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Can't switch off

LealeaCasual Contributor31 Aug 2016, 10:42 pm AEST

Can't switch off

Hi

Lately I have been struggling to control my thoughts, switch off, I just think, think, think,
What has happened, might happen, is happening and is what I think is happening actually happening! Am I wrong, am I always wrong, or is that just what people want me to think!

Because of this I am feeling increasingly disconnected from the people close to me, as I can't help but analyse everything they say and do looking for the slip up, are they lying, or ulterior motive in their kindness, I will do this for hours everyday and well into the night, I try to stop, do something else to distract myself, but I always end up thinking about it again.

Does anyone else go through this?

8 replies

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In response to: Can't switch off

EmzSenior Contributor31 Aug 2016, 11:53 pm AEST

Re: Can't switch off

Hi LeaLea

Unfortunately I have gone through this before and it really is terrible. I find it very draining, confusing and despairing.

Things that have helped in the past have been doing a lot of writing (sometimes its a struggle with the brain to get going, but once I get going I fill page after page) and going for mega long walks with the music pumping. At first in my walks the thoughts continue but I just keep walking until I am exhausted and I get all the thoughts out of my head so when I get home things are still for a while.

I don't know if those things will work for you, but I hope something does. Have you spoken to a doctor or proffesional about it?

In response to: Can't switch off

LealeaCasual Contributor01 Sept 2016, 12:36 am AEST

Re: Can't switch off

Thanks Emz

I will try writing, I had thought about it, but was hesitant for some reason, maybe actually letting it out will help, as yes it is very draining.

I have spoken to a professional about it and will continue to, I just felt the need to ask if anyone else goes through it, rather than feel isolated

Thanks again

In response to: Re: Can't switch off

EmzSenior Contributor01 Sept 2016, 11:23 am AEST

Re: Can't switch off

Thats fine. You are definitely not alone. Hope you feel better soon!

In response to: Re: Can't switch off

NikNikSenior Contributor01 Sept 2016, 9:14 pm AEST

Re: Can't switch off

Hi @Lealea - as @Emz said, you're not alone.

I know 'mindfulness' is a bit of a buzz term at the moment - but is it something you have explored.

What prompted me to suggest mindulness was in your first post you mentioned how you can't stop thinking about the past and thinking about the future. In my experience, dwelling on the past increases the symptoms of depression and thinking about the future increases anxiety - but the idea of mindfulness is being in the moment - not in the past & not in the future.

If mindfulness is something you're interested in - I can share some resources with you if you'd like?

Also, later in the month we are having a live session on every day mindfulness - which you can check out here

Take care @Lealea - hope we continue to 'see' you around the forums

In response to: Can't switch off

LealeaCasual Contributor01 Sept 2016, 9:49 pm AEST

Re: Can't switch off

Thanks NikNik

The idea of living in the present is one that I like, the last few weeks have been physically and emotionally draining, to say the least, I have times of overthinking before, but never to this extent and there is a sense of a loss of control, Emz response and knowing I wasn't alone did helps greatly!

You are right about dwelling on the past and thinking about the future, I know this and I think that increases my feeling of not being in control.

I would very much like for you to share your resources, thank you

In response to: Re: Can't switch off

NikNikSenior Contributor02 Sept 2016, 5:41 pm AEST

Re: Can't switch off

Hi @Lealea

Mindfulness can be practiced in many different ways - so it's worth trying a few different things to see what works for you. An app that I really like is called Smiling Mind. It contains short mindfulness activities, which I found helpful because my attention span isn't very long!

Later in September we are running a session on 'Everyday Mindfulness' which will be hosted by a mindfulness expert. If you head to the thread and hit 'Like' you will receive an email reminder on the night 🙂

How are you travelling today?

In response to: Can't switch off

LealeaCasual Contributor02 Sept 2016, 8:53 pm AEST

Re: Can't switch off

I want to say well, but ....I'll get there. I will check out the app
Thanks

In response to: Re: Can't switch off

AppleblossomSenior Contributor03 Sept 2016, 11:58 pm AEST

Re: Can't switch off

I have a lot of difficulty switching off @Lealea

I throw myself into activities that help to discharge the energy ... as in mental, emotional or physical energy.

I am always "just getting there" ... but life has been a lot better overall for me in the last few years.

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