Constant sense of dread

Hi, I can relate to this and I think it is related to overthinking and trying to go through as many hypothetical scenarios as possible (eg. to be prepared). It’s not always a bad thing to think ahead but for me it gets excessive and I end up worrying about possible things that could happen that I have no control over anyways or I worry about events that are too far in future for me to even make a reliable prediction or come up with a plan if it did happen (as there are too many what ifs and too much information still lacking). I haven’t figured out yet how to deal with this stress best but I try to stop myself from worrying about things I have no control over anyways (as it’s not going to help) and in terms of coming up with plans for what i would do if xxx happened I try to draw the line at some point if it’s too far in future or I am lacking information and I tell myself that I am lacking info and cannot possibly think of all possible outcomes so I need to wait and see. Not sure if any of this helps - it’s super stressful when worries take overhand and it’s hard to switch it off. 

My brain works in an extremely similar way. I immediately analyse every possible outcome and then get stuck on and overwhelmed by the negative ones. Your reply definitely helps though! I usually just fall deeper and deeper into my worries when I start thinking like this but maybe reminding myself that I don't have enough information to come to any conclusion might be helpful in the future so thank you.

A much-shortened version of The Process:

*thinks*

'Should I respond to their post? Or a different post? Or none?'

'If I respond, will it do any good at all?'

'I'd like to help, but I am hopeless.'

'Should I offer any advice?'

'What if my advice turns out bad for them? Oh my god, no...'

'What if it turns out well? People might expect good advice in future; I'm not capable. Everybody says so. Well, nobody says so...but they probably think it. In fact, I'm certain they do...even if they don't.'

'Will I appear over-familiar or too self-confident or falsely competent or idiotic or vain or...' 

'I am ruining my life by over-thinking. It spoils my communication with people. I'll have to think more deeply about that, and all the probable and improbable implications and solutions...'

Eek! In that case, please accept my apologies. I trust that the toilet-roll-length of possibilities has not now extended to a jumbo-sized toilet roll.  

Oh hell, now there's even more doubts to add to my toilet-roll-length list of possible thoughts...

I think you have excelled at expressing what The Process can be like, here in the forums.

The only major fear I tend to have regarding the forums is that I might say something that might be misinterpreted and cause offence.

A lesser fear is when I'm asked to explain something I've said, and I just cannot seem to find the words to re-phrase what I've said in a way that makes it easier for the other person to understand.

I think you have excelled at expressing what The Process can be like, here in the forums.

The only major fear I tend to have regarding the forums is that I might say something that might be misinterpreted and cause offence.

A lesser fear is when I'm asked to explain something I've said, and I just cannot seem to find the words to re-phrase what I've said in a way that makes it easier for the other person to understand.

Eek! In that case, please accept my apologies. I trust that the toilet-roll-length of possibilities has not now extended to a jumbo-sized toilet roll.  

Oh hell, now there's even more doubts to add to my toilet-roll-length list of possible thoughts...