Having ‘sticky thoughts’ (and THANK YOU - you guys here)

[Nutmeg]

Sticky thoughts.. aka intrusive thoughts, obsessing over terrible awful things that might have happened (but didn’t) years and years ago. I saw an article that described these thoughts as ‘sticky thoughts’ and I felt it quite apt.

Every now and again I’ll go through a period of this, (stuck in one currently) where nothing helps, no amount of CBT or anything has any effect on stopping it from taking hold.

I’ll end up in a daze for a day or so because I’m so focussed on that one thought, and I’ll hate myself for what *could have* happened, but didn’t.. but then my brain wonders ‘what if I’m remembering it wrong?’, what if it actually DID happen? What if it’s a repressed memory surfacing?

1. I know it’s not a repressed memory.
2. I know it didn’t happen.
3. Will I ever get a break from these sorts of things

I’m ok. I mean, I’m having a terrible time with this but I know it will pass in a day or so.. but my gosh do I wish I could have this not happen!

Thanks Anxiety community for being here, it’s helping me feel better just writing this out here. So thank you

 

[MATD]

It’s Only Anxiety by Carl James.

 

[Nutmeg]

It’s Only Anxiety by Carl James.

Yes I’ve heard of that book.

 

[MATD]

The acceptance method works if you give it the necessary time. You don’t have to continue in the anxiety state. But it is not a quick fix. What it is is a method you can incorporate into your everyday life that can help change the negative thinking that lead you into the anxiety state. It also helps to build much needed confidence while removing the doubt. I’m using it, every day. It’s working, slowly but surely.

 

[Nutmeg]

I have given a lot of time to the acceptance method, and know of the books you repeatedly mention, and whilst it has worked for trivial things that would normally ruin my day, it has little to no effect on the deep dives my mind likes to go on at times, or the intense panic that comes with them. Some even suggest that this method can be dangerous when it comes to intrusive thoughts and false memories. So in that respect, I don’t think this is a case of me not trying hard enough.
With these the only thing on my side is time, and waiting for it to pass.

 

[MATD]

Perhaps you aren’t applying the method properly. Just a thought. I’m finding that once I got past the “ trivial”, I was able to apply it to the deeper, underlying root of my anxiety. Such as my low confidence and deeply rooted issues. The method allows for me to study my issues with acceptance. They are what they are, I don’t have to shy away from them with fear but by accepting these issues as just things I need to put into perspective.

 

[Nutmeg]

I’m glad it works well for you.

 

[Nutmeg]

96hrs in total this bout lasted, then the past 24hrs were little flicks back and forth as if the thoughts of this week were a bad dream.

In the midst of this week, I really started to wonder if I’d ever feel normal again. It was a bad one.