When the Mind Won’t Switch Off: What Psychologists Are Noticing About Increasing Anxiety Trends

Across therapy rooms and mental health clinics, a common theme is becoming increasingly evident: more and more people are struggling with the inability to switch off their minds. The experience of relentless overthinking, racing thoughts and mental exhaustion is becoming a defining feature of modern anxiety. 

Whilst anxious thoughts are not a new concern in the field of psychology, the way anxiety is manifesting today is changing—and professionals are taking notice.

Understanding Overthinking as a Pattern

Overthinking is not classified as a formal mental health diagnosis, but it is closely associated with conditions such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive thinking patterns. 

People who overthink may find themselves caught in cycles of repetitive thoughts, difficulty making decisions and an ongoing mental narrative filled with “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. This pattern is both a symptom of underlying anxiety and, often, a coping strategy that inadvertently makes things worse.

The Cost of Constant Mental Activity

According to a 2018 study by the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of adults said they felt so stressed at some point during the year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. This highlights how common cognitive and emotional overload has become in everyday life. For many individuals, the line between stress and anxiety is becoming increasingly blurred.

The consequences of overthinking go beyond internal discomfort. People struggling with excessive mental activity often report disrupted sleep, chronic fatigue, tension headaches, irritability and difficulty staying focused. 

These symptoms can affect relationships, performance at work and overall quality of life. In some cases, chronic overthinking contributes to burnout and depression.

Why Overthinking Is on the Rise

This increase in mental noise is not entirely surprising given today’s social and cultural climate. A combination of global uncertainty, health concerns, economic instability and constant digital connectivity means that people have fewer opportunities for psychological rest. 

Information is everywhere, and the pressure to keep up, perform and remain vigilant is immense. Over time, this can lead to a near-constant state of alertness, where the brain never truly powers down.

In addition to social stressors, there is growing concern about the mental health impact of perfectionism, particularly among young people. Many individuals feel compelled to meet unrealistic standards in their personal and professional lives. 

This kind of chronic internal pressure often fuels overthinking, as people become hyper-focused on avoiding mistakes, predicting outcomes or second-guessing decisions long after they’re made.

Data from NHS Digital in 2022 revealed that 39% of adults aged 18 to 34 reported high levels of anxiety—the highest rate among all age groups. This finding underscores how younger generations are particularly vulnerable to modern anxiety patterns shaped by social comparison, online exposure and economic uncertainty.

How Therapy Can Help With Overthinking

Psychologists are seeing positive outcomes when individuals engage in therapy designed to address anxiety and overthinking directly. Therapy for overthinking helps people break mental loops, manage excessive worry and develop healthier ways to relate to their thoughts.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for example, is widely used to help clients identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns. Mindfulness-based approaches are also gaining popularity, helping people observe their thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them. Other clients benefit from psychodynamic therapy, which explores underlying fears or past experiences that drive overthinking as a protective mechanism.

Therapy can help with overthinking by offering a structured and supportive space where individuals learn to interrupt their cycles of worry, better tolerate uncertainty and begin to feel more in control of their internal world.

Supporting Change Outside of the Therapy Room

Beyond clinical sessions, psychologists encourage several self-help strategies to support mental clarity and reduce overthinking. Simple but consistent practices can have a profound impact on managing day-to-day anxiety. These include:

• Keeping a journal to process emotions and thoughts constructively
• Reducing screen time, especially before bed, to improve mental wind-down
• Incorporating physical activity to regulate stress hormones
• Using relaxation techniques such as breathwork or guided meditation

These tools are not about silencing the mind entirely but about restoring a sense of calm, clarity and control.

A Shift Toward Compassionate Mental Healthcare

One of the most important changes in the way psychologists are addressing overthinking is through compassion. Clients are learning to understand their overthinking not as a personal flaw, but as a habit shaped by stress, fear and life experiences. Reframing the issue helps to reduce shame and opens the door to healthier coping mechanisms.

As awareness grows and more people seek support, there is hope that overthinking will be viewed not just as a symptom to manage, but as a signal for deeper care—both mentally and emotionally. For those feeling stuck in their own thoughts, the message from mental health professionals is clear: help is available and with the right support, the mind can learn to rest.