Always tend to overshare? This is the reason why

In an age of social media and constant connectivity, the lines between personal and public discourse often blur, giving rise to the phenomenon of oversharing. Whether in our daily conversations or online interactions, many of us find ourselves divulging more information than may be strictly necessary. But why do we possess this inclination to overshare? What drives us to reveal intimate details about our lives?

Dr Mazher Ali, consultant psychiatry, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, explained individuals may engage in oversharing due to a fundamental human desire for connection and validation.

“In a society where social media encourages sharing personal experiences, some may feel the need to disclose more than necessary to seek approval or build connections. For example, a person might consistently share minute details of their daily life on social platforms, driven by the anticipation of positive feedback and validation from their online network,” Dr Ali said.

Additionally, some may use oversharing as a coping mechanism to manage stress or anxiety, finding relief in the act of vocalizing their thoughts and experiences to alleviate emotional burdens.

Who is more susceptible to oversharing?

Oversharing can indeed be linked to past trauma, especially rooted in childhood experiences. According to Dr Ali, individuals who have faced trauma may develop a heightened need for external validation and support.

“The act of oversharing becomes a coping mechanism to compensate for perceived deficits in emotional support during earlier stages of life. While not everyone who overshares has experienced trauma, those with a history of adverse childhood events may find it more challenging to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in adulthood,” he added.

How can you train yourself out of doing it every time?

Training oneself to minimise oversharing involves a combination of self-awareness and deliberate effort. These are some things Dr Ali recommended doing:

• Recognising patterns and triggers leading to oversharing is the first step. For example, an individual may notice a tendency to disclose overly personal information when feeling stressed or seeking validation.
• Developing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can assist in staying present and thoughtful before sharing.
• Establishing clear boundaries and respecting the privacy of others is crucial.
• Seeking professional guidance from a therapist can offer valuable insights, helping individuals understand the root causes of their behaviour and providing effective coping strategies.
• Practicing active listening skills and being attuned to social cues also aids in gauging the appropriate level of disclosure in different contexts, fostering healthier communication habits over time.

Reference Link

https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/oversharing-mental-health-tendency-9057202/