Intrusive thoughts and anxiety.

Incog[nito]. · 29-11-2015, 05:39 PM

Are intrusive thoughts of self harm "normal" with anxiety? I haven't self-injured for years but recently this has been happening to me--when I get really, really anxious and feel like I can't face something, I get thoughts like "I need to jump off a bridge" or "someone should just punch me in the face". I'm not suicidal and I don't feel like I'd act on these thoughts, but it scares me that they are even there. I've been off my anti-anxiety medication, with my doctor's support, for just over two years now, but things have been really bad with the anxiety lately and these thoughts are worrying me, but I don't know what to do :/

havealittlefaith · 29-11-2015, 08:08 PM

Could you go and speak to your doctor about it ?

I hope someone can come along and give you some better advise and an answer x

HopeRises · 29-11-2015, 09:53 PM

Yes, I definitely get this. I think because I am out of my comfort zone the negative thoughts set in. It is like my mind sets me up to fail/relapse as if it is easier than whatever it is I am facing. I usually get them in the run up to job interviews/courses and things and then usually once I have faced/done whatever it is the thoughts go away.

Do you know what is provoking your anxiety at the moment? Could you think of other things to deal with it until it passes? Maybe things like a bubble bath or movies or something equally nice.

I have found colouring in helps me ATM. I only use an app could colofye (or something like that) it is free and only limited but I find it helps.

Good luck and remember you don't have to give in to these thoughts. They will pass. And if it is really bothering you/getting out of hand then a trip to the doctor wouldn't hurt?

sherlock holmes · 30-11-2015, 10:24 AM

Pretty much, yes. Intrusive thoughts can be of things you'd never do, or not want to do, and are borne out of anxiety. A really effective way of dealing with them is to practice mindfulness so that you're not obsessing over the thoughts (which makes them stronger). Also to remember the thoughts cannot hurt you. Just because you think "I need to jump off a bridge" it doesn't mean it will happen. You're still in control of your body.

A visit to your GP wouldn't hurt and maybe a short course of an antidepressant would help take the edge off the anxiety? Alternatively, therapy like CBT is fantastic for this sort of thing.

Incog[nito]. · 01-12-2015, 02:35 PM

HopeRises, you are on to something, a lot of it is associated with change and things that make me incredibly nervous anyways. What's worrying me is they seem to be coming more and more even in response to little things, like minor issues or mistakes at work or in my personal life, that in the past wouldn't have phased me. For personal reasons I really want to be able to manage without medication, and I'm starting to feel like all the progress I thought I'd made was just the medication, and that actually I still don't know how to handle anything. I'm feeling really anxious about going to my GP because a part of me still isn't ready to acknowledge I'm struggling, to the people who know me in real life.

Although I know the thoughts alone cannot hurt me, it scares me to be having them, to feel like I am weak and not coping.

192 · 05-12-2015, 11:30 PM

I have those thoughts, almost verbatim to the examples you gave. Sometimes I can push them away quickly without a lot of fuss; sometimes they can be quite sinister and persistent. I know I dont really want those thoughts to come true but its shocking to know thats in my head. I havent seriously engaged in self harm for almost 8 years yet every time I get stressed or overwhelmed or anxious thats the first place my brain goes. EVERY TIME. Even the "little things" bring it out.
I've been in a dark place recently, I'm not sure how much help I can be. But I know reading your post, knowing there is someone else out there dealing with similar cruel self talk, I dont know why, but it did make me feel slightly better. So thank you for being brave enough to share, and, for what its worth, I hope knowing that you are not the only one brings you some sort of relief.

Incog[nito]. · 06-12-2015, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 192

I have those thoughts, almost verbatim to the examples you gave. Sometimes I can push them away quickly without a lot of fuss; sometimes they can be quite sinister and persistent. I know I dont really want those thoughts to come true but its shocking to know thats in my head. I havent seriously engaged in self harm for almost 8 years yet every time I get stressed or overwhelmed or anxious thats the first place my brain goes. EVERY TIME. Even the "little things" bring it out.
I've been in a dark place recently, I'm not sure how much help I can be. But I know reading your post, knowing there is someone else out there dealing with similar cruel self talk, I dont know why, but it did make me feel slightly better. So thank you for being brave enough to share, and, for what its worth, I hope knowing that you are not the only one brings you some sort of relief.

Thank you for your reply 192...we are in very similar places it seems. I too have been doing "well", haven't self-harmed for...five years (?) I think. I can relate exactly to what you said about even "little things" triggering it and that's what's scary.

I am so scared of being seen as regressing, everyone is so "proud" and "inspired" (words they've used) by me and my recovery and my life, that I feel like admitting I'm struggling is letting people down.

Angelo.Cruz · 13-12-2015, 11:36 AM

Yeah unfortunately with anxiety comes intrusive thoughts. I understand how you feel. It's very inconvenient to think of dark negative thoughts and we can't do anything about it because it's automatic.

Mental health issues will take a bit of control of our mind. But we will still have a control over it so we just need to proceed with our treatment measures and eventually we will be okay.

Here is a list of some self-help methods I did that worked well for me in dealing with intrusive thoughts. Meditation, watching a positive themed movie, reading inspirational books, and exercise.

Here is a list of natural remedies and nutritional supplements. Kava tea, aromatherapy, 5HTP, fish oil, and Endoca hemp products. These remedies and supplements have calming effect that can help alleviate anxiety.

These are just a few of the many different approaches, of course we shouldn't forget about the different kinds of psychotherapy as well. Also the different benzos and antidepressant medications.

adacadca43 · 14-12-2015, 10:02 AM

Did you consult any doctor for this problem? I think an expert can help you to get out of your anxiety. I too had the same problem and had consulted an expert psychologist. I had attended several sessions of her. At the beginning stage of her therapy (CBT), I was not ready to accept or follow her ideas and instruction. But later it was really applying in me. Try to consult a psychologist ASAP. All the best.

not_so_insig · 14-12-2015, 02:06 PM

I would see a doctor before embarking on medication especially if you're taking other medication. Angelo Cruz's suggestions are generally good but it may not be suitable for you or may cause a dangerous interaction with existing meds. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe. Also if you're cleared to take herbal products don't take them all at once as they could interact with each other.