“It’s a struggle sometimes to shut down that voice of negativity in your head. Vulnerable teens especially can fall into the trap of seeing everything through a pessimistic lens.”

Akron Children’s Hospital

“Some examples of negative self-talk are self-evaluations (e.g., “I’m so stupid.”) or statements that guess how other people view us (e.g., “Everybody thinks I’m weird.”). Negative self-talk is one example of automatic thinking that is biased and prone to errors. If you feel depressed, sad, or down, you will have thoughts that tend to be negative about self, situation and future. This will lead to more depressed/sad emotions.”

Akron Children’s Hospital

“Psychological research shows that what we think can have a powerful influence on how we feel emotionally and physically, and on how we behave. Research also shows that our harmful thinking patterns can be changed.”

NPR

“Though the thoughts and feelings of over-processing may feel inescapable, the truth is that with time and practice you calm your mind.”

Mental Health America

“We know that negative thinking and depressed or anxious moods go hand-in-hand and can make people withdraw from social contact, not want to participate in previously enjoyed activities, and have less motivation towards school. Thoughts, moods and behaviors are so interconnected that you can’t change thoughts without impacting the other two in some way.”

Akron Children’s Hospital

“Metacognition is a big word for something most of us do every day without even noticing. Reflecting on our own thoughts is how we gain insight into our feelings, needs, and behaviors — and how we learn, manage, and adapt to new experiences, challenges, and emotional setbacks. It’s the running conversation we have in our heads, mentally sounding ourselves out and making plans.”

The Child Mind Institute

“Invariably, tweens, like all of us, will face situations that make them feel overwhelmed and often defeated—such as a looming test or a challenging social situation. Their first response to these common dilemmas may be to assume they simply can’t find a solution, which sets them up for failure.”

Very Well Mind

“When we notice ourselves having an inner dialogue about our thinking and it prompts us to evaluate our learning or problem-solving processes, we are experiencing metacognition at work. This skill helps us think better, make sound decisions, and solve problems more effectively. In fact, research suggests that as a young person’s metacognitive abilities increase, they achieve at higher levels.”

Psychology Today

“Metacognition is a fancy word for what we all know and do hundreds of times each day. Ever tried to focus your attention? Attempted to regulate an emotion? Felt distracted and made the decision to put away your phone? Each is an example of recognizing a mental state and trying to control it.”

Carleton University

“Gaining perspective from overthinking takes time and practice, but it is possible to master and incorporate into your life. Tools such as journaling, meditation, and mindfulness can help you quiet your mind.”

Mental Health America

“The way to combat this type of negative thinking is to use what are known as metacognitive abilities, which are a normal part of development. Metacognition allows us to self-reflect, monitor our thoughts, and come up with practical solutions to problems.”

Very Well Mind

“Metacognition, essentially, allows us to know what we know, to think about thinking, and to understand our sense of self. “

Carleton University

“Metacognition is a big word for something most of us do every day without even noticing. Reflecting on our own thoughts is how we gain insight into our feelings, needs, and behaviors — and how we learn, manage, and adapt to new experiences, challenges, and emotional setbacks. It’s the running conversation we have in our heads, mentally sounding ourselves out and making plans.”

PBS

“No matter your experience, overthinking can be overwhelming—and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder can make overthinking worse.”

Mental Health America

“More realistic and balanced thinking leads to positive action, which, in turn, tends to bolster confidence, enhance self-esteem and result in greater happiness.”

NPR

“Metacognitive processes include planning, monitoring one’s own thoughts, problem-solving, making decisions, and evaluating one’s thought processes. It also involves the use of strategies for remembering information. Metacognition is vital to the learning process and is an important part of your child’s emotional maturity.”

Very Well Mind