27. Too Aware to Be Happy - Overthinking, Self-Awareness and Why You Still Feel Stuck

Ever felt like you’re too self-aware to just relax and enjoy your life? Yeah. Us too.In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get real about overthinking, self-awareness, emotional insight and what happens when understanding yourself doesn’t automatically make you happier.We talk about the strange place where therapy language becomes your first language, where you can explain your patterns, name your triggers and analyse every reaction… but still feel stuck, disconnected or unable to switch your brain off. This is a conversation about overthinking, anxiety, self-analysis, perfectionism and the tension between insight and actually living.This time we talked about:🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): Being stuck in your head, analysing every feeling, knowing your patterns but repeating them anyway👀 What it looks like in real life: Second-guessing decisions, struggling to be present, narrating your own emotions instead of feeling them, relationship friction, feeling lonely when your awareness changes faster than your relationships🧠 Why our brains do it: Hypervigilance, trauma responses, perfectionism, therapist or high-insight brains, self-protection through analysis and the need to feel safe through understanding🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: Spectator mode versus participant mode, self-monitoring, analytical spirals, identity confusion and the pressure to “know better” once you have insight🧰 Coping mechanisms: Self-analysis, intellectualising emotions, trying to find the perfect explanation, over-reflecting instead of taking action, using awareness as control🌱 How to make peace with it: Self-awareness helps most when it’s paired with self-compassion and small moments of just being human.Thanks for listening           💛💜🩷🩵🧡💬 New episodes every Monday.🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.🧡 CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Podcast socials: → Instagram: @toomuchapparently → TikTok: @toomuchapparently → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com👩‍💻 Carly Radford: → Website: www.carlyradford.com → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew: → Website: www.alicetew.com → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice📩 Email us: [email protected] 🗓️ New episodes every MondayThis is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.