Ever feel like your brain is running a marathon you never signed up for? If you’re like me, I wish my brain had a simple power button to stop the endless loop of thoughts.
Well, if you’ve got ADHD, chances are your brain isn’t just active—it’s running a full-blown mental marathon, analyzing every detail, questioning every decision, and refusing to let anything go.
Overthinking isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a side effect of an ADHD brain that struggles with regulation. Instead of moving on, your mind latches onto worries, conversations, and imagining the worst-case scenarios.
Or it just gets stuck in a holding pattern over the small stuff – like me. It’s frustrating, because it really holds up progress. What are we to do?
The ADHD Thought Spiral
It starts with something small. A text you sent. A comment you made. A decision you second-guessed. And suddenly, your brain is dissecting every possible outcome, replaying conversations, and inventing scenarios that never even happened.
ADHD overthinking isn’t just about worrying—it’s about hyper-analyzing, replaying, and getting stuck in loops that feel impossible to escape. Why does this happen? Because ADHD brains struggle with executive function, meaning they have trouble regulating thoughts, emotions, and focus. Instead of smoothly shifting gears, we get stuck in mental traffic jams.
Why We Overthink Everything
- Rejection Sensitivity: Did I say the wrong thing? Do they hate me now? ADHD brains are wired to hyper-focus on social interactions, making even minor moments feel like life-altering events.
- Perfectionism: If it’s not perfect, it’s a failure. ADHD minds often obsess over details, fearing mistakes or criticism.
- Memory Gaps: Did I forget something important? ADHD affects working memory, making us second-guess whether we remembered everything.
- Hyperfocus Gone Wrong: ADHD isn’t just about distraction—it’s also about intense focus on things that don’t always deserve it.
Breaking Free from the Overthinking Trap
If your brain is stuck in overdrive, here’s how to hit the brakes:
- Write It Down: Get those thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Seeing them in front of you makes them easier to process.
- Move Your Body: Exercise isn’t just good for your health—it’s a reset button for your brain.
- Distract Yourself (Intentionally): Engage in something that requires focus—puzzles, art, music—to redirect your mental energy.
- Talk It Out: Sometimes, saying your thoughts out loud helps break the cycle and put things into perspective.
Your Brain Is a Gift (Even When It’s Annoying)
Yes, ADHD overthinking can be exhausting. But it also means you’re deep-thinking, creative, and emotionally aware. The trick is learning how to channel that energy into something productive instead of letting it run wild (like misguided enthusiasm).
So, next time your brain won’t shut up, remind yourself: You’re not broken. You’re just wired differently. And that’s not a bad thing.
#inthistogether -Renee
