Thinking irrationally

[Looney Tunes53x]

Hi all. Have been here before but not for a long time. Have been on medication for many years, I go downhill very quickly usually to not being able to put coping strategies in place in time. There’s always a trigger but it’s not always the same thing. Usually though it’s due to family issues etc which I cant help but dwell on. I’d love to learn how to stop dwelling on things that don’t exist but drive me (and my family) loopy at times. Tips please. 🙆‍♀️

[white knight]

Hi

Catastophising is common and in fact I do that also. It often comes from allowing things to fume without resolve.

I'd suggest professional medical help would be an advantage to you.

The other thing you can try with the help of a partner is regular meetings over a drink. Grad a coffee post dinner on a night when TV isn't good and chat. List topics in the notepad of your phone.

Finally emotional immaturity can stop you talking. Get the help you need.

TonyWK

[Amanda2000]

Hi, weekends are generally bad days for me. I find it overwhelming that everyone is at home, there's no predictable schedule/timetable and I feel like I'm constantly on standby-mode. Couldn't relax at all. So I was dwelling on every irrational thought as you had described. Choosing clothes - oh I should've worn the other one/I think I've dressed too warm now. Choosing cutlery out of the kitchen drawer - oh I should've picked the other spoon/it looks shinier. Order of doing things - oh I should've started the dishwasher before doing the laundry. My head was in a mess! I couldn't do any of those self-help mental exercises. So I just had to ride it out. I kept telling myself these horrible feelings will pass. Monday morning I'm in recovery mode. Tuesday onwards I will be fully functional again. But then comes the weekend and the whole vicious cycle will repeat itself.

[Looney Tunes53x]

Hi Amanda

i hear what you’re saying being overwhelmed when everyone‘s around. When feeling anxious I find it’s hard to “turn off” from everything that’s going on and being said which is very tiring. It’s nice just to be left alone in silence just to take a breath and regroup!

[Amanda2000]

Hi Looney Tunes53x, lovely to hear from you! If you have time, I've started my own thread under anxiety - Topic: anxiety at home - cannot relax

I would really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

[Looney Tunes53x]

Hi Amanda

thanks for letting me know -I will go and have a look . Meantime hugs to you 🫂

[Guest9337]

G'day Looney Tunes53x.

When I was busy studying and working simultaneously I actively avoided doing any chores, work or study on Saturdays. A whole day of headspace does wonders for mental health.

One other tip occurs to me, which is to play sport. During sport we focus on the immediate task at hand, we exercise our mental ability to focus on only what's important right now and practice switching off the noise of the rest of our thoughts. Try Squash or Cycling, they require keen focus on the task at hand.

[Looney Tunes53x]

Hi there. Yes I certainly agree that a day of avoidance does wonders for mental health-maybe there should be a designated day in the calendar 😄😄

I think it doesn’t matter whether it’s sport or yoga/meditation or indeed any type of hobby eg crochet , sewing etc ; if it keeps you focussed on just that one thing for a time it is definitely beneficial. finding the motivation to do and keep doing is the thing though. Sometimes your mind is your worst enemy. 🥺