WAG Mental Overthinking

[S_Flips]

Hey! I’m a level 7 gymnast and I’ve been having a hard time lately especially with bars. I’ve experienced many injuries in the past couple of months but I don’t think that’s the reason I’m having a hard time. I feel like my brain is overthinking every little move. I think for so long before my bar routines, during my routines and on the sides. I can’t seem to just shut off my thoughts and do what I need to do. Sometimes I might think something like “just one more routine” and then I think I’m going to end up falling, so I have to think about something to correct that thought. I try to think positive but sometimes I just can’t. Sometimes I’m also weirdly superstitious? Like if I don’t do something like handstands on the floor bar I’m going to have a terrible routine. I know this is not a good mindset but I don’t know how to just shut it off. This also stops me from going for skills on beam and bars. I could really use some help with my overthinking mental issues. Everything is greatly appreciated thank you!

 

[estamey21]

Do you have these type of intrusive thoughts, superstitions, or rituals in other areas of your life? Or is it just specific to gymnastics?

The reason why I ask is because you are describing symptoms that are common for people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I am not a doctor, so I am not giving you medical advice. But if your overthinking (obsessions) and your superstitious behaviors (compulsions) are causing you a lot of distress, I recommend talking to your doctor who will be able to give you better medical advice.

In the mean time, I recommend that you try to challenge your superstitions. Even if you feel very strongly that doing a handstand on the floor bar will help your routine, try to resist the urge to do a handstand. Giving in to your superstitions and listening to all the noisy chatter in your brain is only going to “feed the monster.” Basically, your brain is trying to bully you into believing things that simply aren’t true. The more you ignore your inner bully, the easier it will be for you to think clearly and confidently.

 

[Geoffrey Taucer]

"Of course this is happening in your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean it isn't real?"

Much as I've soured on JK Rowling lately, she absolutely nailed it with this line.

If your ankle or shoulder were giving you problems, you'd mention it to your doctor, and they'd either help solve the problem or direct you to a more specialized expert who can help you solve the problem. Your mind is no different; if you find your mind is giving you problems, talk to a doc about it.

Maybe it's OCD like estamey suggested, maybe it's something else, maybe it's just a lot of stress that you're having trouble handling -- whatever the case, there exist experts who can help you with it, and your doctor can almost certainly refer you to those experts.