I feel when I get a thought I can’t talk myself out of it unless I have proof like a voice memo, a video or a dash cam recording. How do you guys talk yourselves through your thoughts. Whatever they may be?
the first thing i do is take two short breaths through my nose and out through the mouth, as a reminder to breathe (plus it helps regulate your nervous system) and then i ask myself to explain what i’m thinking as if i’m teaching a child a new lesson…it helps you understand what you’re feeling and how to counter it…(i hope this helps a little) :)
@victor_m Thank you! I used to be able to walk myself through what happened but it doesn’t seem to help anymore. My anxiety gets through the roof
I think that a big part of this question can be “what would I do differently if the thought was true?” For me at least, that’s the part that feels scary and overwhelming, especially if it’s a really challenging thought. Here’s what I do: 1. I write down on paper the thought or worry that I’m having, and how I would respond in the absolute worst case scenario if it was true. Then I write down what I would do if the thought was not true. 2. next, I pretend that I am in a meeting with a coworker that just gave a very bad suggestion, and I say to myself (the worst case scenario thought): “ thank you so much for your input, but that does not align with the goals of our project” 3. Then, even though it’s really really hard I do what I would do without that thought/worry. This can be really challenging, and I find listening to a podcast, an audiobook or music helps me drown out my worried thoughts. Sometimes it also helps me to chew gum or a mint, just so I have other sensory input other than pure worry
What's a piece of advice you give when someone has constantly intrusive thoughts and ruminations that won't stop? Interested to see what you tell others.....more on this when I see some replies!!!
Hey everyone, I just wanted to share something I’ve been struggling with, especially around making decisions. It’s really hard for me to feel confident in the choices I make, even when I know what the right thing is. I constantly find myself needing validation from others—whether it’s about something small or something really important. For example, at my job, I might know exactly what I’m doing and have done it right a bunch of times, but I still feel the need to double-check with someone or ask if it’s okay. It’s like this fear kicks in, and I start imagining worst-case scenarios—like what if I mess up and someone gets hurt, and then I get blamed or even end up in jail or prison. I know that sounds extreme, but these thoughts just come automatically, and they feel so real in the moment. This has been going on for maybe a year or two now. Even outside of work, the same thing happens. Like recently, I’ve been trying to figure out a gym schedule—my girlfriend wants to go with me, and I’m trying to plan the times and make it all work. But instead of just choosing what works best for me, I overthink it. I go back and forth in my head, and I ask other people what they think, even though deep down I know this is something I should be deciding for myself. It’s my life, but I still need that reassurance from others, and I don’t really know why. It’s exhausting to always doubt myself and to feel like one wrong choice could lead to something terrible. I’m trying to work through it, but I just wanted to put it out there and see if anyone else deals with this or has advice. Thanks for reading.
Hello everyone! I’m starting to recognize when my thoughts begin to spiral, when i’m seeking reassurance or checking. But I still have the sense of uneasiness and anxiety. I was wondering what others do that allow them to move forward with their day when they realize this? I don’t know if I’m making sense, but what are ways you pull the focus back to the present and yourself? Like besides saying “maybe or maybe not”, more like what do you do with yourself after you recognize the thoughts? I feel like I’m at a “now what?” and don’t know what to do with my anxious energy. I’m trying to find something physical to help me so if you also have any hobbies or interests that help I would love to hear it.
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