![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by nicky847 on January 2, 2004, at 15:51:31
Bluesfan-
I found a website with some good tips on coping with obssessive thoughts...some of these are geared more toward people with OCD who also have compulsive behaviors, which I dont think you do..but these are good..
Obsessions are normal thoughts exaggerated with increased duration and intensity. Everyone has unwanted thoughts some of the time. Doubt makes the thoughts stronger. It is important to remember that no matter what the content of the obsessive thoughts, people with obsessions are very unlikely to actually carry out the negative ideas themselves. Obsessions do not have anything to do with the character and morals of the person or what is really happening or about to happen in a person’s life. Always remember that obsessive thoughts don’t really mean anything - they are just static from the striatal area of the brain. Do not judge yourself because of the obsessive thoughts or search for meaning in them. Obsessions are stimulated by anxiety and anxiety is stimulated by the brain as well as other events like sleep, diet, exercise, stress, etc.Obsessive tendencies tend to be cyclical based on life-phase, environmental stressors, and even season of the year. Most people with obsessive tendencies do not totally eliminate that part of their personality, but it is possible to reduce the obsessions in strength and frequency so that they are not bothersome.
Performing compulsions to try and take away the obsessive thoughts only tend to make them stronger. (See number 6 below.)
Our main task in dealing with obsessions is to separate ourselves mentally from them. To see that we have obsessive thoughts, but we are not our thoughts. A good way to start this process is by writing down your obsessions in list form, rating their intensity, listing what comes before the obsession (A “trigger”.) and what comes after the obsession (A “neutralizing strategy”.)
Becoming aware of obsessions, when we have them, what triggers them, what course they take and how they lead us to behave is the initial step.
The primary skill needed to transcend obsessions is to shift your focus inward (through centering, physical techniques, etc.) and then actively relax.
Think of obsessions like quicksand. Analyzing the obsession simply makes it worse. The more you focus on them, try to figure them out, struggle against them, etc. the worse they become. Remember that obsessions are not really important. Instead, visualize the obsession like a small cloud - notice it and then let it drift away. Realize that obsessions are of no real consequence - they are “just brain noise”.
Seeking reassurance from others people, or in some other fashion, just makes the obsession stronger - or at the very least does nothing to confront the anxiety surrounding the obsession. Be unilateral in dealing with obsessions.
View anxiety as the fuel that causes obsessions to appear. Developing active methods for anxiety reduction tends to reduce obsession.
Give yourself the opportunity to feel the anxiety that comes up when you are confronting an obsession. This is very important. If you do not give in to an obsessive thought your anxiety is almost certain to rise. This is normal. Watch the anxiety and allow it to be there. It will gradually drop over 20 to 60 minutes and this is how real positive brain change happens.
Apply the 3-Second Rule. If you are tempted to obsess about a body sensation, thought, or other item allow yourself 3 seconds to think about it. Then redirect your attention to something closely related (e.g. another body sensation). Finally, redirect your attention to something else you would like to do or think about. This is sometimes called “selective attention”.
Obsessions are “projections” of our self into the past, the future, other people, etc. Focus on the present and what you are doing and this diminishes the hold obsessions will have over you.
“Centering” is an excellent mind-body tool for keeping the focus on ourselves and not projecting. Centering involves focusing attention on the geographic center of the physical body - known as the “hara” in Japan.
Sometimes obsessions can be the result of blocked emotions. If you suspect this is the case, find a safe way to feel and express feelings (tears, anger, fear, grief, etc.). For people with OCD this is not usually the whole answer however.
Focus on your positive circumstances or behaviors rather than the obsessions and what might be “wrong”. A good way of doing this is by making a “gratitude list” at the end of each day - listing what you are grateful for in your life.
Provide yourself with rewards and positive feedback for any and all progress dealing with obsessions. Remember, obsessions can be very, very strong and powerful. Be kind to yourself.
Encourage in yourself a “Just be and don’t think.” approach on a continual basis. Obsessions live in the mind. Redirect your attention always to experience versus thoughts.
If you are having trouble getting free of an obsession, try changing the setting. Take a day off and go to the beach, grandparents, visiting friends, hiking, etc. Make note of positive changes experienced and take these experiential learning’s back to the regular routine.
To combat obsessions give yourself some time each day to practice “Non-doing”. This means just sitting without any purpose or activity and working to just be aware of sitting and experiencing your environment with your five senses.
Saying “No” to shoulds tends to lead us away from obsessions. Giving ourselves freedom of choice and the ability to listen to our own desires is the opposite of obsessing.
Sometimes obsessions can be the result of difficulties with memory. Explore if this might be the case for you. If so, develop memory tools to assist you.
Keep in mind some helpful words and phrases: Relax. De-escalate. Disinhibit. Spontaneity. Detach. Let go. Accept. It’s ok to have things be imperfect. Lighten up! Say “So what!”. Live in the now.
Here are several additional specific techniques for overcoming obsessive thinking. These are particularly helpful for what is known as “obsessional slowness” and for times when you “get stuck”.
The Head Shake Technique. If you find yourself obsessing simply shake your head as if you were shaking the thought right out of your head.
Thought Stopping. When you notice yourself obsessing actually shout, “STOP” in your head and then move on to another activity or direction. This is different than trying not to think about an obsession - which only makes the obsession stronger. Rather it is interrupting the obsessive process.
Ritual Delay. This involves delaying acting out a compulsion, which will reduce your anxiety about an obsession. For example, waiting 60 minutes and then asking yourself if you need to do the neutralizing ritual or if the obsession is “just brain noise” to be ignored.
Massed Imaginal Exposure. Develop your own script of the worst fears you obsess about. Read the script onto an audiotape and play it for 30-60 minutes. Note your anxiety level (0-100) when you start and keep at it until the anxiety goes down by 50% or more. Feel the anxiety and don’t do any behaviors to avoid it.
Rubber Band Technique. Place a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you notice yourself obsessing. Can be used in conjunction with Thought Stopping.
Shadowing. Follow someone your trust through a behavior that has been difficult for you due to obsessing. This can sometimes break you through the mental barriers caused by the obsession.
Thought Backtracking. When you notice yourself on an obsessive train of thought, think of the though like a train and reverse the direction. What was the thought you had before the current one? What was the one before that? What was the initial thought that started you off? When you get back to something involving your five senses and real, present-time experience stop and enjoy that.
Slow Motion Focus. If you tend to have physical obsessions - getting stuck in a particular behavior - try going very, very slowly. For example: Put in the key…wait…turn the key…wait…pull the key out…wait…turn the knob slowly…wait…open the door slowly.
Posted by bluesfan on January 4, 2004, at 17:54:59
In reply to Bluesfan-good obssessive thought tips, posted by nicky847 on January 2, 2004, at 15:51:31
Thanks for the tips Nick! Hopefully this will help me get by until the drug kicks in. I'm on day 16 of 10mg of Lexapro and it does seem to be helping. I'm still getting thoughts, but maybe they aren't as frequent. Maybe I'm just getting used to them or dealing with them better now. I am atleast able to function now, where I really wasn't before. I would have to say that other than my thoughts of death I feel as "normal" as I did before. Thanks again!
> Bluesfan-
> I found a website with some good tips on coping with obssessive thoughts...some of these are geared more toward people with OCD who also have compulsive behaviors, which I dont think you do..but these are good..
> Obsessions are normal thoughts exaggerated with increased duration and intensity. Everyone has unwanted thoughts some of the time. Doubt makes the thoughts stronger. It is important to remember that no matter what the content of the obsessive thoughts, people with obsessions are very unlikely to actually carry out the negative ideas themselves. Obsessions do not have anything to do with the character and morals of the person or what is really happening or about to happen in a person’s life. Always remember that obsessive thoughts don’t really mean anything - they are just static from the striatal area of the brain. Do not judge yourself because of the obsessive thoughts or search for meaning in them. Obsessions are stimulated by anxiety and anxiety is stimulated by the brain as well as other events like sleep, diet, exercise, stress, etc.
>
> Obsessive tendencies tend to be cyclical based on life-phase, environmental stressors, and even season of the year. Most people with obsessive tendencies do not totally eliminate that part of their personality, but it is possible to reduce the obsessions in strength and frequency so that they are not bothersome.
>
> Performing compulsions to try and take away the obsessive thoughts only tend to make them stronger. (See number 6 below.)
>
> Our main task in dealing with obsessions is to separate ourselves mentally from them. To see that we have obsessive thoughts, but we are not our thoughts. A good way to start this process is by writing down your obsessions in list form, rating their intensity, listing what comes before the obsession (A “trigger”.) and what comes after the obsession (A “neutralizing strategy”.)
>
> Becoming aware of obsessions, when we have them, what triggers them, what course they take and how they lead us to behave is the initial step.
>
> The primary skill needed to transcend obsessions is to shift your focus inward (through centering, physical techniques, etc.) and then actively relax.
>
> Think of obsessions like quicksand. Analyzing the obsession simply makes it worse. The more you focus on them, try to figure them out, struggle against them, etc. the worse they become. Remember that obsessions are not really important. Instead, visualize the obsession like a small cloud - notice it and then let it drift away. Realize that obsessions are of no real consequence - they are “just brain noise”.
>
> Seeking reassurance from others people, or in some other fashion, just makes the obsession stronger - or at the very least does nothing to confront the anxiety surrounding the obsession. Be unilateral in dealing with obsessions.
>
> View anxiety as the fuel that causes obsessions to appear. Developing active methods for anxiety reduction tends to reduce obsession.
>
> Give yourself the opportunity to feel the anxiety that comes up when you are confronting an obsession. This is very important. If you do not give in to an obsessive thought your anxiety is almost certain to rise. This is normal. Watch the anxiety and allow it to be there. It will gradually drop over 20 to 60 minutes and this is how real positive brain change happens.
>
> Apply the 3-Second Rule. If you are tempted to obsess about a body sensation, thought, or other item allow yourself 3 seconds to think about it. Then redirect your attention to something closely related (e.g. another body sensation). Finally, redirect your attention to something else you would like to do or think about. This is sometimes called “selective attention”.
>
> Obsessions are “projections” of our self into the past, the future, other people, etc. Focus on the present and what you are doing and this diminishes the hold obsessions will have over you.
>
> “Centering” is an excellent mind-body tool for keeping the focus on ourselves and not projecting. Centering involves focusing attention on the geographic center of the physical body - known as the “hara” in Japan.
>
> Sometimes obsessions can be the result of blocked emotions. If you suspect this is the case, find a safe way to feel and express feelings (tears, anger, fear, grief, etc.). For people with OCD this is not usually the whole answer however.
>
> Focus on your positive circumstances or behaviors rather than the obsessions and what might be “wrong”. A good way of doing this is by making a “gratitude list” at the end of each day - listing what you are grateful for in your life.
>
> Provide yourself with rewards and positive feedback for any and all progress dealing with obsessions. Remember, obsessions can be very, very strong and powerful. Be kind to yourself.
>
> Encourage in yourself a “Just be and don’t think.” approach on a continual basis. Obsessions live in the mind. Redirect your attention always to experience versus thoughts.
>
> If you are having trouble getting free of an obsession, try changing the setting. Take a day off and go to the beach, grandparents, visiting friends, hiking, etc. Make note of positive changes experienced and take these experiential learning’s back to the regular routine.
>
> To combat obsessions give yourself some time each day to practice “Non-doing”. This means just sitting without any purpose or activity and working to just be aware of sitting and experiencing your environment with your five senses.
>
> Saying “No” to shoulds tends to lead us away from obsessions. Giving ourselves freedom of choice and the ability to listen to our own desires is the opposite of obsessing.
>
> Sometimes obsessions can be the result of difficulties with memory. Explore if this might be the case for you. If so, develop memory tools to assist you.
>
> Keep in mind some helpful words and phrases: Relax. De-escalate. Disinhibit. Spontaneity. Detach. Let go. Accept. It’s ok to have things be imperfect. Lighten up! Say “So what!”. Live in the now.
>
> Here are several additional specific techniques for overcoming obsessive thinking. These are particularly helpful for what is known as “obsessional slowness” and for times when you “get stuck”.
>
> The Head Shake Technique. If you find yourself obsessing simply shake your head as if you were shaking the thought right out of your head.
>
> Thought Stopping. When you notice yourself obsessing actually shout, “STOP” in your head and then move on to another activity or direction. This is different than trying not to think about an obsession - which only makes the obsession stronger. Rather it is interrupting the obsessive process.
>
> Ritual Delay. This involves delaying acting out a compulsion, which will reduce your anxiety about an obsession. For example, waiting 60 minutes and then asking yourself if you need to do the neutralizing ritual or if the obsession is “just brain noise” to be ignored.
>
> Massed Imaginal Exposure. Develop your own script of the worst fears you obsess about. Read the script onto an audiotape and play it for 30-60 minutes. Note your anxiety level (0-100) when you start and keep at it until the anxiety goes down by 50% or more. Feel the anxiety and don’t do any behaviors to avoid it.
>
> Rubber Band Technique. Place a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you notice yourself obsessing. Can be used in conjunction with Thought Stopping.
>
> Shadowing. Follow someone your trust through a behavior that has been difficult for you due to obsessing. This can sometimes break you through the mental barriers caused by the obsession.
>
> Thought Backtracking. When you notice yourself on an obsessive train of thought, think of the though like a train and reverse the direction. What was the thought you had before the current one? What was the one before that? What was the initial thought that started you off? When you get back to something involving your five senses and real, present-time experience stop and enjoy that.
>
> Slow Motion Focus. If you tend to have physical obsessions - getting stuck in a particular behavior - try going very, very slowly. For example: Put in the key…wait…turn the key…wait…pull the key out…wait…turn the knob slowly…wait…open the door slowly.
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 9:42:35
In reply to Re: Bluesfan-good obssessive thought tips, posted by bluesfan on January 4, 2004, at 17:54:59
Great! it sounds like you are doing very well and will continue to get better..for me I found the "gratitude list" is a great tool for controlling obsessive thinking..it keeps me centered in the present!
> Thanks for the tips Nick! Hopefully this will help me get by until the drug kicks in. I'm on day 16 of 10mg of Lexapro and it does seem to be helping. I'm still getting thoughts, but maybe they aren't as frequent. Maybe I'm just getting used to them or dealing with them better now. I am atleast able to function now, where I really wasn't before. I would have to say that other than my thoughts of death I feel as "normal" as I did before. Thanks again!
>
> > Bluesfan-
> > I found a website with some good tips on coping with obssessive thoughts...some of these are geared more toward people with OCD who also have compulsive behaviors, which I dont think you do..but these are good..
> > Obsessions are normal thoughts exaggerated with increased duration and intensity. Everyone has unwanted thoughts some of the time. Doubt makes the thoughts stronger. It is important to remember that no matter what the content of the obsessive thoughts, people with obsessions are very unlikely to actually carry out the negative ideas themselves. Obsessions do not have anything to do with the character and morals of the person or what is really happening or about to happen in a person’s life. Always remember that obsessive thoughts don’t really mean anything - they are just static from the striatal area of the brain. Do not judge yourself because of the obsessive thoughts or search for meaning in them. Obsessions are stimulated by anxiety and anxiety is stimulated by the brain as well as other events like sleep, diet, exercise, stress, etc.
> >
> > Obsessive tendencies tend to be cyclical based on life-phase, environmental stressors, and even season of the year. Most people with obsessive tendencies do not totally eliminate that part of their personality, but it is possible to reduce the obsessions in strength and frequency so that they are not bothersome.
> >
> > Performing compulsions to try and take away the obsessive thoughts only tend to make them stronger. (See number 6 below.)
> >
> > Our main task in dealing with obsessions is to separate ourselves mentally from them. To see that we have obsessive thoughts, but we are not our thoughts. A good way to start this process is by writing down your obsessions in list form, rating their intensity, listing what comes before the obsession (A “trigger”.) and what comes after the obsession (A “neutralizing strategy”.)
> >
> > Becoming aware of obsessions, when we have them, what triggers them, what course they take and how they lead us to behave is the initial step.
> >
> > The primary skill needed to transcend obsessions is to shift your focus inward (through centering, physical techniques, etc.) and then actively relax.
> >
> > Think of obsessions like quicksand. Analyzing the obsession simply makes it worse. The more you focus on them, try to figure them out, struggle against them, etc. the worse they become. Remember that obsessions are not really important. Instead, visualize the obsession like a small cloud - notice it and then let it drift away. Realize that obsessions are of no real consequence - they are “just brain noise”.
> >
> > Seeking reassurance from others people, or in some other fashion, just makes the obsession stronger - or at the very least does nothing to confront the anxiety surrounding the obsession. Be unilateral in dealing with obsessions.
> >
> > View anxiety as the fuel that causes obsessions to appear. Developing active methods for anxiety reduction tends to reduce obsession.
> >
> > Give yourself the opportunity to feel the anxiety that comes up when you are confronting an obsession. This is very important. If you do not give in to an obsessive thought your anxiety is almost certain to rise. This is normal. Watch the anxiety and allow it to be there. It will gradually drop over 20 to 60 minutes and this is how real positive brain change happens.
> >
> > Apply the 3-Second Rule. If you are tempted to obsess about a body sensation, thought, or other item allow yourself 3 seconds to think about it. Then redirect your attention to something closely related (e.g. another body sensation). Finally, redirect your attention to something else you would like to do or think about. This is sometimes called “selective attention”.
> >
> > Obsessions are “projections” of our self into the past, the future, other people, etc. Focus on the present and what you are doing and this diminishes the hold obsessions will have over you.
> >
> > “Centering” is an excellent mind-body tool for keeping the focus on ourselves and not projecting. Centering involves focusing attention on the geographic center of the physical body - known as the “hara” in Japan.
> >
> > Sometimes obsessions can be the result of blocked emotions. If you suspect this is the case, find a safe way to feel and express feelings (tears, anger, fear, grief, etc.). For people with OCD this is not usually the whole answer however.
> >
> > Focus on your positive circumstances or behaviors rather than the obsessions and what might be “wrong”. A good way of doing this is by making a “gratitude list” at the end of each day - listing what you are grateful for in your life.
> >
> > Provide yourself with rewards and positive feedback for any and all progress dealing with obsessions. Remember, obsessions can be very, very strong and powerful. Be kind to yourself.
> >
> > Encourage in yourself a “Just be and don’t think.” approach on a continual basis. Obsessions live in the mind. Redirect your attention always to experience versus thoughts.
> >
> > If you are having trouble getting free of an obsession, try changing the setting. Take a day off and go to the beach, grandparents, visiting friends, hiking, etc. Make note of positive changes experienced and take these experiential learning’s back to the regular routine.
> >
> > To combat obsessions give yourself some time each day to practice “Non-doing”. This means just sitting without any purpose or activity and working to just be aware of sitting and experiencing your environment with your five senses.
> >
> > Saying “No” to shoulds tends to lead us away from obsessions. Giving ourselves freedom of choice and the ability to listen to our own desires is the opposite of obsessing.
> >
> > Sometimes obsessions can be the result of difficulties with memory. Explore if this might be the case for you. If so, develop memory tools to assist you.
> >
> > Keep in mind some helpful words and phrases: Relax. De-escalate. Disinhibit. Spontaneity. Detach. Let go. Accept. It’s ok to have things be imperfect. Lighten up! Say “So what!”. Live in the now.
> >
> > Here are several additional specific techniques for overcoming obsessive thinking. These are particularly helpful for what is known as “obsessional slowness” and for times when you “get stuck”.
> >
> > The Head Shake Technique. If you find yourself obsessing simply shake your head as if you were shaking the thought right out of your head.
> >
> > Thought Stopping. When you notice yourself obsessing actually shout, “STOP” in your head and then move on to another activity or direction. This is different than trying not to think about an obsession - which only makes the obsession stronger. Rather it is interrupting the obsessive process.
> >
> > Ritual Delay. This involves delaying acting out a compulsion, which will reduce your anxiety about an obsession. For example, waiting 60 minutes and then asking yourself if you need to do the neutralizing ritual or if the obsession is “just brain noise” to be ignored.
> >
> > Massed Imaginal Exposure. Develop your own script of the worst fears you obsess about. Read the script onto an audiotape and play it for 30-60 minutes. Note your anxiety level (0-100) when you start and keep at it until the anxiety goes down by 50% or more. Feel the anxiety and don’t do any behaviors to avoid it.
> >
> > Rubber Band Technique. Place a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you notice yourself obsessing. Can be used in conjunction with Thought Stopping.
> >
> > Shadowing. Follow someone your trust through a behavior that has been difficult for you due to obsessing. This can sometimes break you through the mental barriers caused by the obsession.
> >
> > Thought Backtracking. When you notice yourself on an obsessive train of thought, think of the though like a train and reverse the direction. What was the thought you had before the current one? What was the one before that? What was the initial thought that started you off? When you get back to something involving your five senses and real, present-time experience stop and enjoy that.
> >
> > Slow Motion Focus. If you tend to have physical obsessions - getting stuck in a particular behavior - try going very, very slowly. For example: Put in the key…wait…turn the key…wait…pull the key out…wait…turn the knob slowly…wait…open the door slowly.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:17:16
In reply to Re: Bluesfan-good obssessive thought tips, posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 9:42:35
Does this person sound anything like something you have had?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031231/msgs/296418.html
I feel her pain with this, but I'm not sure mine was that severe. I was just curious if you think this is similar to what I've described as symptoms.
Posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 11:27:51
In reply to Another question, posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:17:16
I did read this post and my heart goes out to her. It sounds like what she is experiencing is similar to what we have/do..only more severe..I think we would know if they ever got that overwhelming..
sometimes it can be scary to read experiences other people go thru when you feel you have or may go thru the same thing..just remember that while it is OK to feel empathetic..dont let yourself become frightened..each person is different..
> Does this person sound anything like something you have had?
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031231/msgs/296418.html
>
> I feel her pain with this, but I'm not sure mine was that severe. I was just curious if you think this is similar to what I've described as symptoms.
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:33:10
In reply to Re: Another question, posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 11:27:51
I guess I'm just a little worried about being on the wrong medication. Someone mentioned in that post that they should be on an anti-psychotic. I feel like Lexapro is taking the edge off, but the thoughts are still there. I know Lexapro isn't a magic pill, so I don't expect results over night. I'm finding it easier to work now and do everyday things, so that is really helping. At least I'm able to get out of bed now!
Posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 11:47:22
In reply to Re: Another question, posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:33:10
I think in your case if you are concerned about what medication you should be on, a good thing to do might be to talk to your relatives who have also been on SSRIs and ask them how the med worked for them...being that you are biologically similar to them, the way they reacted to the med should be a good indicator of how you will react long-term..for me i know celexa worked very well for me so i am pretty confident that lexapro will too...
im not at all well informed on meds that are not SSRIs...but i am of the opinion that when dealing with any type of med it is best to give it time before switching to something else..esp. since these meds take so long to work..
> I guess I'm just a little worried about being on the wrong medication. Someone mentioned in that post that they should be on an anti-psychotic. I feel like Lexapro is taking the edge off, but the thoughts are still there. I know Lexapro isn't a magic pill, so I don't expect results over night. I'm finding it easier to work now and do everyday things, so that is really helping. At least I'm able to get out of bed now!
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 12:40:23
In reply to Re: Another question, posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 11:47:22
I spoke to my siblings about this, and they said they felt suicidal but not necessarily homicidal. I wish that I could only think of hurting myself, that would make me feel so much better. I'm just afraid there is something else that I have that they don't.
> I think in your case if you are concerned about what medication you should be on, a good thing to do might be to talk to your relatives who have also been on SSRIs and ask them how the med worked for them...being that you are biologically similar to them, the way they reacted to the med should be a good indicator of how you will react long-term..for me i know celexa worked very well for me so i am pretty confident that lexapro will too...
>
> im not at all well informed on meds that are not SSRIs...but i am of the opinion that when dealing with any type of med it is best to give it time before switching to something else..esp. since these meds take so long to work..
>
> > I guess I'm just a little worried about being on the wrong medication. Someone mentioned in that post that they should be on an anti-psychotic. I feel like Lexapro is taking the edge off, but the thoughts are still there. I know Lexapro isn't a magic pill, so I don't expect results over night. I'm finding it easier to work now and do everyday things, so that is really helping. At least I'm able to get out of bed now!
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 13:06:01
In reply to Re: Another question, posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 12:40:23
I think that people become obsessed with thoughts of that which scares them the most..for you it is scarier to you to harm someone else than to harm yourself..so for you that is what your mind cant stop running on a loop..other people become obssessed with thoughts that have nothing to do with harming themselves or other people..but are still very disturbing to them..for your siblings probably when they say they felt suicidal i doubt what they mean is that they felt like they wanted to die..i know i dont..what they more likely felt was a fear that they somehow might spontaneously lose control of their bodies and harm themselves..like in a werewolf movie or something..in your case it doesnt sound to me like you would want to or could harm anyone..but you are very afraid that you might lose control and do that..
have you tried making a list of things you might do if you ever became "overwhelmed" by these feelings? by this i mean fail-safe kind of things that make your obssessive thought seem less like something that could be carried out on an impulse (b/c in reality its not)...sometimes it helps to make a list of totally ridiculous things you might do first..it sounds weird but it helps..Lucinda Bassett talks about this in her book..she had obssessive thoughts of going crazy..so she pictured herself going bananas..of dressing up in a monkey suit running down the street handing out bananas and kissing people..for me one thing i think about is that if i ever were to become overwhelmed by scary thoughts i would smoke a whole carton of cigarettes before i would act on them..not a pack...a carton..then i think about how impossible that would be to really do..and that kind of breaks up the loop for me..or i think that before totally flipping out i would first have to eat a whole bucket of kentucky fried chicken..or 10 sticks of butter..or just something totally gross that gets you laughing and gets your mind off of your obssession....if im at work i say well first i will have to climb one of the palm trees planted in the lobby and throw coconuts at people..keep in mind..thats the rule..if you ever decide you are going to go nuts you first HAVE to drink a bottle of Crisco..or something like that..if you don't do one of these things first you're not allowed to flip out..it sounds really really goofy i know but i have found it to be effective..
do you exercise regularly? i do and i find that after working out i feel alot better..it helps me get rid of all that pent up anxiousness
> I spoke to my siblings about this, and they said they felt suicidal but not necessarily homicidal. I wish that I could only think of hurting myself, that would make me feel so much better. I'm just afraid there is something else that I have that they don't.
>
> > I think in your case if you are concerned about what medication you should be on, a good thing to do might be to talk to your relatives who have also been on SSRIs and ask them how the med worked for them...being that you are biologically similar to them, the way they reacted to the med should be a good indicator of how you will react long-term..for me i know celexa worked very well for me so i am pretty confident that lexapro will too...
> >
> > im not at all well informed on meds that are not SSRIs...but i am of the opinion that when dealing with any type of med it is best to give it time before switching to something else..esp. since these meds take so long to work..
> >
> > > I guess I'm just a little worried about being on the wrong medication. Someone mentioned in that post that they should be on an anti-psychotic. I feel like Lexapro is taking the edge off, but the thoughts are still there. I know Lexapro isn't a magic pill, so I don't expect results over night. I'm finding it easier to work now and do everyday things, so that is really helping. At least I'm able to get out of bed now!
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 13:49:12
In reply to Re: Another question, posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 13:06:01
More good ideas......thanks Nick. I'm going to try to start working out again tomorrow. This is something I've really missed out on since I've been so tired lately. I ordered the Lucinda Bassett book from Amazon, so hopefully it will come this week. I really look forward to reading it. It really helps me immensely to read this from someone who had gone through it!
> I think that people become obsessed with thoughts of that which scares them the most..for you it is scarier to you to harm someone else than to harm yourself..so for you that is what your mind cant stop running on a loop..other people become obssessed with thoughts that have nothing to do with harming themselves or other people..but are still very disturbing to them..for your siblings probably when they say they felt suicidal i doubt what they mean is that they felt like they wanted to die..i know i dont..what they more likely felt was a fear that they somehow might spontaneously lose control of their bodies and harm themselves..like in a werewolf movie or something..in your case it doesnt sound to me like you would want to or could harm anyone..but you are very afraid that you might lose control and do that..
>
> have you tried making a list of things you might do if you ever became "overwhelmed" by these feelings? by this i mean fail-safe kind of things that make your obssessive thought seem less like something that could be carried out on an impulse (b/c in reality its not)...sometimes it helps to make a list of totally ridiculous things you might do first..it sounds weird but it helps..Lucinda Bassett talks about this in her book..she had obssessive thoughts of going crazy..so she pictured herself going bananas..of dressing up in a monkey suit running down the street handing out bananas and kissing people..for me one thing i think about is that if i ever were to become overwhelmed by scary thoughts i would smoke a whole carton of cigarettes before i would act on them..not a pack...a carton..then i think about how impossible that would be to really do..and that kind of breaks up the loop for me..or i think that before totally flipping out i would first have to eat a whole bucket of kentucky fried chicken..or 10 sticks of butter..or just something totally gross that gets you laughing and gets your mind off of your obssession....if im at work i say well first i will have to climb one of the palm trees planted in the lobby and throw coconuts at people..keep in mind..thats the rule..if you ever decide you are going to go nuts you first HAVE to drink a bottle of Crisco..or something like that..if you don't do one of these things first you're not allowed to flip out..it sounds really really goofy i know but i have found it to be effective..
>
> do you exercise regularly? i do and i find that after working out i feel alot better..it helps me get rid of all that pent up anxiousness
>
> > I spoke to my siblings about this, and they said they felt suicidal but not necessarily homicidal. I wish that I could only think of hurting myself, that would make me feel so much better. I'm just afraid there is something else that I have that they don't.
> >
> > > I think in your case if you are concerned about what medication you should be on, a good thing to do might be to talk to your relatives who have also been on SSRIs and ask them how the med worked for them...being that you are biologically similar to them, the way they reacted to the med should be a good indicator of how you will react long-term..for me i know celexa worked very well for me so i am pretty confident that lexapro will too...
> > >
> > > im not at all well informed on meds that are not SSRIs...but i am of the opinion that when dealing with any type of med it is best to give it time before switching to something else..esp. since these meds take so long to work..
> > >
> > > > I guess I'm just a little worried about being on the wrong medication. Someone mentioned in that post that they should be on an anti-psychotic. I feel like Lexapro is taking the edge off, but the thoughts are still there. I know Lexapro isn't a magic pill, so I don't expect results over night. I'm finding it easier to work now and do everyday things, so that is really helping. At least I'm able to get out of bed now!
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on January 5, 2004, at 15:02:26
In reply to Re: Another question, posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 13:49:12
The book is really going to help you...what you are experiencing is a common symptom of anxiety disorder..what it all boils down to is a FEAR OF LOSING CONTROL...
how many times have you lost control of your actions in the past month? i venture to guess the answer is 0...the point in time will come where you will realize that it has been two months, three months, where you have FELT "out of control", but in reality you were not out of control...this is when that out of control feeling stops being so frightening to you and you stop obsessing..these thoughts lose their power over you..think of all your past successes in getting through periods of severe anxiety..because you have been doing it for a while now! you can and will build on that success..
and that is great that you are going to try and begin exercising again..you will find that that the more you do..the more you CAN do..
> More good ideas......thanks Nick. I'm going to try to start working out again tomorrow. This is something I've really missed out on since I've been so tired lately. I ordered the Lucinda Bassett book from Amazon, so hopefully it will come this week. I really look forward to reading it. It really helps me immensely to read this from someone who had gone through it!
>
> > I think that people become obsessed with thoughts of that which scares them the most..for you it is scarier to you to harm someone else than to harm yourself..so for you that is what your mind cant stop running on a loop..other people become obssessed with thoughts that have nothing to do with harming themselves or other people..but are still very disturbing to them..for your siblings probably when they say they felt suicidal i doubt what they mean is that they felt like they wanted to die..i know i dont..what they more likely felt was a fear that they somehow might spontaneously lose control of their bodies and harm themselves..like in a werewolf movie or something..in your case it doesnt sound to me like you would want to or could harm anyone..but you are very afraid that you might lose control and do that..
> >
> > have you tried making a list of things you might do if you ever became "overwhelmed" by these feelings? by this i mean fail-safe kind of things that make your obssessive thought seem less like something that could be carried out on an impulse (b/c in reality its not)...sometimes it helps to make a list of totally ridiculous things you might do first..it sounds weird but it helps..Lucinda Bassett talks about this in her book..she had obssessive thoughts of going crazy..so she pictured herself going bananas..of dressing up in a monkey suit running down the street handing out bananas and kissing people..for me one thing i think about is that if i ever were to become overwhelmed by scary thoughts i would smoke a whole carton of cigarettes before i would act on them..not a pack...a carton..then i think about how impossible that would be to really do..and that kind of breaks up the loop for me..or i think that before totally flipping out i would first have to eat a whole bucket of kentucky fried chicken..or 10 sticks of butter..or just something totally gross that gets you laughing and gets your mind off of your obssession....if im at work i say well first i will have to climb one of the palm trees planted in the lobby and throw coconuts at people..keep in mind..thats the rule..if you ever decide you are going to go nuts you first HAVE to drink a bottle of Crisco..or something like that..if you don't do one of these things first you're not allowed to flip out..it sounds really really goofy i know but i have found it to be effective..
> >
> > do you exercise regularly? i do and i find that after working out i feel alot better..it helps me get rid of all that pent up anxiousness
> >
> > > I spoke to my siblings about this, and they said they felt suicidal but not necessarily homicidal. I wish that I could only think of hurting myself, that would make me feel so much better. I'm just afraid there is something else that I have that they don't.
> > >
> > > > I think in your case if you are concerned about what medication you should be on, a good thing to do might be to talk to your relatives who have also been on SSRIs and ask them how the med worked for them...being that you are biologically similar to them, the way they reacted to the med should be a good indicator of how you will react long-term..for me i know celexa worked very well for me so i am pretty confident that lexapro will too...
> > > >
> > > > im not at all well informed on meds that are not SSRIs...but i am of the opinion that when dealing with any type of med it is best to give it time before switching to something else..esp. since these meds take so long to work..
> > > >
> > > > > I guess I'm just a little worried about being on the wrong medication. Someone mentioned in that post that they should be on an anti-psychotic. I feel like Lexapro is taking the edge off, but the thoughts are still there. I know Lexapro isn't a magic pill, so I don't expect results over night. I'm finding it easier to work now and do everyday things, so that is really helping. At least I'm able to get out of bed now!
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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