I think my brain's broken:(

[Justchillaxing]

I don't know if this is common or just me .. doesn't feel right. Basically all the time my mind is active, I can't switch it off. I either have songs constantly going round my head or I'm counting or - weirdest of all - I type in an imaginary keyboard everything I hear, say or think.

I can't switch it off to meditate. I sleep very little. This is mainly due to new antidepressant meds at the moment. But the constantly active mind thing I've had for years and years.

Anyone experience something similar? Anyone know how to stop it? Feel like I'm going mad

[Maccapacca88]

I experience the same with my anxiety. It has decreased with my anti-depressants, but I do still catch myself doing it quite a bit. I actually find that if I am doing these little subconscious brain activities, my mind isn't wandering off into intrusive thought patterns or ruminations.

[Justchillaxing]

I guess that's true. I just find I can't go to sleep at night partly because of it. Do you count too? I do it when I'm walking, all the time.

[Wolfiefan]

Have you spoken to your doctor about it?

[Maccapacca88]

Yep. Counting, arranging words alphabetically, looking for patterns etc. I find that listening to asmr videos on YouTube helps to get me to sleep. My counsellor said it's quite common for those with anxiety to have over active brains!

It doesn't cause me any distress, but if it is bothering you, I think you ought to speak to your gp about your options.

[Justchillaxing]

I haven't bothered mentioning it to my gp because he just says everything's due to anxiety. But it used to happen before I was the mess I am these days. But Because I have depression and anxiety everything is put down to that now.

[MissSV]

I have anxiety and find that listening to a sleep app helps me to relax and fall asleep... worth a go! X

[Maccapacca88]

If you're on new meds you may find it calms down in a few weeks when they kick in properly anyway. What are you taking? I'm on sertraline and was a nervous wreck for the first 3 weeks!

[Wolfiefan]

I would put it as part of the depression and anxiety and would mention it to the GP.

[Justchillaxing]

Thanks.

I'm on duloxetine. I'll mention it next time I'm there.

[hevonbu]

I googled it and there seems to be a risk of some weird unwanted side effects -- agitation, reckless behaviour, severe trouble sleeping, and unusual grand ideas being one of the list of serious side effects according to Healthline. Isn't there any other way to meet or address your feelings of anxiety?

[hevonbu]

^...being on the list of...

[Crowdo]

I have the same thing and cannot take traditional antidepressants because they exacerbate my repetitive thinking. I had more luck with imipramine and also trazodone. Not at the same time, to specify!