Tips for copping

Hi @Me2024

I'm assuming this 'doom thinking' is thinking about things that are out side of your control, so this may be the key to gain some control of your own over these thoughts.

When you start having these thoughts, ask yourself 'is this thought realistic?' then ask yourself 'what evidence is there for and against this happening?'. Maybe by asking yourself these questions you maybe able to allow yourself to feel if you are overreacting.

People also talk a lot of practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises during moments of high stress or anxiety... maybe this or the 5-4-3-2-1 technique would help.

https://www.twinkl.com.au/teaching-wiki/5-4-3-2-1-grounding-technique

I know my own worries can quickly spiral out of control if I allow myself to start thinking about the 'what if's' surrounding whatever i'm worrying about. So try to focus on one particular thing and ignore any what if's that come from it, then you can try and reframe that original worry based on how likely it is. Even just changing your thinking to 'if x happens, I can deal with it.' That may help to make it sound less threatening.

Other techniques such as mental distraction, thinking positive thoughts to try and balance out the negative ones, or just reaching out to talk to someone when this happens may help. Have you spoken to anyone about this or sought any professional help for it? They would probably have some techniques you could try.

Hi @Me2024 . I'm not sure what kind of episode you are having but I'm sorry that you are going through it.

If I was pacing backwards and forwards like you, then I would be feeling trapped, so maybe I would go outside for a longer brisk walk instead. If I was also doom thinking, then I would either distract myself with some music (while out walking) or I would think about the scientific theories about where we came from e.g. we are all made of stardust and we will return to the universe when we die. I don't know about you but these thoughts comfort me.

If these ideas don't help, why don't you try calling Lifeline on 13 11 14 for a chat.

Yes i have tried but they have pushed back my appointment today for another week and it sent me in to a anxiety attack ..been up hospital 3 times now to be sent home with anti-anxiety medication [edited by moderator] then to be back in full attack 2 hrs later

Hi @Me2024

Just checking in and thinking of you. Hoping you were able to make some progress when you returned to hospital. If not, another option might be finding a Safe Space, which is an alternative to going to hospital. There are peers, staff and people just willing to sit or have a chat if you feel distressed. I'm not sure what state you're in, but you could try looking here: safe-haven-finder or here .

You can also reach out to the SANE Support Line: 1800 187 263 (10AM - 8PM) if you feel like chatting with someone.

Hope you're doing a bit better today 🩵