Constant Thinking about thoughts
Im so scared right now and I feel like Im going mad.. I keep thinking about my thought processes. Like what makes thoughts, where are they stored, how do i even know if im mad? its making me so scared. I even question how do i know how to talk?!! its been like this for about 3 days, im usually a happy person (with health worries but never anything like this) Im really really frightened about what is going to happen to me, am i going insane? Will i ever be able to feel and think normally again?
Helpful comments please as im in such a bad place... just want to snap out of this....
Samantha
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
We all experiene worries like this every now and then - we call them existential crisises. Here is an article you may find interesting. It doesn't really help but it should help you understand that you are not the only one who worries about such things.
I went through a stage where I was haunted by the fact my nose is always in my vision. Sounds ridiculous, but I was in absolute terror. It will go, just don't give the thoughts any attention.
You worry about what thoughts are - so refer to "you" as your observing self that is not included in science or questioning, it's just the bit that "sees". That sounded right in my head, sorry.
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
thank you for replying.
I'm at my wits end. I actually feel mad, I feel like I've convinced myself I'm mad!! I'm so confused because of all this 'what are thoughts' 'what makes a memory'. Most people would think of these things and think no more of it, It's making me insane. Im shaking as i write this out now and I'm crying because I feel like I'll never find happiness again!!
Sorry to be unloading all my problems but I'm at breaking point.
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
Quote:
Originally Posted by
samantha8889
thank you for replying.
I'm at my wits end. I actually feel mad, I feel like I've convinced myself I'm mad!! I'm so confused because of all this 'what are thoughts' 'what makes a memory'. Most people would think of these things and think no more of it, It's making me insane. Im shaking as i write this out now and I'm crying because I feel like I'll never find happiness again!!
Sorry to be unloading all my problems but I'm at breaking point.
Please be consoled, you are not the only person who has had this. It feels like it's much more scary than worrying about other "benign" things but it's only because of the importance you attach to the idea. You are not going mad. It does make you confused and there is no answer which makes it feel a lot worse but trust me, it's only your fear that keeps it going, and I've had this before. You look fine on the outside but inside you can see no way out and it seems ultimate and awful - but it isn't. I hd the same thoughts and I'm still here and I'm happy. Notice how if you are distracted by something else, you are fine and living how you should until you think about your worry again. That's all you need to do, caccy on how you were and don't act any differently. When you start stressing, just greet your thoughts like a friend and let them go. Be absorbed in whatever it is you are doing.
It feels really awful I know. But it will pass! It may take a while and will seem like forever but trust me, it will get better. Please stop crying now and have a hearty meal :)
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
Thank you so much for your kind words. I tend to think of worst case scenario for everything that happens. This just feels so intense at the moment that I see no way out!! You also say that I feel better when I think of something else. That's just the thing, I've thought of nothing else for 3 days straight!! Every time I go to do something else or talk to someone it's like my brain says 'how am I speaking?' or 'how is my brain working' It's taking over. I haven't gone back to work because of it, I feel im having a proper mental breakdown. I know I need to get a grip but I can't help questioning every single thing I do and say!!
A week ago I was fine, I want to go back to that place. Has anyone ever lost their mind this way?
So sorry for all the questions you must be annoyed!!
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
Quote:
Originally Posted by
samantha8889
Thank you so much for your kind words. I tend to think of worst case scenario for everything that happens. This just feels so intense at the moment that I see no way out!! You also say that I feel better when I think of something else. That's just the thing, I've thought of nothing else for 3 days straight!! Every time I go to do something else or talk to someone it's like my brain says 'how am I speaking?' or 'how is my brain working' It's taking over. I haven't gone back to work because of it, I feel im having a proper mental breakdown. I know I need to get a grip but I can't help questioning every single thing I do and say!!
A week ago I was fine, I want to go back to that place. Has anyone ever lost their mind this way?
So sorry for all the questions you must be annoyed!!
Don't worry, that's why I'm here I want to make you better :) No one has ever lost their mind this way, you are in the grips of anxiety and although it feels a million time worse than just anxiety, that's what it is. It always fools you by making you feel like you are the worst affected person on earth. I thought the same.
You feel like you haven't had a moments break but I can garuntee you that at some point int he day you haven't thought about it. THe reason it's there all the time is you are trying not to think about it. Try thinkingabout it non stop and you will notice your mind wonder. It's a uesful trick, try it right now.
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
Thank you...
Right now my head just feels like all jumbled up and hazy. Hate this, I really don't want to go through it!! I know what your saying is what I need to do, but I can't help but feel there is more to it than just anxiety!! Is it possible to go 'insane'? because if it is, that is where i feel i am
:weep:
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
That's how anxiety works, it wants you to think that there's "more" to it, that you are the "odd case", or you are somehow a flawed person who cannot manage in the world. That's what people used to think anyway, but with modern medicine, we can happily diagnose you with anxiety! Why? Because of the fear. The fact you are rationally thinking about insanity and feeling very scared of it proves you are sane. One does not just go insane, you have to have a history of schitzophrenia or something similar, and not only that but someone would have pointed out to you by now that you ought to be locked away. Ask your friends and family how they see you and if there's anything wrong with you, the worst they would say is that you are sensitive or nervous.
People with anxiety and people with insanity can never have both because of how our brain works, you have one or the other, also known as nuerosis or psychosis. You have nuerosis.
Remember it's your hatred and fear that is keeping this going. If you can get to a point where you can happily exist with these thoughts and feelings in the background, they will eventually go. I'll leave this to you unless you have anything else to ask me, in which case fire away! I literally live here :)
As you are a new member, can I ask if you have been to your GP, therapist, taken any medication or sought any kind of help yet in relation to your condition? If not, do so.
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
Honestly, thank you so so much for your reassurance!!
You don't know how much this has helped me. As you probably guess, I still feel crazy but what you say makes complete sense and it makes me happier that I'm not alone! (Of course not happy you've had to go through it)
I have been to the doctors, they have been no help if I'm honest but I am going to a therapy/counselling session in November.
Thanks again!!
---------- Post added at 18:42 ---------- Previous post was at 18:40 ----------
Oh and all I've taken is Diazapam for sleep
Re: Constant Thinking about thoughts
Glad to be of help and good to hear you are going to have counselling, that will help you a lot and so will the diaz. Take care!
Pan :hugs: