Wanita Muda Banyak Alami 'Overthinking', Apa Bahayanya?

Summary

In this interview, Dr. Ray Wagyu Basrowi, founder and lead researcher at Health Collaborative Center, discusses the overthinking tendencies among young women, especially those under 40. He explains that social and psychological pressures, including dual roles as workers and caregivers, contribute significantly to overthinking. Dr. Basrowi highlights that women tend to engage in repetitive negative thoughts, a phenomenon worsened by socio-economic factors such as rising costs and job scarcity. He emphasizes the need for systemic interventions and professional support to help mitigate these issues and prevent mental health deterioration, offering solutions to reduce overthinking behaviors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Women are more prone to overthinking compared to men, particularly younger women, due to greater societal pressures.
• 😀 Social pressures on women are significantly higher than on men, leading to more mental and emotional burdens.
• 😀 Studies show that women experience repetitive negative thoughts (RNT) twice as often as men, increasing their overthinking tendencies.
• 😀 In Indonesia, social and economic conditions exacerbate the overthinking problem for women, especially those under 40 with family responsibilities.
• 😀 The traditional roles of women in families, such as being caregivers and workers, contribute to a double burden, leading to more stress and overthinking.
• 😀 Men also face societal pressures, but these pressures are different from those faced by women, who experience additional challenges in their roles as wives, mothers, and workers.
• 😀 Global studies indicate that women in different cultures, like Japan, also experience higher levels of repetitive negative thoughts due to factors like natural disasters.
• 😀 Overthinking in women can be triggered by socio-economic factors such as rising living costs, job insecurities, and family responsibilities.
• 😀 While women tend to open up more to friends about their problems, the lack of proper counseling skills often exacerbates their emotional struggles, leading to more overthinking.
• 😀 Overthinking becomes harmful when it leads to repetitive negative thoughts that are not addressed through effective support or intervention from professionals.
• 😀 It is essential for women facing overthinking to seek professional help and receive systemic interventions to mitigate the risks associated with repetitive negative thoughts.

Q & A

Why are women more likely to engage in overthinking than men, according to Dr. Ray Wagyu Basrowi?

Dr. Basrowi explains that women face much greater social pressures than men, especially in balancing work, family, and societal expectations. Studies have shown that these pressures lead to more frequent and intense overthinking, particularly for women under 40.

What specific factors contribute to the overthinking in young women in Indonesia?

The main factors contributing to overthinking in young women in Indonesia include social and cultural pressures, economic challenges such as rising costs, and the dual burden of being both a caregiver and a professional, especially for those who are under 40 and are not working or are struggling to find employment.

How does the role of women in Indonesian society increase their vulnerability to overthinking?

Women in Indonesia often face a double burden of managing household responsibilities and work expectations. The lack of systemic support, such as mental health resources and adequate workplace facilities, exacerbates the stress, leading to more repetitive negative thoughts.

What is the difference between men and women when it comes to dealing with negative thoughts?

Dr. Basrowi points out that women are more likely to experience repetitive negative thoughts (RNT) compared to men. Women tend to ruminate more on their thoughts, especially in terms of past events and future concerns, whereas men are less likely to do so.

What are the four main causes that lead to overthinking in women, as identified by Dr. Basrowi's research?

The four main causes leading to overthinking in women are: 1) excessive worry about the future, 2) brooding over past mistakes, 3) interference, which refers to negative thoughts invading daily life, and 4) fixation, where women become trapped in pessimistic viewpoints.

What role does socio-economic status play in exacerbating overthinking among women?

Women, particularly those with families, are heavily affected by socio-economic challenges. Dr. Basrowi highlights that the rising cost of living, economic instability, and difficulty in finding jobs intensify stress, especially for women responsible for maintaining family sustainability.

How do workplace conditions affect the mental health of women, especially those with children?

Women in the workforce, especially those with children, often lack adequate support in the workplace. Dr. Basrowi explains that insufficient facilities for breastfeeding and a lack of mental health support at work can exacerbate stress, contributing to more overthinking and negative thought patterns.

What is the impact of social media on overthinking among women?

Dr. Basrowi notes that social media often becomes an outlet for women to express frustration. However, it can exacerbate overthinking when negative thoughts are shared without constructive feedback or solutions, creating a feedback loop of distress and rumination.

What is the difference between 'venting' and 'counseling' in helping women manage overthinking?

Venting, or simply talking about problems, does not always lead to effective solutions. Dr. Basrowi emphasizes that while women may find comfort in sharing their struggles with others, without proper counseling skills or advice, the problems may persist, making overthinking worse.

What solutions does Dr. Basrowi suggest to help mitigate the risks of overthinking among women?

Dr. Basrowi suggests that women need professional mental health support and systemic interventions. These could include providing better workplace facilities, reducing socio-economic pressures, and ensuring that women receive proper counseling and mental health support to deal with overthinking and its underlying causes.