I can't think of anything else.

[Foxglove]

I wasn't sure what section to put this thread in so I hope this is the right one. I think about my trauma (abuse) and my family's non action to stop it, their failure to protect me, and their denial of it constantly. All day every day. Trust me when I say I don't want to think about it. It hurts me unbelievably to think about it. I want it to go away and be able to think of other things and enjoy life. I try distracting myself by watching a movie, reading a book, surfing the internet, lots of other things, but the whole time I'm doing these things I am thinking of the trauma and my family's denial and failure to protect me.

I try to read, only to realize that I have no idea wtf I just read because the whole time my mind was stuck on thinking about my issues. How do you get control of your thoughts? If I can't think of anything else I am going to go mad. I already feel like I'm losing my mind since I can't control my thoughts and my thoughts are making me ache so much. My thoughts cause me tremendous pain and I don't want to feel this anymore. How do I control my thoughts and make them stop? HELP!

 

[franciemarnie]

Sometimes I can move my thoughts or work thru them to a new place - at least for a while - if I move. Physically move.

If I am in thought loops that make me angry, the best thing is if I can work out vigorously or move against something that has resistance, something I can safely kick or punch without doing harm to me or people or anything valuable. Even cleaning out a closet with a vengeance can work well, especially the sorting and throwing out and rearranging.

I will often play rock music at the same time that cathartically matches the thought loop energy, but is creatively containing it within a pleasing framework so that it enhances the physical release.

I can't just sit there with escalating emotion building from obsessive and upsetting thoughts. I have to find a way to acknowledge them quickly, take any value or new info from them I can, take action if it's possible, and then derail them before they do further harm.

Our hyper vigilant minds may be trying to protect us by repeatedly playing videos of some kind of danger. It may think it is still happening especially when we are seeing relevant images in our minds, but we have to show it that times have changed. Moving is one way out.

In time hopefully therapy will help change the interior landscape.

 

[Foxglove]

Well, I certainly have one wreck of a closet. I will start working on it in a little while and hopefully it will help me release some of these thoughts. Thank you.

 

[Jane.l]

I totally agree working out helps - and can make you feel a bit more in control - it's temporary but a bit of a break

 

[Foxglove]

I need a break. I think tomorrow I am going to try walking. Maybe I can get into a routine of walking every day. I'm not in terrible shape, but not in the best shape either. Maybe I can start out walking and then work my way up to more physical activity such as running or something else? I think walking is a good way to start though. I live on top of a big hill. So even just walking up it is strenuous. I think I will walk to the bottom and back up tomorrow. I know it will wear me out but what else am I gonna do? If it works for you guys its definitely worth a shot. Thank you.

 

[Jane.l]

Yay good for you - stick some motivational kick arse tunes on your head phones and off you go

 

[macca]

@Foxglove I'm grateful you started this thread, I'm having the same problem, and the advice on here is so helpful.

 

[BloomInWinter]

There's some good suggestions for handling such distress in several threads. Here's one - https://www.myptsd.com/threads/grounding-101.12459/

 

[Foxglove]

Thank you everyone! I did my walk down and back up the hill it was good while it lasted and a little while after. The thoughts are back. I am going to check out that thread now, BloomInWinter.

 

[Jane.l]

Well done for doing that - glad it helped a little - sometimes I think I might turn into forest gump and just keep going - be nice if you could run away from the thoughts wouldn't it

 

[BloomInWinter]

Good for you for identifying something that brought you some relief! That's exactly how we build a tool kit to have a good variety of options for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and self-care. Great work!

 

[Jane.l]

Well done for doing that - glad it helped a little - sometimes I think I might turn into forest gump and just keep going - be nice if you could run away from the thoughts wouldn't it