Intrusive thoughts

[Toby_Lace]

Hi all, this my first post. Hoping to gain some relief from persistent intrusive thoughts that have taken hold and taken control of my life. I am having troubles dislodging them. I feel if I confess the thoughts I might gain some relief but I also feel I cant tell anyone because I fear their judgement and the consequences of my confession. I feel hopeless and have little joy in my life. I have started to catastrophise about my life and career and my future. I am at a loss as what to do. I want to feel ' normal', happy and optimistic again.

[blondguy]

Hi Toby

I hope you are doing reasonably okay and your visit to your GP went well for you. You dont have to go through these anxiety attacks on your own.

They do reduce in intensity when we have frequent counseling to find our way through our mental 'cobwebs'

I understand its a pain and it requires a ton of effort and determination but the anxiety will dissipate

Do you have plans for Christmas.....or is it the last thing on your mind? I know Im not a huge fan of this time of year

Please stick around the forums Toby Lace (if you wish to of course)

My Kind thoughts as always

Paul

[Toby_Lace]

Thanks, Paul. My GP app went well. I broke down and poured out all of my troubles. It felt good to talk with someone who understands. I have also had one session with a psychologist and feel that ongoing sessions will be beneficial. I was also prescribed some medication to help shift my thinking. I feel slightly more hopeful. I have had some really dark days and have felt truely awful. It is the feeling of impending doom and that my life is coming to an end that has led me into the darkness. I wouldnt wish this on my worse enemy.

Xmas has been hard. As a mum I am tasked with most of the gift buying etc. I have found this incredibly hard. I am also experiencing some financial pressures which adds to the anxiety. Just trying to get through

What are your plans for christmas?

[Doolhof]

Hi Toby Lace,

Christmas shopping can be difficult when you are feeling depressed and confused. I have decided to keep everything very low key with gift giving this year. I have not been able to get my head around it.

I have bought some second hand stuff I have recycled and have made biscuits and home made gifts this year. My sister understands my depression and is thankful that I am still around for Christmas.

We both agreed to have as stress-less gathering as possible. Laughter and togetherness will be more important than lavish gifts in our home this year.

Cheers to you and All from Dools

[Toby_Lace]

Hi Dools, thanks for your reply. I managed to finish my shopping today. I had some help from my daughter. Just have xmas day to get through and I can relax a bit. My family are quite hard to be around. I find their company quite exhausting- they dont really talk to me. Lots of awkward silences and me trying to fill up the space. I often drink way too much to ease the pain.

I am off tomorrow to spend the day with some good girlfriends. We always have a good laugh.

Hope you have a great christmas! Thanks for all your positive and warm words!

[blondguy]

Hi Toby

Thanks for posting back...its always a treat when someone does Toby Lace

You are a legend for being so proactive with your GP and seeing your psychologist with further bookings and meds too...This is my 22 year on antidepressants ( I was anti meds to start with) and they have helped me 're-boot' my life...so to speak.

If I can ask...have you known your GP for a while? I hoped you felt better the day after you cried...I remember feeling like crap when I was bawling my eyes out and for the next day too.....Just for me it felt like my doc took 10 tons of weight (crap) off my shoulders...

I understand you about being financially challenged.....that is enough to spike anyone's anxiety levels....grrr

Christmas...ummm...Just buying some prawns...and having some salad. Will be visiting my 87 year old mum at her place and coming back here..No Ham...no Turkey...no Cranberry sauce lol

I have a rescued German Shep/Chow Chow cross.....he will be having a few pies and sauce lol (he is 65kilos and has a heart of gold)

My Kindest for you Toby....Thanks again for being a part of the Beyond Blue forum family

Paul

[Toby_Lace]

Have a great christmas, Paul! I have a little staffy and a 15 yr old retriever x ridgeback. Their happiness and unconditional love is a great joy.

I havent known my GP for long. Before my illness I hadnt been to a Dr. for 5 years! It is hard to find someone you feel comfortable with. That being said I just needed him to tell someone who understoid that I was desperate for help. He was very responsive and sympathetic.

I will be spending xmas with my two teenage daughters at home. We will eat and rest, and take the dogs to the beach

Have a great day. I am so glad that I found this forum and all the wonderfully supportive people in it!

[EJG]

Hi everyone,

This has been a helpful post to read through.

I struggle with intrusive thoughts most when making a big decision. i.e. planning to book a trip overseas with my Mum. Have been excited and telling people about it to this point and now find myself with thoughts coming to mind and I'm not sure which are rational and do need to be considered and which are irrational and need to be let go!

Today my fear appears to be around what if I can't manage the irrational ones while we're away.

Helpful to know I'm not alone and at the same time struggling with what to do!

[blondguy]

Hi Toby

Thanks heaps for your kind Christmas wishes!

I hope you had a good Christmas. You have a little staffy and a 15 yr old retriever x ridgeback 🙂 Great stuff!

You have done really well with your GP too Toby 🙂

I have been offline since just before Christmas. I really hope you are feeling even a little bit better Toby

My kindest as always

Paul

[mmiballe]

hi everyone!! im new here and searching around for advice on intrusive thoughts and reading through this has left me with a little more calmness.

im struggling right now with the guilt that comes after having what I’ve deemed ‘awful’ thoughts, and the guilt i carry when I think of my boyfriend, and how I don’t want him to be terrified and leave me.

Im quite scared in all honesty, I have no clue how to bring it up to him, and it’s almost pushing me to leave him and at least then have the peace of mind that he can’t leave me.

Intrusive thoughts are just a never ending cycle for me, I suppose 😞

[Doolhof]

Hi mmiballe,

Intrusive thoughts can get carried away with themselves. It is amazing how quickly one thought can run into another and than another. Especially so if they are negative!

It may help to ask yourself how much truth there is in your thoughts. Yes, some terrible things tdo happen, but not all thoughts come to fruition.

It may help to write down some of these intrusive thoughts and consider what is real about them and what is just imagination?

Consider how you can change your thoughts to something more positive and beneficial.

Maybe you could write out what is troubling you with your boyfriend and find a time to discuss it with him openly.

Thoughts can be changed. Hope this has helped you a little!

Cheers from Dools