Intrusive thoughts when I play football

[guest70]

Hi, 

I am desperately looking for some advice. 

I used to have psychosis. I am better now but ever since I have recovered I have been getting these intrusive thoughts. They are really disturbing. I get them particularly bad when I play soccer and then I feel so distracted when I am playing the game that I end up playing badly and that just makes it worse. The thoughts are all different. Some are violent, some are racist... my mind just comes up with these phrases that are so offensive and then I am afraid I am going to say them. I don't mean to come up with the thoughts. After soccer I can't sleep until really late at night. I don't know how to stop these thoughts. I think my fear of them makes them worse but I don't know how to stop fearing them either. Please help.. does anyone know how to deal with intrusive thoughts? I don't want to have them anymore and I am so sick of having a problem. 

Thnaks, Bailey

[AGrace]

Hi Bailey,

Thanks for sharing.

This doesnt sound helpful at all, in general or when you play football. I do have one question, are they definitely thoughts? Do you hear them in your own voice? Or in the voice of someone else? Im not trying to freak you out its just important to ascertain whether you have thoughts or voices.

Its not uncommon to have unwanted thoughts, our brain is constantly thinking and attempting to problem solve. This is heightened when we are under stress which might be why they're more persistent when you're playing. 

I do have a suggestion of something that's helped me manage thoughts which was introduced to me last year. Its based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). To understand it try this..."Close your eyes and just for 30 seconds think of anything you can except for a white elephant" ...So what happened? I bet you thought of the white elephant at least once? When we try not to feel something or think something, our brain does the exact opposite. The goal of ACT is to sit with our thoughts non-judgementally. After all they are just that, thoughts. We dont have to act on them, just let them be.

Now im no professional when it comes to mental health, im just sharing an experience of a coping strategy thats worked for me. Hence im not going to give you in depth information. You could however try googling ACT, or even seek the help of a professional to help you with these thoughts.

My final question is have you spoken with anyone about them? It might be a good idea.

Keep in touch and good luck with the footy.

AGrace

[guest70]

Hi AGrace, 

Thank you for your advice it is helpful. No they are just thoughts definitely not voices. I will look up ACT. Yeh I am going to see a professional to talk about it this week. 

Thank you for replying I really appreciate it. 

Bailey 🙂

[AGrace]

Hi Bailey,

firstly I hope that smiley face at the end of your post is a representation of you:)

I'm so glad you have a plan in place to get some support, a very brave move.

I was too busy sharing my ideas before and now I realised I forgot to ask you what position do you play in soccer? I don't envy you for playing a winter sport...takes me back to my days of netball playing out in the rain. I do Bikram Yoga these days through the winter just for the comfort of the 40deg room!! 

Regardless of the type of sport you play, it's really helpful to remain active when you feel a little low, so good on you. No doubt you've been following the world cup of late? My partner is French and he's had a lot of early mornings of late.

Let us know how you go with your appointment.

AGrace

[guest70]

Hi AGrace, yeh I play left midfield and yes I have really been enjoying the World Cup! 

Psychologist sessions are going well so far but have not really delved into the thick of things yet. Have just been doing background stuff.

thanks for your concern. Will let you know if I get some positive feedback. 

thanks, Bailey