Scary intrusive thoughts

[dwallace]

I've been prone to anxiety most of my early adult life and have been on and off medication for it over the last few years. I've been off all medication for over a year now that I have a full-time job and my anxiety is manageable.

Still, I regularly have thoughts that legitimately make me afraid of myself. These thoughts typically come in the form of questions to myself, usually along the lines of "Hey, what if I...[insert horrible action here]?" I often become hyper-focused on hypothetical scenarios based on these questions, which can be extremely stressful.

Has anyone experienced anything similar to this? Any strategies for letting thoughts like these go?

[boogie82]

When I am highly anxious I have those type of thoughts. Just take one moment and break it by looking at something and appreciating it or think of one blessing how ever small. I know it hard and weird. Driving appreciate the car getting you to your destination. At work, appreciate and feel blessed you have a job that day.

[poodlelover81]

dwallace, I had the same type of thoughts for years-the fear that I might do something I would never in my right mind imagine myself doing-before I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. It was almost like the Babadook. My first tip is to keep in mind the key phrase "what if"-Action X hasn't happened. Another thing to do is to ask yourself if you have taken part in the behavior before. If you have insurance, it might be beneficial to find a psychologist who specializes in cognitive- behavioral therapy. I know you said you are off all medicine, but Fluvoxamine and klomipramin are my friends. If you don't have insurance, don't be afraid to reach out to me; I have other suggestions and not your typical "deep breathing" tips.