A Forum For OverThinkers | Anxiety

Overthinking = endless torrents of negative thoughts and emotions

OTI was formed in November 2006 by two fellow travelers. On a trade trip to China they quickly discovered they had something in common: they tended to think to much about the most trivial things.

So after a long thinking session they decided to create this web site for overthinkers.

During the trip they came up with the OTI concept. If one tended to overthink something the other simply said "OTI" to remind the other that overthinking was un-productive.

Overthinking can be destructive and time consuming. This site will grow with information about overthinking and what you can do to reduce OT.

• Overthinking is a national epidemic among young and middle aged adults but is relatively rare among older adults: 73 percent of 25-35 year-olds overthink compared to 52 percent of 45-55 year-olds and just 20 percent of 65-75 year-olds.
   
• Overthinking contributes to severe depression and anxiety — especially in women — and interferes with good problem-solving.
   
• Women are significantly more likely than men to fall into overthinking and to be immobilized by it: 57 percent of women and 43 percent of men are overthinkers.
   
• Overthinkers are significantly more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, and overthinking may push some individuals to consider or attempt suicide.