Mind in overdrive - think about awful things

[snoopy8]

Hi, I wasn't sure where to post this but looking for some advice please.

I have developed this awful habit of thinking about dreadful things when I'm trying to sleep. These are stories I've heard in the news about abuse, murder etc that have stuck with me over the years. They can consume me to the point of despair and I can't get them out of my head. I feel so terrible for the people who have suffered and find myself in tears :(

Any advice on how to stop them? I'm not good at listening to audio books/Calm type apps as I just block them out and continue with these thoughts.
Am I alone in this or do others do the same?

Hi, sorry to read you are feeling like this, I have been plagued by the same thing for many years - it really was affecting my everyday life in so many ways - even when I wasn't obsessing over stories I'd read etc I'd start obsessing over my family being harmed and it really was getting out of control, I have since been diagnosed with OCD and generalised anxiety and have received Cognitive behaviour therapy and medication ... the CBT does help you with coping mechanisms and distraction techniques etc and the medication has definitely taken the edge off, I would definitely book a gp appointment as these things really can spiral x

Thank you for coming back to me so quickly. I'm sorry you've been through this and glad you've had some help.

I also have the worries about my family members too.
Did you find the thoughts were consuming you during the day? My thoughts only happen at night, but then of course I'm exhausted during the day due to it taking so long for me to fall asleep.

I have this too. I don't know if there's any way to stop it. Sure I could get tablets from the doctor but they won't change my brain will they? It's awful but I'm just used to it now I suppose.

At first it was a lot worse at night - when I could switch off from the busy day and be alone with my thoughts - it did unfortunately spiral though and started to consume more and more of my time, I do think it's wise to try and stop it before it gets to that extreme - I do sometimes still suffer but I am much better equipped at dealing with it now - I really hope things get better for you x

I have every sympathy for you, snoopy, have been the same myself, even to the point of having panic attacks.

Now I censor what I watch on TV or read about, for my own protection. It's akin to 'keeping good company'.

When the horrible thoughts intrude I take deep breaths, face them and tell myself these things are not going to happen to me, then move on. It does work.

Good luck.

I have this too and it actually quite distressing. My last bad thought was yesterday on my walk I saw something (nothing bad) and it prompted me to think about bad experiences people go through. I'm trying to understand it more and find out what the trigger is.

I think if you are feeling a little fragile and insecure, it's very easy to catastrophise. For me personally, it helps to recognise when your thoughts are heading in that direction and an awareness that that's what you are doing.

I have had it few years ago. Went to the GP, was promptly diagnosed with anxiety, got medication for it and, 4 months later, weaned myself off it, and it hasn't come back.
Depending on what is the problem, you might need psychological help or medication. I chose medication as my problem was very stressful period of my life, which, I knew, will not last forever.

First of all it has great that you’ve posted it .. you’ve recognised it and want to deal with it .. have you tried magnesium.. it honestly has been amazing for me .. 20 mins before bed and also had loads of other properties to support health etc .. also not watching anything too dramatic helps me too .. I joke and say to DH “ no dead bodies” meaning that I just don’t want to watch something stressful or violent .. Jim Gaffigan is a great comedian .. gentle humour . Hope that helps .. these intrusive thoughts also increase out cortisol levels making it harder to relax and sleep so hopefully these suggestions will help you feel more relaxed xx

Thank you everyone for your advice and sharing your experiences. I'll definitely look into magnesium.
I took anti depressants a while ago (relating to insomnia rather than depression) but they made me put on weight so I stopped. Ever since I've been a bit worried about medication.
My DH thinks speaking to a therapist might help too. It definitely comes and goes and mot looking at the daily mail helps too!