What have you learned from being an overthinker ? Absolutely, if people are given an opportunity to answer this question, they will give different answers to it based on their experiences, but one thing will be matching from their answers, and that will be the effect of over thinking.
I think there have been different events in my life that I was buried in so much thoughts, thinking almost everything to what state I was befuddled. I could still remember far back 2021 October 26, when I got into a business with a friend Peter. He was into phone repairs and was good in his commitment. So one evening, peter came to me and asked for help where he said he needing to begin sales of mobile phones, but he needed funding. So we spoke about the business for a while, he later said I should assist him with 7, million naira. I didn't have up to that, but I assisted with the little I had , about 3.6 million which was just all I had.
So I and peter made agreement he was going to returned the money gradually within 12 months. That's returning approximately 300,00 naira each month for 12 months. So I transferred the money to his account , he showed gratitude and left. A week later, peter called to inform me that he was travelling to Lagos to purchase those phones, and so I wished him save journey. It was Wednesday in the morning, a very dried and cold day.
After 2 days, I was with my phone trying to catch interesting movies when my phone rang and I took the call; " hello! " from The caller, and I replied " am listening, good evening!", he said " evening, do you know Peter Daniel Umoh ?", I answered "yes", he continued "who is he to you ?", and I replied; " he's a friend what's the problem?", the caller added; "please how can we reach to his family?". Now peter was just this normal guy I knew, far back in school days, he never for once made mention of his family, either had he introduced anyone to me before as his brother, sister or even relative, should he had family or relatives ? I did not know.
From these questions, I perceived something wasn't right someway, So my concerned was raised with much anxiety, desirous to know why he asked such questions. So I told him; " you can inform me of anything, but for his family, I don't know about them. I believe he his fine ?", The caller replied, " not a nice story to be told, and I feel penitence to inform you that peter Daniel his here in our hotel lying completely with no breath and i asked that should you know his family or anyone related to him, should call these numbers immediately".
My eyes where out from their sockets. "What have I heard, a struggling young man with whom I spoke two days a go is today a disease ?", I tried to make enquiries calling that number back again to asked what happen ? and they told me he went to bed previous night with 2 Ladies, and those ladies were already gone in the morning { but were currently in search for}. This was a emotional disaster to me that plunge me into unending thoughts, my mind was an interplay of regrets and pity to what state I couldn't take a cup of water. I was deep in thoughts, losing two things at a time; one which was replaceable and the other which was irreplaceable. I was so over thinking till I found myself withdrawn from all social activities. the incidents instilled unending thoughts and imaginations in me that nearly crippled every aspect of my life.
How I survived
So few of my friends and relatives observed my behaviours for a period of time, and they perceived something was wrong, so they came around and asked what was really going on with me. It's a beautiful thing to have true friends who cares. So I told them what had happed, they all stayed with me for almost a week plus, with constant communication and trying to get my mind off what happened. It wasn't easy, but I survived with the help of good friends around. After two weeks, I heard that peter's family was located and they went and did the needful.
What did I learn from this ?:
The thing is; overthinking in serious situation like this, doesn't offer solutions rather; It can cripple your effectiveness leading to social isolation, increase of stress, anxiety and can possibly cause high blood pressure. I learned that what ever you do, never risk so much than you can afford to lose. I learned that No amount of tears and thoughts can bring back a love one. I learned that having good friends is a exceptional gifts that can never be purchased.
