I need tips on how to stop it...............

[Kelly326]

Hi all, I would love some tips on how to stop the "what if" thoughts!! There driving me crazy!!!!

[elainey70]

Hi Kelly,

I wish i knew, i have spent the last 15 weeks in a "what if " cycle.

[PanchoGoz]

"What if..?"
"So what."
THAT is how to stop it.

[HarrogateChris]

My chatterbox is a real pain.

I find doing something requiring concentration with my hands helps, self hypnosis CD's work, but it quickly gets used to them and starts chattering over the top. Listening to nature sounds CD's helps too.

Chris

[Anxious_gal]

positive thinking like the world is a safe place, i have everything i need right now, if i do panic someone will come to my assistance.
i find i get somewhat paranoid when I'm anxious and it can be very hard to talk your self down

[nomorepanic]

I agree with Pancho

So what?

Keep saying this to yourself when those what if's come in to your head.

[jessicalittler79]

iam stuck there to hun sorry i cant help

[Hazel B]

I tell myself and my stupid thoughts that "what if" it happens, I can cope, I've coped before and will cope again. If the worst happens, I have strategies to manange and have faced my worst thoughts.

Thoughts cannot kill me and I try to just acknowledge them and know they have no power.

I think CBT can also help challenge "unhelpful thinking" but I have not had formal sessions on this.