When Your Mind Won’t Turn Off: A Note to the Overthinker and Perfectionist

If your mind feels like it’s always “on,” cycling through what you said, what you did, or what you should be doing; this is for you. Many of the clients I work with struggle with overthinking and perfectionism. They’re thoughtful, self-aware, and deeply caring. But that care often turns inward as pressure, self-doubt, and exhaustion. If that sounds familiar, keep reading. 

To the overthinker. The perfectionist. The one whose mind never seems to rest.

You’re not broken. You’re just tired.

Tired from carrying so much, from replaying conversations on a loop, from over-preparing, over-apologizing, over-performing, just to feel okay.

Maybe no one sees how heavy it is to always get it right, to be thoughtful, kind, self-aware, productive, and still wonder if it’s enough.

But I see you.

Perfectionism isn’t vanity; it’s fear. It’s your nervous system trying to stay safe. And overthinking is your brain working overtime to protect you, whether from getting hurt, being misunderstood, or feeling like you failed.

It’s all rooted in care. The mind means well, but it gets tired too.

Healing doesn’t mean silencing every anxious thought. It means learning to hear them without letting them take over. It means reminding yourself, I’m safe now, even when that feels unfamiliar.

You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to be enough without being perfect. You’re allowed to show up messy, unsure, and fully human.

If you’re in this place, I’m here. These are the patterns we can gently unlearn together.

Janel Led

Registered Psychotherapist| Above Clarity Therapy

Want support with overthinking or perfectionism? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can offer a soft place to land, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. If this resonates, feel free to reach out or book a free consultation through the email: info@aboveclaritytherapy.ca.