Repeating words to cancel out thoughts

[hanne6]

I have no idea if this is just anxiety. Often when I think of a conversation, memory, or event that caused me anxiety, or was embarrassing, or if have a thought I don't like or one that feels distressing I start saying a word or phrase over and over again, very rapidly. Often I'll be repeating it louder and louder and will look visibly distressed. It's like I need to cancel out the thought entirely.

Sometimes it's so effective I'm not even sure what the thought was going to be. Other times when I stop repeating the word or phrase the thought will reappear for a mere second and I start over again trying to (I assume) snap myself out of it. Sometimes it's a swear word or something hateful.

Over and over. I don't even think I make a conscious decision when to stop. My mind just seems to know when it feels right and has completed the task of shutting down the thought. It's over quickly, but it's embarrassing, distressing, and happens so fast I don't have a chance to stop myself.

I absolutely hate it. I'm left feeling so on edge. I'm anxious about enough stuff without this thing I feel like I have absolutely no control over. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, or maybe experienced similar?

[Petal22]

Hi hanne6,

Sorry you have been feeling this way I understand….

I was diagnosed with OCD…. Obsessive compulsive disorder it’s a anxiety disorder….. I would have intrusive thoughts and then would do compulsions to bring my anxiety down….. one of my compulsions was seeking reassurance….

OCD is a vicious cycle but you can learn to break free of its grips… with the correct help….

I’m now recovered, my recovery started from seeing my gp we did a mental health plan together, I then saw a clinical phycologist and psychiatrist this then led me to a OCD clinic that specialised in OCD this is we’re I learned to master my OCD……

OCD for me was intrusive thoughts that seemed irrational but felt very real………. Having OCD can feel very distressing…….. it’s very time consuming….

Your not alone….. I highly recommend you do a mental health plan and see a clinical psychologist…… I feel a clinical phycologist is more equipped to deal with OCD than a normal psychologist……. A clinical phycologist can diagnose a normal psychologist can’t 😊

[Petal22]

Hi SDS pearls,

Wellcome to our forums… please read my recent reply to hanne 6 😊