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Intrusive thoughts back

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Posted 1/5/2020 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
I hope the holiday treated everyone reasonably well. I noticed right before the holidays and the start of a long vacation, I was feeling amazingly good. A lot of this was reminding me of the really bad shape I was in mentally last year though and at first it made me feel really proud of the progress I had made but then gradually the obnoxious intrusive thoughts started slipping back in and feel like by the end of the break I’ve totally crashed. I’ve been working on breathing and using the calm app but I keep sleeping too much and feel pretty defeated,anxious, cranky and unable to concentrate. I don’t know what to do.
Posted 1/5/2020 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Me too at the moment. My sis kept knocking for 3 days,
I got up spoke to her and thanked her. Am pushing to do small tasks
To stave off the thoughts, lethargy etc.
It will pass, acknowledge this and combat it with appropriate distractions.
Keep strong reach out. U have here, well done.
Yes new yr brings about subliminal expectations as do our subconscious and
Conscius minds, thus don't overthink it, this is one aspect of allowing in
Intrusive thoughts. HT
Posted 1/5/2020 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Sending you strength as well HT! I appreciate the support 🤗
Trying to find a routine I can keep up with.
Posted 1/6/2020 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
👍🐢 HT
Posted 1/6/2020 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Try putting up a mental stop sign. Picture it in your mind. Repeat stop, stop, stop. Sometimes you can shake the thought and think of something else.

I wish you the best...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 1/6/2020 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
Putting up a mental stop sign sometimes works for me. How well does it work for you, Karen? And have you tried it, Lab?
Posted 1/8/2020 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Good reminder! Sometimes it helps. Also labeling it just a thought and taking away its power helps. Doesn’t always work. Thankful my vacation will be over soon to keep my mind busy on other things:/
Posted 1/8/2020 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Lab, do you know why putting up a mental stop sign sometimes works for you but at other times it doesn't?
Posted 1/9/2020 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes trying to stop intrusive thoughts or make them go away only makes them more powerful. It could be more useful to mindfully observe the thoughts while continuing to go about your life. Exposure can also help, especially with guidance from a well trained therapist.
Posted 1/9/2020 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Yes,exactly medved, that’s why it sometimes doesn’t work for me. It’s easier for my thoughts to get tangled and to think about my thoughts when I’m not deeply engrossed in a strict schedule during which time can say stop and go back to whatever I’m working on.
Posted 1/10/2020 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
I’m the same way; my anxiety is worst during down-time. But I don’t think the answer is to always be busy bc we all need down time.
Posted 1/10/2020 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with you, MedVed. Even those who are always on the go need a break every now and then.
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