Dear Danver_1,
Welcome to Beyond Blue, and well done for reaching out. My suggestion would be to break the pattern of those negative intrusive thoughts by getting busy doing something else; go for a walk, make arrangements to meet up with a friend - but do NOT talk about the negative, repetative thoughts, otherwise that would still be indulging in the same pattern - do some housework or gardening, etc. There's a whole world of stuff out there to do, it's just a matter of finding what works for you.
I know that for me, I have a number of 'go to' activities that work for me, according to what season it is! For example, if it's nice warm weather then I'll get out and go for a walk or ride my bicycle. And if it's winter, like now, then I will play solitaire on the computer, or colour in, or do a word search puzzle.
The main thing is to create some sort of diversion/distraction in your thinking that is enough to re-focus your mind and that you have to concentrate on the diversion/distraction more so than the negative thoughts.
Anyway, that's what I have been taught and it works for me. But we're all unique, and I sure don't have all the answers to all the things.
I do hope that helps at least a little bit though. Take care and feel free to reply if you wish. In the meantime, I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. xo
