Anxiety and constant thoughts
Posted , 7 users are following.
has anyone managed to distract themselves of the constant thinking about their anxiety , i know it really helps if you can distract yourself from ,how am i feeling ,what if there isn,t a seat i cannot stand ,i am not going to go in case i feel dizzy and panicked , almost what am i worried about oh know i have anxiety , i try hard to carry on but it is so hard with the constant thoughts , occasionaly something happens which takes my mind off " how do i feel " but i am soon back on the roller coaster ,i almost know i do it to myself ,but cannot stop it ,please help
0 likes, 14 replies
oisin66821 marilyn98768
Posted
i think i have something simular. ITs like youve become hyperaware of your own hyperawarness. Like whenever you notice your not thinking about the fact that your thinking then you start back in the loop all over again. Nothing distracts you as theres the constant reminder that your not distracted. Is it simular for you?
marilyn98768 oisin66821
Posted
yes just like that ,sometimes i realise i am copeing and as soon asi think that ifeel it rising getting agitated cannot sit still light headed just want to run but from myself to get away from how i am feeling
SerotoninSurfer marilyn98768
Posted
Hello, cyclical negative thoughts about anxiety are one of the worst things about an anxiety disorder. Even when you might be physically feeling well, i.e no pins and needles, no loose bowels and no sweating, your mind is racing and you cant stop thinking about your anxiety.
This is a vicious cycle of feeling anxious about feeling anxious. When your mind is better, its impossible
to recreate these thought patterns as it seems so illogical. It reminds me of that paradox....there is nothing to fear except fear itself.
Distraction such as being absorbed in a book, going for a walk or listening to music often can help a little but i personally find that exercise like a bike ride or running is
really helpful. Try and book yourself onto CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) classes through the NHS. Try googling CBT as there are some free online classes. Also, find a buddy on this forum you cam talk with and confide in. There are so many lovely people on this forum that have gone through and are going through this experience. You are never alone. You will get better and be a stronger person having succeeded. If it comes back again like it has for me, 16 years later, you know that you can beat it again. Best wishes for a peaceful mind.
oisin66821 SerotoninSurfer
Posted
does that translate to cyclical thoughts not about anxious things but the concept of anxiety. for me its there 24/7 menaing i cant distract myslef with anything. The hyperawarness overrides my attempts to do so by constantly taking me out of my focus.
SerotoninSurfer oisin66821
Posted
exactly. I dont get anxious about having to do a presentation at work or teaching my daughter to drive or anything stressful. If anything, it distracts me from my negative thought patterns. This is why generalised anxiety disorder can be so distressing as there is no logical trigger for the anxiety or thought pattern. You don't know what makes you anxious other than the thought of being anxious, hence a vicious cycle that seems impossibe to break. It is a trap that your mind keeps you locked in on. You might be thinking of work tomorrow or football or a tv programme but seconds later you are back to anxiety. It is truly baffling...which is why it causes so much misery until you break the cycle.
ro77360 SerotoninSurfer
Posted
Very excellent summary of GAD only difference for me is I can predict an anxiety attack as I get one whenever I leave my comfort zone. This has gotten much worse since I retired. Much worse
I'm really pushing myself this summer - going out to concerts, plays, etc but today is a biggee as I'm going to begin volunteering at a big, big food pantry. Very busy, all new people - and I'm the newbie.
Also, I'm going to make an appointment to see a hypnotist who comes highly recommended.
Wish me luck.
SerotoninSurfer ro77360
Posted
best of luck. You will be immense.
marilyn98768 SerotoninSurfer
Posted
you have summed it up in that one statement anxious and scared of feeling anxious , sounds rediculous but even though i know it is my anxiety i am frightened by it
ro77360 SerotoninSurfer
Posted
Cancelled volunteer gig. Just couldn't do it. A bridge too far at this point.
Too much action, rushing, new people, etc.
I will keep looking for a more suitable place.
Taking baby steps but still moving forward...
jan34534 marilyn98768
Posted
have you ever tried meditation? I do this every day sometimes a couple times a day. There are some excellent ones on YouTube or overthinking, anxiety, sleep, etc. The key to this is slowing down the mind. Don’t get anxious about overthinking because then it will get worse . If knowledge that you were overthinking in a relaxed way. Then let it pass.
Another thing that is very important in the key to controlling anxiety is proper breathing. Listen to some of those meditations.
mindfulness breathing guided meditation 10 minutes is good and so is detachment from overthinking. ❤
marilyn98768 jan34534
Posted
thank you i will give both of those a try ,i have struggled with relaxation tapes in the past as get agitated and cannot keep from fidgeting
ro77360 jan34534
Posted
Has anyone tried Butyko breathing for anxiety?
I would provide the link but I don't think its allowed.
Basically, its about controlling your breathing by gradually lengthening the pause between breaths.
Also, be sure to keep your mouth closed to avoid hyperventilating.
jan34534 marilyn98768
Posted
focus on what they are saying and your breathing. slow down your mind, it gets u in control
SerotoninSurfer marilyn98768
Posted
yes. Have HEADSPACE app and tried meditation. Listening to the sound of rain on an app bizarrely calms me better than meditation 😉