Practicing how we react to Disturbing Intrusive Thoughts

[Starrlight]

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.

[Lostjoy]

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

[Starrlight in reply to Lostjoy]

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

[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 in reply to Dontpanicjule]

Niiiice!

[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 in reply to Janco]

So creative I love that...best to you

[Agora1 in reply to Janco]

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

Hope you are doing well

[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 in reply to Layla321]

Out loud does work by jarring out brain into listening x

[Starrlight in reply to Layla321]

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]

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 in reply to Anxiousjy]

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

[Anxiousjy in reply to Starrlight]

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

[Starrlight in reply to Anxiousjy]

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]

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

[Starrlight in reply to Vonnah]

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]

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]

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 ?