confident mindset. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking steps towards self-improvement is a sign of strength.

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