Need someone to pick my brain

[EricJones]

I need help sorting out my thoughts and how i interact with the external world...can anyone help me?

[UnBaked_Cake]

Hi, EricJones! Would you mind elaborating?

[EricJones in reply to UnBaked_Cake]

i have all these thoughts that idk if they're true or not....and im having problems with the external world (background sounds and seeing people body movements that instinctively erupt a react from me)

[UnBaked_Cake in reply to EricJones]

Sounds like you are experiencing some intrusive thoughts!

Everyone has them, and it's okay to be upset about them. Just remember, they're intrusive for a reason (they are unwanted). I would definitely research ways to help with it. And if you have a therapist, tell them your concerns.

(Be aware, I am not a doctor or licensed professional, this is just from experience)

You might be very hyper-aware of your senses. If this overwhelms you, I always put my headphones on and closed my eyes to calm myself from it.

I am sorry you are experiencing these issues; I urge you to talk to a therapist, and I hope it gets better for you.

[EricJones in reply to UnBaked_Cake]

Thanks,..I don't have a. Therapist and it will take a lot of time to get one, but thanks for reaching out to me

[hypercat54]

You have posted about this a few times. You got quite a lot of advice then. Doesn't any of this help at all?

[Downinil]

Hi EricJones! I’ve taken an ennegram personality tests as well as MBTI (Meyers Briggs type indicator) personality test just to soul search. It’s pretty enlightening to see the results. I’ve found the tests online free of charge. If your interested is looking into that.

[EricJones in reply to Downinil]

and what would that do with the problems i'm having....i have problems with my thoughts and the external world that i need to sort out

[Downinil in reply to EricJones]

I’m sorry I misunderstood your post.

[Sweeneythyca in reply to EricJones]

It could help you to understand yourself a little better perhaps, we all adapt and navigate the world in our own way. Lots of things contribute to our personality and way of experiencing the world. Understanding ourselves better helps us to understand our role in the wider community. If you use online GP services there is the facility to self refer for talking therapies, usually 6 sessions with a therapist. That could also help to talk it through with someone. I say this as a therapeutic counsellor, the sessions are free on the NHS. 🙂

[EricJones in reply to Sweeneythyca]

what do you mean by the sessions, expound on that a little more if you can

[Sweeneythyca in reply to EricJones]

I mean that generally via the online go portal you can self refer....on the platform, follow the links and fill out the info. It's usually 6 x 1hr sessions with a qualified counselor.

Most gp practices offer this service, I believe it is nationwide with the NHS

Hope that explains it better.

[Sweeneythyca in reply to Sweeneythyca]

Sorry meant *gp portal

[EricJones in reply to Sweeneythyca]

no i'm still confused...idk where to go or what to do...maybe its just me, but i dont get it

[Sweeneythyca in reply to EricJones]

Sorry if I wasnt clear.Does your doctors practice have a website? Do you have patient access to your doctors records?

Usually on the gp practice website there is the facility to self refer for certain therapies and treatments, such as eye tests, health checks, talking therapies, physiotherapy etc. They implemented the self referal to alleviate some pressure on general practitioners and free up their time for other ailments. I will take a screenshot of my practice website to further explain.

[EricJones in reply to Sweeneythyca]

i dont have access to any of this stuff, i dont even have a doctor

[Sweeneythyca in reply to EricJones]

Oh right, sorry I didn't realise that. you can look on the NHS website, the info is on there. But think to access services you would need a gp although the gp doesnt have anything to do with the self referal part. Can you not sign up with a doctor?

Info relating to NHS talking therapies and self referal.

[EricJones in reply to Sweeneythyca]

i dont think so...i always have really bad social anxiety

[Sweeneythyca in reply to EricJones]

I can understand that. Have you ever had a gp? These days most of the appointments are over the telephone so you wouldn't necessarily have to leave the house to register with a practice or speak with a doctor.

[EricJones in reply to Sweeneythyca]

is GP General Practitioner, a doctor?

[Sweeneythyca in reply to EricJones]

Yes

[EricJones in reply to Sweeneythyca]

i dont know how i'd get one...the place i'm at now only deal with psychiatrist, recovery coach CPS and therapist

[TheHitman]

Hi EricJones,

I am currently in CBT therapy and my latest session covered a way we can deal with intrusive thoughts. I’ll share with you what my therapist taught me in the hope it can help you with any thoughts you may have. Please bear in mind this is a technique to help reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts not necessarily banish them.

Firstly, get yourself a pen and a notebook. Then, write down the intrusive thought you are having at that moment and next to it, write down a percentage out of 100 to indicate how much you believe the thought you are having.

Secondly, divide your page into 2 columns and label one, 'for' and the other 'against’. Then, in the 'for' column, make a list of things that support your thought being a truthful one and then the same for reasons 'against' it being true. Try to list as many things as you can that are relevant to your situation in that moment.

Once this is done, take your hand and cover the 'for' column and read aloud all the things you have listed in the 'against' column. Say these things a few times over to yourself.

Finally, make a note (in the form of a percentage) of how much you now believe the thought. Hopefully, this will be less than your original number. Remember, the aim is to reduce the impact the thoughts are having on you, not necessarily get rid of them, although, if this happens, that’s an added bonus.

Just for context, the first time I did this exercise with my therapist, I had a 70% belief in the intrusive thought I was having. After the exercise, I was down to 30%. Again, this didn’t get rid of the thought but helped me rationalise it and reduce its impact greatly.

I really hope this can help you and that however you choose to tackle your thoughts, you find peace and hope.