Practicing how we react to Disturbing Intr... - Anxiety Support

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Practicing how we react to Disturbing Intrusive Thoughts

Starrlight profile image
18 Replies

We cannot control our disturbing thoughts that pop up but we can attach no importance to them. Picture they are on a train, coming and then passing. We dont have to get on and if we do, we can get off. I am practicing this starting today. I hope for good results. I hope to share this with others.

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Starrlight profile image
Starrlight
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18 Replies
Lostjoy profile image
Lostjoy

This is a good way to look at it. Thanks for sharing..

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toLostjoy

You're welcome. Thanks for responding. Along with meditation I am hopeful these practices will make a difference.

Dontpanicjule profile image
Dontpanicjule

I like this picture of a train passing by the station, stopping for a bit, but I don't get on. Will try it today. Thank you!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toDontpanicjule

Niiiice!

Janco profile image
Janco

Hi Starrlight

That is an excellent way to deal with negative thoughts!

I created my own type of technique called "thoughtarrest" to try and arrest my thoughts before they can upset me and put me into panic.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toJanco

So creative I love that...best to you

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply toJanco

I agree Janco, stopping the thought from escalating is the way to go.

Hope you are doing well :)

Layla321 profile image
Layla321

I usually say out loud “ is this useful?!” And quickly move away from the scary thoughts that pop into my head. Or I say no not today! I might look and sound crazy lol but it does work. I can he happy as a daisy than In a split second some random shit gets into my head which makes me break into a sweat and panic my heart beats fast... it all happens so fast but it shall pass like all the other thoughts than soon passed x

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply toLayla321

Out loud does work by jarring out brain into listening :) x

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toLayla321

I can so relate to the symptoms and saying aloud is a good idea... sometimes I say “okay anxiety I am taking care of that so **** off!”

Anxiousjy profile image
Anxiousjy

This is what I did. Thankfully, I am

Now in a better place. I told myself that these thoughts don’t define me as a person. I acknowledge them, they still give me anxiety but not as much as before. They’re just thoughts, only negative. They only reason we ponder on them os because we know that we are not the kind of person who will act on them.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toAnxiousjy

Thanks that is really helpful insights. So glad things are easier for you than in the past.

Anxiousjy profile image
Anxiousjy in reply toStarrlight

Thank you! It was not easy though, just trust the process.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toAnxiousjy

My big thing right now is believing I wil be okay like not going to faint while having a panic attack. But see I could faint actually...anyway I start having the attacks when I start thinking I will have one...feels like my body is falling though the ground and y heart beat s super fast like hyperventilatingand I end up fighting instead of accepting but sometimes if I say a quick commanding No it does stop for a time until I start questioning myself again...

Vonnah profile image
Vonnah

Oh man i get these sometimes.....scary. I hope you feel better and get well soon.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toVonnah

Thank you Vonnah! Yes me too. I am trying to accept that it is just happening right now but does not have to happen forever. Praying it will pass.

Meeasy profile image
Meeasy

I use mindfulness mediation to help me be responsive instead of reactive to stimulus. I also found that avoiding sugar and caffeine helps in this area.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight

Meeasy I love that. I go to mindfulness class and meditate on my own time too. I usually use Tara Brach but I’m getting tired of the same meditations. Are there any favorites you have ?

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