Intrusive Thoughts - Tips?

[DogLover1210]

Hi all,

I've been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and greatly struggle with intrusive/"stuck" thoughts. For example, I have intrusive thoughts about sleep (basically sleep anxiety), catastrophic thinking (anxiety will rule over my life), or relationship anxiety.

Does anyone have any tips of how to handle the intrusive thoughts? I know I cannot "get rid of them," and I've practiced accepting that they will pop up. I even know they're intrusive thoughts, but it's just so frustrating because they come back again and again. I'm trying to implement what I've learned in psychology, but I'm not experiencing victory. These thoughts can be tormenting and steal my joy.

Feel free to share your own experience and what has worked for you! Grateful for this community of people who truly understand.

[litethatnevergoesout]

so is this like intrusive thought anxiety

[DogLover1210 in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

I guess it would be, but can you explain what you mean?

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to DogLover1210]

yes doglover1210, sounds like you’re having anxiety about intrusive thoughts

[summervale789]

I have that too. Ocd, can go with anxiety. Very frustrating. I've found if I distract myself it disappears.

[mcorallinus96]

Hi my dear friend. There are to ways to diminish the impact and frecuency of these thoughts. First medication, sometimes it takes a few trials to get the ideal antidepressant, trust me is not uncommon. Second, the most important, let these thoughts come and try to guide them to a more real scenario. 95% of times these imagined scenarios never happen. Go into the past and show yourself in the present that life is no necessarily catasthrophic. You have to do it ideally always, it gets easier with time. Always chek what youre thinking and guide your brain, later it gets automatical.

[Dolphin14]

DogLover1210

This is something that you need to keep practicing. It takes time but they get easier to shut down.

🐬

[jackiesj]

DogLover1210 still pursue medically. so many things intertwine...i had heart disease and that also led to anxiety(treated first!) so get a good checkup bloodwork etc. i use "Calm" an app that worked for me but it is work....anything ...give yourself a month? or so of steady practice. nutrition vitamins sun...check that bp and protien. Slumps in the day may also link to health...