this is my first post! I’ve been having intrusive thoughts for months, one in particular that I can’t seem to shake. I don’t know what to do. I’ve never been to a therapist, I really want to go but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to anytime soon. I’m hoping you guys can help, what do you do to lessen the severity of these thoughts?
Thank you, I hope everyone’s doing well!
Hi, Thoughts that are just bouncing around in your head like a tune. Just a day in the life of most of us on here, but there are ways to break the cycle of ruminating. Too many to list, but here are some.
1) Breathing exercises
2) Meditation
3) Music
4) Exercise: Tons to do here, like jogging, swimming, cycling,
5) Talking to someone (you'll get lots of volunteers here I'm sure) You can include me if you like.
6) Journaling (this one is used a lot by people and has the effect of getting thoughts out of your mind and down on paper)
7) Doing something fun i.e. trip with friends, going to where special, doing something you enjoy like a craft or hobby etc, Playing with pets or walking your pets, watching a movie,
8) Joining a support group ( there maybe some locally where you live or online) You are sorta doing that now with this site.
9) Sitting back and listening or viewing specific relaxation techniques online.
10) Reading a book
11) Helping others, community service, volunteer, etc (just don't forget about caring for your self too).
Yeah these are off the top of my head, though I know there are others I haven't listed I picked up from group therapy.
Well you get the gist. Positive Distraction breaks cycles. It's not a cure but it's a way to manage the intensity.
Also yeah follow up with a professional mental healthcare provider. There are treatments such as medications, therapy sessions, and/or education to help. It's what a lot of us try and practice. Of course you can always come here and connect too. Just some thoughts. Hopefully something will help but if not you're welcome to tap people for help here (again me too if you want). 
wow, thank you so much. I’m truly overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness. I’ll try these methods, thank you for caring.
Yeah no problem. Oh there are some techniques you can do when you are at work. I know from experience that work can be pretty darn stressful, so there are specific ones you can do at work or pretty much anyone you got like 5 minutes. You can look up tapping exercises. I forgot the exact name of the techniques but you can look them up. I was told by a friend to try them. She gave me some hand outs to read up on and try them. Should you need them I can dig them up. I used them while sitting at my desk on my breaks.
Very often that thought we have in our head that wont go away and we worry ourselves sick never even actually happens in reality, and if it does we would deal with it, worrying about it constantly wont achieve anything just wasting your life now as it is, be happy and enjoy life then if something happens you will be strong enough to deal with it, another thing is to think... ok if worst comes to worst what shall i do look for solutions, confront it, then put it to back of your mind😊
Friends💝
Friends... 
Friend
The overwhelming friend. 
Depressed with no friends
