Poll Do You Have Intrusive Thoughts?

[justtobeme]

Yes, since I have been under a lot more stress lately, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks have both been equally my worst symptoms.

During the night (I don't remember dreams but I wake up often) and first thing in the mornings have been the worst time for me. It seems I am more vulnerable at these times and feel like I have less control.

When I am alone, intrusive thoughts seem to be my worst enemy. I have to remember to try to stay in the present instead of my past. I constantly remind myself I am safe now and I am not that same person that was abused then. I am stronger now and will not let it happen to me ever again without a fight.

I find that if I make plans for the day, no matter how simple, and stay busy it helps a great deal. Also, being around others keeps me distracted.

I just try to do what gets me through the day.

 

[Diore]

Not my worst symptom anymore, but a few years ago it was. And it still happens.

I tend to have intrusive thoughts about one particular person. It's usually when I'm alone and doing something with especial personal meaning: it's like he's there looking over my shoulder, saying nothing, but with a twinkle in his eye and this disturbing smirk that mutedly tell me he thinks everything I am is a joke. (That is pretty much how he presented himself in real life: silent, observant, cold, judgemental.) It's puzzling, because I only met him twice (6-7 years ago, both times rather briefly) and I can rattle off a list of other people at whose hands I have ostensibly suffered far worse treatment. But it is he who haunts me. :/

I have written poetry about not being able to escape that smirk of his. I have done paintings of the insomnia/anxiety/frustration from not being able to rid the sense of his presence. I remember once, during a lecture, scrawling "Get out of me!" over and over again, totally unable to focus on the speaker's words.

But he has not "gotten out of me", and I'm not sure how to make him go. I would definitely appreciate any suggestions...

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I said yes, but it's not my worst symptom. Maybe it is my worst symptom since my intrusive thoughts are to harm myself.

 

[NIKI]

Intrusive thoughts are my worst symptom. I have to constantly bring my mind back to the present, to stop thinking of the abusive chidhood I had in the past so that I can have a future at all.

 

[shadowchaser]

Yeah hate it when those little suckers sneak in. I keep trying to hit them with a bat but they are to fast for me and my head gets in the way.