Worry and rumination

Disorders and difficulties Therapies and practical advice Perspectives and controversies

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Stuck in a loop of worrying thoughts? Here’s how to stop it

Dwelling on your difficulties might feel like problem-solving, but it can be pernicious. There are tools to stop the habit

by Megan L Rogers

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

Painting of a person sitting indoors looking out at a garden with flying birds, framed by large windows.

Worry and rumination

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How to stop overthinking

Grappling with your thoughts will leave you even more entangled in worry. Use metacognitive strategies to break free

by Pia Callesen

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

Anxiety

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

Directed by Sindha Agha

Photo of hands nervously fidgeting with fingers in focus, soft background of dark jeans visible.

Worry and rumination

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Here’s how to take back your life from long-term worrying

Long after they’ve gone, stressors can cause harm to your health. These psychological techniques offer a powerful defence

by Dane McCarrick & Daryl O’Connor

Photo of a child in a Minnie Mouse outfit meeting Pluto and Goofy characters at a theme park entrance with an adult nearby.

Worry and rumination

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Worry is an unhelpful friend and a shoddy fortune-teller

Worry is emotionally distressing, messes with our thinking, and makes us miss out on the things that matter. Dump it fast

by Lucas LaFreniere

Photo of a person in a red hat and glasses sitting thoughtfully in a cafe with a coffee and a phone on the table.

Emotion regulation

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How to take things less personally

Always blaming yourself or assuming others think ill of you? A CBT therapist shares ways to break these self-critical habits

by Joel Minden

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 a man in a yellow jacket opening a front door, with blinds on a window in a dimly lit room.

Anxiety

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What to do when your urge for reassurance has gone too far

The need for constant reassurance can show up like a persistent itch. Follow these steps for a more lasting peace of mind

by Matt Huston

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

Black and white photo of a man silhouetted sitting in a doorway looking at boats and a hotel across a harbour.

Difficult emotions

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How to deal with regret

In a world of choices, it’s impossible to avoid regret. Unpleasant as it is, you can make it bearable, even inspirational

by Jelena Kecmanovic