Everyday is learning something new

[Ghostlyfirefly]

I am such a overthinker and extremely sensitive person to the point I don't sleep and the hurt feels so paralyzing and painful.. the simplest things like someone's actions and the words they choose sends fear and anxiety through me thinking and overthinking literally making me sick .....does anyone else struggle with this? What are some good ways to work through one of these? I do see a therapist and there is so much to unpack..I was just wondering what ideas anyone had to help ease this or another way to tackle dealing better? Love you guys!! ❤

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

It’s great that you’re in therapy. One thing you might ask your therapist about is CBT(cognitive behavioral therapy). You seem like an ideal candidate for that.

One thing that helps me is designating a 60-minute period during the day that I call my worry hour. For me it is 7-8 p.m. but it can be any hour. I save all of my worries for then. I can focus on them, analyze them, etc. during that time, but only then. When I start obsessing on my worries and fears whenever I tell myself that I’ll be able to address them at 7 p.m. but not until then. It helps. Eventually you can shorten the worry hour or you may not need it at all. But give it a try. And by the way, you found the right group here. Welcome!

[Hidden in reply to Catsamaze]

I do this and it has helped a great deal, Catsamaze. Instead of an hour, my worry time is in the shower. I entertain the worries and then watch them go down the drain.

[Ghostlyfirefly in reply to Hidden]

This is promising to learn. I'm really glad this helps you out..it's encouraging to see another person with good results and the shower thing!!! I think that add a little significant meaning watching it go down the drain thats pretty clever I like it! Thanks for the input snowdaze!

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to Hidden]

That’s even better!!!!! “worries down the drain” I love that!

[Ghostlyfirefly in reply to Catsamaze]

Catsamaze I like this idea! I think I will give this a try and I will definitely bring up Cbt with him on my next visit this week. Thank-you for your input and welcoming me in!

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer in reply to Ghostlyfirefly]

Glad to have helped, Ghostlyfirefly 😊

[Hidden]

I overthink too. I find mediating and focusing on a goal no matter how small helps me.

[Ghostlyfirefly in reply to Hidden]

I've tried a little meditation but somehow couldn't settle my mind from spinning or being distracted by every little thing.. but I am willing trying to try anything again for sure. I'm thinking I was just trying to focus way to hard or on too many things! Thank you so much Gsp!!!

[Hidden in reply to Ghostlyfirefly]

I use the 'Waking up' app, it's created by a neuroscientist. He explains that you can still have thoughts meditating and that's fine.

[Ghostlyfirefly in reply to Hidden]

I will definitely check this out Gsp Im sure it comes down to more you do it the easier it gets type a thing..I am too quick sometimes to be discouraged when something doesn't work the way I think it should so I give up..Im trying to rewire and change around some of those things so this I definitely willntry with the app!!! Thank you Gsp for the suggestion!

[Hidden]

I struggle with this, also, Ghostlyfirefly, so I certainly empathize with you.

Overthinking and ruminating can take over our mind. We need to take back our control. I am just recently learning to accept these thoughts, I let them come but I try not to give them my attention. It sounds simplistic, yet it is hard work.

[Ghostlyfirefly in reply to Hidden]

It's a struggle to relearn something that you've continuously let consume you... Im slowly learning It's definitely a process!!!