When admiration becomes all-encompassing
Sven Hagolani/fStop/Getty Images
Having obsessive thoughts about another person can feel all-consuming.
It may start small.
Maybe you cant stop thinking about someone youre interested in or admire.
Sven Hagolani/fStop/Getty Images
You might spend hours browsing their social media pages and keeping up with their lives.
Dismissing these thoughts as they pop into your head isnt enough.
you oughta sit with yourself and address the obsession.
Sometimes, you may need professional help to overcome your obsession.
What Does It Mean When You Cant Stop Obsessing Over Someone?
Obsessing over someone means you are constantly preoccupied with thoughts about that person.
So much so that you have room for little else in your mind.
Thinking about someone occasionally or even frequently isnt obsessive.
These thoughts are typically not just fond or lighthearted.
Intense emotions, including excitement, anxiety, longing, or even distress, often accompany these thoughts.
Obsession with a person can manifest in different ways.
Don’t mistakethinking about someone important to you oftenas an obsession.
You might constantly worry about what the other person is doing, thinking, or feeling.
This continuous worry can lead to stress, affecting your mental and physical health.
Obsession, including ruminating or repetitive thoughts, can increase symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Impact Your Self-Esteem
Constantly obsessing over someone can also affect how you see yourself.
You might start comparing yourself to them or others in their life.
You feel over the moon when they turn their attention to you and horrible when they dont.
To manage obsessive thoughts, you have to make intentional and mindful behavioral changes.
Identifying and acknowledging obsessive thoughts can help you begin to figure out how to manage them.
The key is finding something you enjoy, which requires your full attention.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundariesfor yourself can be challenging but necessary when you have an obsession.
Limit the time you spend on social media, for instance, or take a complete break if necessary.
Journal
Journalling is a cathartic exercise that forces you to confront your thoughts and feelings.
Seek Support
Most people tend to be secretive about obsessive thoughts.
Harboring them quietly until it takes over their lives.
While these techniques can be helpful, they may not work immediately or in every situation.
These strategies may not be enough if obsessive thinking interferes with your ability to enjoy other parts of life.
What Causes Obsession Over a Person?
It could also be due to meeting somebody either very interesting, or who youre romantically invested in.
It may start with admiration, wishing that your life mirrored what you perceive theirs to be.
It could also beloneliness, feeling bad about yourself, or wanting others to like you.
In many cases, when you obsess over someone, you put them on a high pedestal.
You only see their positive traits and tend to ignore their flaws.
Fear can also play a role when you find yourself developing obsessive thoughts about a person.
Living with unresolved trauma can sometimes manifest as an obsession.
What Are Signs of Being Obsessed With Someone?
How do you know when your thoughts about someone have crossed the line from interested and curious to obsessed?
If you notice these signs in yourself, it might be time to step back and evaluate your feelings.
It includes any activities that can promote your mental and physical well-being.
Many triggers of obsession begin with feelings of inadequacy about yourself.
Prioritizing self-care can help you build your self-esteem.
When you feel better about yourself, youre less likely to be consumed by obsessive thoughts.
Additionally, self-care is a great way to reduce the stress and anxiety that obsessive thoughts may trigger.
Seeking Professional Help
Suppose youre struggling with obsessive thoughts and have tried self-care strategies with no reprieve.
Sometimes, just talking about your thoughts and feelings in asafe spacecan be incredibly relieving.
Obsessing over someone can feel isolating, but you should know youre not alone.
All of this can significantly affect how you manage your thoughts and emotions.
A therapist can provide guidance and support to help you navigate these feelings.
2018;5(4):e11290.
Swierkosz-Lenart K, Dos Santos JFA, Elowe J, et al.
Therapies for obsessive-compulsive disorder:Current state of the art and perspectives for approaching treatment-resistant patients.Front Psychiatry.
Washington University in St. Louis.Developing healthy coping skills for resilience.
