ECM17
- Date posted
- 3y
CrueGirlCrueGirl
- Date posted
- 3y
I do a lot of crossword puzzles! I also journal what I’m feeling. For some reason when I do that it helps the thoughts go away.
ECM17ECM17
- Date posted
- 3y
I love that idea thank you
Warrior25Warrior25
- Date posted
- 3y
Thinking that you need to keep them at bay will only work for so long. That's basically though suppression. Which will make you anxious and that you need to be in control which in fact is an illusion. We aren't in control of most things. Only thing we can control is our focus by being intentional with it. Just remind yourself with compassion that you're not the thoughts that pop into your mind and that thoughts are just thoughts and not a definition of your character or personality. If you feel going down a spiral, with kindness, redirect your focus to something else. We can't control the thoughts but we can decide where to place our focus. You don't need to control the thoughts. That's impossible. Control the reaction to it by focusing on something else that is good. Hope this makes sense and helps
ECM17ECM17
- Date posted
- 3y
That makes a lot of sense. You’re so right
ashleybooashleyboo
- Date posted
- 3y
What do you mean by saying keeping your thoughts at bay? If you don’t mind me asking.
ECM17ECM17
- Date posted
- 3y
I mean like surpressing them so they don’t take up so much of your time
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 3y
Practice not analyzing any of the noise, NO matter what. Instead place your attention on this present moment. Feel your feet on the ground, take a deep breathe, go for a walk, read, go hangout with a close companion, or play a sport. Not avoiding the discomfort, but choosing to do things you want to do and not give any attention to dwelling on that.The most important part being the response prevention. Not easy, but part of the work. When this type of situation occurs and we are in environments in which we are organically exposed to distress, use this as an opportunity to practice doing the work! This allows for two things; showing yourself you can handle and tolerate it, and also letting your body know that although you feel uncomfortable you are willing to keep doing whatever it is you are doing and getting on with your day!
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jerreisstrong
- Date posted
- 19w
What are some techniques to stop a spiral?
I’ve recently been having the spiraling intrusive thoughts coming up out of seemingly nowhere. Well not exactly nowhere, having some relationship issues but the thoughts will just randomly show up when I’m clam home reading a book.
Anonymous
- Date posted
- 11w
Intrusive thoughts vs my actual feelings
I’ve been really struggling lately with identifying whether I feel a certain way about a situation or people around me or if I’m having intrusive thoughts. Lately, I’ve noticed talking it out with a friend is my first line of defense, sometimes just verbalizing those thoughts can help me hear what I’m saying, and actually start to process how I feel. I do get caught up in making the right decision after that, and it weighs on me heavily, and this is when I struggle to take action or become distant with others that’re in said situation. I try to do more grounding techniques and things that make me happy, I tend to try to focus on something like work or household chores and then relax with a good Gordon Ramsey show hehehe, but I still sit with that confusion of whether this is how I feel? What if it’s just an intrusive thought? What if I’m making the wrong decision or what if I don’t have grounds to feel the way I think I am feeling. This is when talking it out helps for me, but I still always have that inkling that I’m making the wrong decision regardless of what I choose. Does anyone have any coping skills suggestions to aid in this sort of struggle? I feel like it can be quite common to be stuck in those mental gymnastics with your ocd and I’m really curious what you guys do to help process these feelings yourself. I tend to spend time with my pets, watch a show, call a friend, but I’m curious if maybe there’s a recommendation that would work for me that I haven’t tried : ) thank you all for listening!! This is my first community post hehehe
Kellymerellie
- Date posted
- 10w
Help!
My brain will not stop with the intrusive thoughts. I keep going through my little mantra in my head how I won't do the things I am thinking and how I hate my thoughts. I am trying to watch YouTube and tell myself just to avoid it and not let the thoughts bother me. I know my thoughts are false because I hate thinking these things but I just feel like I am losing this battle. Any tips?
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