Page 2 | How do you stop ruminating?

CrazilySensitive · 2023-06-13T17:32:20+00:00

I'm stuck in a bit of a rumination loop. I can't stop thinking about upsetting things. It can go on for days and days. Sometimes very minor things, and I waste so much time going over them. Anyway, does anyone else have this problem, and do you have any strategies to stop? I've got OCD and anxiety generally.

ThreeRingCircus · 21/11/2023 10:40

CrazilySensitive · 19/11/2023 07:01

Oh, that's a great idea. It can be day or night, but yes, probably worse at night when trying to get to sleep. I'll look into suitable podcasts

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A couple of Podcasts I've really found helpful are:

The Sleepy Bookshelf. Essentially someone reading you a bedtime story but it's classic books e.g. Pride and Prejudice or Little Women. They read it in hour long episode sections in a calm voice and it doesn't matter if you fall asleep because they recap what happened in the previous section at the start of every episode. I tell myself I'm getting to know more classic literature but really I use it as a way to switch my brain off.

Nothing much happens. A short story which is well written but nothing much happens in it. She reads it twice and the second time she reads it more slowly. I am normally asleep by the time she is reading it for the second time.

Original poster

CrazilySensitive · 21/11/2023 14:56

SurfSmurf · 21/11/2023 10:26

I struggle massively with this too OP. I fall asleep ok - am always so tired! - but wake at night and instantly my mind is racing with 'to do' lists and going over things from the past, catastrophizing about the future (elderly, infirm relatives), feeling lots of nostalgia about my kids growing up and worrying about the things I've not done with them (and reliving the nice times too), worrying about the keepsakes / drawings etc I've misplaced.I worry a lot about 'where things are IYSWIM and worry about misplacing or losing sentimental things. But it eats into my day time too and I find it impossible to get past some thoughts and to be productive.

You have my empathy. Exhausting isn't it x

OP posts:

Original poster

CrazilySensitive · 21/11/2023 14:57

ThreeRingCircus · 21/11/2023 10:40

A couple of Podcasts I've really found helpful are:

The Sleepy Bookshelf. Essentially someone reading you a bedtime story but it's classic books e.g. Pride and Prejudice or Little Women. They read it in hour long episode sections in a calm voice and it doesn't matter if you fall asleep because they recap what happened in the previous section at the start of every episode. I tell myself I'm getting to know more classic literature but really I use it as a way to switch my brain off.

Nothing much happens. A short story which is well written but nothing much happens in it. She reads it twice and the second time she reads it more slowly. I am normally asleep by the time she is reading it for the second time.

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Thank you. I'll try them out

OP posts:

User1343 · 21/11/2023 17:44

Thank you for posting this @CrazilySensitive. Because of reading your thread this morning, I have researched OCD and realised I too have this. I don’t know where to start with changing my life and it feels really overwhelming but I am glad I know so I can now do something about it. I’m nearly 50 so I feel sad for the lost years but I’m glad I know now.

Thank you again and sorry to everyone who is experiencing this too.

Original poster

CrazilySensitive · 23/11/2023 02:49

@User1343 I'm so glad to hear that this thread has helped you.
Re lost years - I know what you mean. I've lost many years and opportunities. I actually did know I had OCD for many of them. I was too embarrassed to seek help, and didn't know where to go to find it. Anyway, I hope you don't make my mistake, and that you don't needlessly suffer going forward. Take care x

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WWYDlookingafterdad · 23/11/2023 09:03

Also thinking I might have this. I look people up from years ago on a regular basis on SM, over and over and analyse anything posted. I still look up my last 2 exes daily. That sense of justice and honesty are huge for me. I detail anything done against me (words used, situations I've found myself in through no fault of my own) and can go over with friends until I'm sick of hearing myself. I really thought I must just be a really bitter and twisted person with a fragile ego, but your post about OCD has really struck a chord. I have been on meds for anxiety before, but they just made me excessively tired and dizzy so I stopped them. I just can't seem to let go of things. I might have a week or so of doing/thinking about the past less, but as soon as I can/something happens I see as negative I go back to check again in my spiral of needing to know. It's so draining and I do feel it holds me back emotionally from processing and moving on.

Original poster

CrazilySensitive · 23/11/2023 09:33

WWYDlookingafterdad · 23/11/2023 09:03

Also thinking I might have this. I look people up from years ago on a regular basis on SM, over and over and analyse anything posted. I still look up my last 2 exes daily. That sense of justice and honesty are huge for me. I detail anything done against me (words used, situations I've found myself in through no fault of my own) and can go over with friends until I'm sick of hearing myself. I really thought I must just be a really bitter and twisted person with a fragile ego, but your post about OCD has really struck a chord. I have been on meds for anxiety before, but they just made me excessively tired and dizzy so I stopped them. I just can't seem to let go of things. I might have a week or so of doing/thinking about the past less, but as soon as I can/something happens I see as negative I go back to check again in my spiral of needing to know. It's so draining and I do feel it holds me back emotionally from processing and moving on.

I've struggled with meds too. Bad side effects, and don't think I stuck with them long enough. I'm hoping to get some CBT soon.
I'm glad this thread has helped you. I feel for you, as it's such an exhausting way to live, but we can't help it. You take care, and I hope you can get the help you need x

OP posts:

JamSandle · 23/11/2023 09:34

If only I had an answer!

SunRainStorm · 23/11/2023 09:36

Podcasts

And also consciously deciding to focus on something more productive

bookmarket · 23/11/2023 10:41

I'm try to help myself with this at the moment as I am suffering with perimenopausal sense of impending doom and my thoughts spiral. I'm bringing myself gently back to the present by telling myself I can only think about this present day. It appears to be easier than bringing myself back to the present moment - breathing, 'just being' type things can make me feel more anxious. This is a good compromise. It usually refocused my brain on the mundane, eg what's for dinner, what time do I finish work etc...