Rumination

Does anyone else ever experience their thoughts getting so much louder in the evening when they’re alone? I know it probably makes sense because I’m busy and distracted throughout the day, and then once everything quiets down, I suddenly have all this time to be in my own head. But it can feel so overwhelming. I find myself getting stuck in intrusive thoughts about possibly doing something wrong, and sometimes my mind just keeps going over and over things until it feels almost impossible to do anything else. I know thoughts are just thoughts, but when they’re this loud and persistent, it can be really hard to separate them from reality and get things done. Does anyone else experience this, especially at night or when they’re finally alone? If so, what helps you when your mind gets like this?

nev

Date posted: 8h

So if you can combine ERP with healthy distraction! I know it’s hard, it really is. But ERP is the way to go. Expose yourself to not being okay, and you’ll eventually find that you really are okay. Remember, it’s okay to be overwhelmed. OCD over estimates by a LOT. If you enjoy painting, sit down with yourself and paint. Sit through the discomfort to prove to yourself it’s okay. Let the thoughts be loud

Anonymous

Date posted: 8h

Honestly, this is the hardest thing for me with OCD. I work only from 9am- 12pm and then I’m a stay at home mom the whole afternoon. I find myself ruminating every afternoon and into the night before going to sleep. I dread my time home now because I’m always home alone (other than my daughter, but no adult interaction). My husband works until 7/8pm. I have no words to help, as I’m going through this now as well. All I can say is you’re not alone! Stay strong!!

katybh36

Date posted: 8h

@Anonymous Right there with you! I’m a stay at home mom with my one year old and my husband is in the military. He’s gone for a week at a time and it’s so tough during those times. I do lots of compulsing, reassurance seeking, FaceTime people a bunch, etc. All I can say is it’s so tough but we are all still doing it. Keep fighting!

Juleszer

Date posted: 7h

Absolutely can relate. In addition to practicing Exposures/ERP, I’ve found supplements like magnesium and L-theanine have helped relax me in the evening. I would also highly highly recommend regular exercise. I’ve noticed I’m able to better practice exposures when im at a calmer baseline, and these definitely help (in addition to regular, high quality sleep)

GratitudeGirl

Date posted: 7h

I listen to music, clean something, or do something creative like art.. but to be honest most days when I feel alone and sad and overwhelmed I just use my phone and cry.. the truth is that mental issues are not linear so some days u feel better and other days are more depressing emotionally.. the important thing is to be gentle with yourself and understand that u can let urself process sadness by just feeling the sadness and not giving urself the responsbility of changing it..

Luna78

Date posted: 7h

Absolutely, I spend so much time ruminating at night it makes it hard to sleep. I am struggling so much with this and my thoughts are just getting so out of control. Sometimes during the day listening to music helps. But at night when I am trying to sleep it is much harder. You are not alone!

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