Being unable to make decisions can feel incredibly paralyzing. Whether you’re at the grocery store, at work, or considering a big life change, indecision can bring on feelings of frustration and helplessness.
As mental distress is often at the root, decision paralysis has many possible causes. It could come on after a period of stress, be part of anxiety or depression, or signify what’s colloquially known as a “mental breakdown.”
You may not think that decision paralysis needs professional mental health support, but it may, depending on what’s causing it. There are many types of counseling and psychotherapy that could potentially help, each with its own method and focus.
This article will cover:
Decision paralysis is a psychological state in which you’re unable to make a choice. You might:
Decision paralysis is one type of cognitive difficulty, alongside difficulties with problem solving, staying focused, and switching between tasks. These symptoms often arise together. However, as we’ll explore, they’re often accompanied (and caused) by emotional distress.[1]
As a result, people with decision paralysis often end up taking no action at all. Common signs include:[2]
When you have decision paralysis, these symptoms can show up for both big and small decisions. Whether you’re simply deciding what to wear on a particular day or choosing between job offers, daily life can become extremely draining.
Decision paralysis is likely to be caused by mental and emotional distress, but this can take many forms. For some, decision paralysis may appear after a long period of chronic stress. For others, it may indicate a mental health condition like anxiety or depression.
We’ll now explore these different causes of decision paralysis and their respective signs:
Decision paralysis and cognitive overload are commonly reported by people with burnout.[1]
Burnout is a physiological state caused by an extended period of chronic and unmanaged stress and overwhelm. It may be connected to:
When you’re burnt out, you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted, despite getting enough sleep.
Chronic stress causes burnout and decision fatigue because of how it impacts hormones in the brain. During periods of stress, the body produces glucocorticoids, which can be destructive to certain neurons in the brain. Typically, this causes thinking problems such as decision paralysis and difficulty concentrating.[1]
Decision paralysis is also commonly reported by people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research finds that 82% of people with ADHD find it difficult to make decisions, which significantly affects their performance at work.[2]
ADHD causes decision paralysis because of something called executive dysfunction. This term describes a set of ADHD symptoms related to cognitive performance. As well as decision paralysis, you might:[2]
Rather than temporary bouts of decision paralysis, people with ADHD experience this in the long term. 58% report decision paralysis at least once a week, and 35% report it happening on a daily basis.[2] Sadly, people with ADHD can frequently struggle to make important life changes, which can lead to feelings of:[2]
Sometimes, decision paralysis will appear as part of a mental health crisis. This is commonly referred to as a “breakdown,” but this is not a medical term. It can involve an overwhelming amount of:[3]
High levels of stress can cause decision paralysis, but that doesn’t always lead to burnout. Some people’s symptoms will escalate to the point of crisis, and it’s important to spot this as early as possible. A crisis means that someone:
Other symptoms of a mental breakdown or mental health crisis include:
These symptoms can indicate a serious mental health crisis, which should be tended to by professionals as soon as possible. That may mean making an appointment with your doctor or therapist, or if you or someone else is in danger, going to the emergency room.
Decision paralysis might also be caused by anxiety or depression. These common mental health conditions have a wide variety of symptoms, including cognitive ones. If you’re experiencing high levels of physical tension, excessive worrying, or persistent low mood, it may help to get an assessment for anxiety or depression.
Decision paralysis is common for people with anxiety because the condition creates excessive fear, worry, and biased thinking. When the brain is in a sustained state of fear, it makes emotional regulation extremely difficult.
You’re more likely to focus on danger or threat and assume negative outcomes. For instance, people with anxiety are more likely to assume the worst-case scenario and become more anxious as a result.[4]
Anxiety can make people assume the outcomes of their biggest life decisions will be negative. It’s also harder to weigh up information in order to make decisions when preoccupied with potential dangers. As a result, anxiety-induced indecision can lead to avoidance, which results in procrastination and missed opportunities.[4]
Difficulty making decisions is also a core symptom of depression. One reason is that depression causes a pessimistic state of mind. When faced with a decision, the sense of potential disappointment can feel devastating. This can make decisions feel high-risk and cause a sense of paralysis.[5]
Decision paralysis is also common with depression because of how the condition impacts the brain. Biological changes, such as hormonal activity, can affect how clearly you’re able to think. That’s why depression causes a range of cognitive symptoms, such as trouble concentrating.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
Therapy might seem unnecessary for decision paralysis, but various types of therapy can potentially help. Each cause of decision paralysis involves some level of emotional distress or disruption to daily functioning. If your well-being is suffering, professional support can help you understand and treat what’s going on.
Here are several kinds of therapy that can help with decision paralysis:[6]
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. ADHD support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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If decision paralysis is significantly affecting your daily life or you’re experiencing other symptoms of emotional distress, professional mental health treatment can help.
At AMFM Mental Health Treatment (A Mission for Michael), our team of expert clinicians believes in treatment persistence and will personalize your treatment plan so you can achieve lasting, life-changing outcomes. We offer many of the therapies explored in this article.
We offer an intimate, focused mental health treatment experience for adults in home-like settings that are carefully maintained to be peaceful, comfortable spaces. In addition to residential treatment, AMFM Mental Health Treatment also offers multiple levels of outpatient treatment.
Our locations in California, Minnesota, Virginia, and Washington accept insurance and are in-network with most major providers. To check your insurance coverage for mental health care, simply complete our confidential online verification form.
Call us today at 866-478-4383 if you would like to start the admissions process or learn more about how we can support your mental well-being. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance with no obligation.
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At AMFM, we strive to provide the most up-to-date and accurate medical information based on current best practices, evolving information, and our team’s approach to care. Our aim is that our readers can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
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