Wanting to jump but not suicidal

[Sunshine31]

I am currently struggling with health anxiety and have it fairly under control with cbt.

However, an incident yesterday totally freaked me out and made me doubt myself. I was on a short boat trip and I had an almost overwhelming urge to
jump over the side. I had to hold on to stop myself. I am not depressed and dont want to end my life. I have similar thoughts about trains, planes and cars and always have, but they are usually fleeting. And bit worried as I am on both a train and plane tomorrow with dds. Please tell me others get these same ideas and how do I deal with them?

Hi Sunshine,

I am currently waiting on a referral to a psych hospital for my anxiety issues. I often have similar thoughts, although I'm finding they are more frequent/intense since my anxiety levels have heightened. I often feel the urge to step forward when a train is pulling in/to jump from a great height. I would say that everyone gets irrational urges, however they are probably less dangerous ones, eg. I'm going to throw my keys in the river and see what happens.

As you are already seeing someone about your anxiety, I would bring it up with them. For now I think you should be reassured that you are aware of these urges and that you do not actually want to follow through with them. If you do have a thought like this just remind yourself that it isn't actually what you want to do and that it's your brain having some sort of blip.

Sorry I am probably not being that helpful but wanted to reassure you that you are not alone in having these upsetting thoughts.

My psych told me it was a normal function of the brain and showed me I was trying to protect myself. And fact not acted on it meant psych services not concerned. Could you perhaps talk to your HV for support as well? I found that a useful avenue.

Yes, I try to ignore them and distance myself from whatever it is. So, I never lean over the edge of a balcony/side of a boat for example. I've never told anyone about it because I have always thought they would think I was crazy.