Bad Thoughts Creating Distress

[lonelyone82]

I am out of therapy, but will be back into CBT soon. I have been having bad thoughts with paranoid feelings about people lately. I am beginning to realize the thoughts are unreasonable and I am unwell. I am starting to look at everyone as a possible perpetrator and violent. I am afraid of going into any situation lately because of the violence. I have been like this before and isolated. I shut off from everyone in the past and basically hid. I haven't told anyone about this but I will next time I see my Dr. It is true we don't know who can be violent and dangerous but it is stopping me from living. I missed a Christmas event I was looking forward to going to. I missed a community bbq that I volunteered at last year. It's a horrible feeling. I wish I was normal not with this condition.

 

[Keming]

I am out of therapy, but will be back into CBT soon. I have been having bad thoughts with paranoid...

Hey. You deserve a lot of credit. You are going to the doctor, you are starting CBT, you miss what you had, and want it back. All serious accomplishments. A toast, to you. :coffee:

 

[Zippy14]

Yes way to go !
You are aware of your thoughts and what is happening
And you are taking positive action in getting the support you chose to get , when symptoms flare that's a hard thing to do and you got it in you
be easy on yourself
Proud of you

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

I have been having bad thoughts with paranoid feelings about people lately. I am beginning to realize the thoughts are unreasonable and I am unwell.

Have you tried Thought Stoppage? It really helps!

Here's how I like to do it:

1. I put a small rubber band on my wrist. I wear it all day long.

2. When I think a negative thought, I GENTLY snap the band on my wrist. Gently, because this step is meant to be helpful, NOT punishment. Very important.

3. Last, I restate the thought in a more positive fashion.

So, for instance, let's say I leave a voicemail message for my friend, but two hours later she still hasn't returned my call. I might think, "She is ignoring my call because she's mad at me!" So, I gently snap the rubber band and think instead, "Hum. I can't actually think of any reason she might be mad at me. In fact, now I remember that it's Monday afternoon; she has a long meeting at work every Monday afternoon. I bet she's still in the meeting. She will call when she gets a chance."

 

[Phantom Shadow]

Have you tried Thought Stoppage? It really helps!

Here's how I like to do it:

1. I put a small...

I might have to try that one.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Thought Stoppage really helped me!

 

[lonelyone82]

Thanks. I guess it is good I realize there is something wrong. I talked to an old friend about being sick and in the anxiety depression cycle. She understood and is going to come over on Christmas so I can go to her house. I will get to see her dog too and I love the dog.
I will try thought stop. I was wearing a bracelet while reading and it was elastic so I tried it. I remember when I was in therapy we talked about the limbic system and the thoughts that activate the resting part of the nervous system. The traumatic flashbacks seem to invade sometimes. I am going to try to think of better things like friends and positive memories for the limbic system. I find hopeful thoughts are good too. Thinking good things can happen and good experience rather than invoking the impending doom feeling.
thanks for understanding.