AMOR: OVERTHINKING

On Monday, July 7, 2025, BPS-Statistics Sumatera Utara Province held an AMOR (Anak Medan mOnday Reaction) session with the theme Overthinking. The speakers included Yohana Manik, Dinda Nababan, Cindy Auliani Hutagalung, and Natasha Putri Nadeak.

Overthinking is the habit of excessively dwelling on a matter to the point of hindering decision-making. According to Ehring & Watkins (2008), overthinking or repetitive negative thinking is a common factor in mental disorders such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Overthinking can have a broad impact on various aspects of life. Mentally, it may trigger stress, anxiety, and burnout. Physically, it may manifest as insomnia, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Socially, it often leads to procrastination in decision-making and withdrawal from social interactions.

There are several causes of overthinking. Perfectionism can make someone overly focused on details for fear of making mistakes. An overload of information can overwhelm the brain, making it difficult to filter what's important. Uncertainty about outcomes often fuels anxiety, and the fear of failure can cause the mind to be constantly filled with worry.

To manage overthinking, start by journaling to clear your mind. Set a time limit for thinking, then take action. Accept uncertainty as a part of life, and don’t hesitate to confide in someone you trust. Redirect your energy through activities like sports, art, or entertainment, and practice mindfulness or meditation to build inner calm.

During the sharing session, Head of BPS-Statistics Sumatera Utara Province, Asim Saputra, encouraged all staff to pay attention to their mental health in the course of daily work. Maintaining a balance between responsibilities and inner well-being is considered essential to creating a healthy and productive work environment.