Worry and rumination

Disorders and difficulties Therapies and practical advice Perspectives and controversies

A woman on a laptop in a modern café with wall art, a large cactus and pendant lights above.

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What if your worry problem is really a planning problem?

Clinicians have long recognised the link between worry and planning. New research asks what this means for managing anxiety

by Paul B Sharp

Photo of a woman in a floral shirt, appearing deep in thought with her hands clasped near her face.

Cognitive and behavioural therapies

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Instead of wrestling with self-defeating thoughts, try this

When your own thoughts discourage and undermine you, it’s easy to get tangled. A change of strategy could get you past it

by Joe Oliver & Kristy Potter

Photo of a woman in a floral blouse thinking deeply with her hands clasped near her face.

Cognitive and behavioural therapies

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Instead of wrestling with self-defeating thoughts, try this

When your own thoughts discourage and undermine you, it’s easy to get tangled. A change of strategy could get you past it

by Joe Oliver & Kristy Potter

Close-up of hands holding clear frogspawn with visible black eggs in a natural outdoor setting.

Creativity

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A filmmaker’s never-realised ideas become an exploration of self-doubt

Directed by Cameron Nicoll

Photo of two people sitting at a table by a window, talking and drinking coffee, with a rainy view outside.

Worry and rumination

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Rehashing your problems with friends can turn into a bad habit

Although ‘co-rumination’ bolsters relationships in some ways, it also distracts from other, better coping methods

by Shayla Love

Photo of a wooden door with a metal chain lock, slightly scuffed surface and ornate latch on top against a dark background.

Worry and rumination

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Should you confront your worries or try to banish them?

Psychotherapists have long believed it’s a bad idea to suppress worrisome thoughts, but new research is prompting a rethink

by Shayla Love

Photograph of commuters in motion at a train station with a reflection of a bridge seen in the train window.

Worry and rumination

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How to thrive amid ‘imposter syndrome’

Worries that you’re incompetent and undeserving could be holding you back. Try these steps to move toward the life you want

by Jill Stoddard

A red hibiscus flower and green leaves are divided into four vertical panels against a blue background, overlaid by raindrop textures.

Anxiety

film

Climate fears make Sindha feel doomed. Can eco-therapy help?

Directed by Sindha Agha

A woman seen from behind talks on a mobile phone while distractedly running her hand through her hair

Worry and rumination

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If thinking is rational, what makes overthinking irrational?

A philosophical perspective on overthinking offers fresh insights into the mental processes involved in anxiety and OCD

by Pablo Hubacher Haerle

Photo of a man in an office walking pensively, with wooden walls and brown chairs around.

Emotion regulation

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Why it might not help – and could hurt – to brace for the worst

When awaiting a potentially stressful update or event, do you assume it won’t go your way? There may be better options

by Ella Moeck

Painting of a serene river scene with distant houses and trees reflecting in the water under a hazy blue sky.

Worry and rumination

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How to feel less stressed

Everyone handles stress differently. The ‘4Ds’ approach is about helping you find the coping strategies that work for you

by Warren Mansell & Louise Mansell