Intrusive thoughts and catastrophizing

Intrusive thoughts are really interfering with my life and sense of well being. I feel like I'm always waiting for something bad to happen, even if things seem to be going well. For instance, today there is nothing bad happening, but I am on edge and hoping nothing happens. Sometimes I will invent scenarios in my head, but they seem real, and they give me a reason to worry. They also interfere with my mood and make me feel either depressed or angry. No medications seem to help with this, and I can't take SSRI meds since they make the symptoms worse (history of Bipolar).

It can be about work, my relationship, sometimes friendships, and especially about the future.

What has helped you cope with this and how has it been a problem for you? It can feel really lonely dealing with this, and I'll probably have to deal with this for the rest of my life. I signed up for therapy again, but the person was not a good fit. I have an appointment with someone new, but for some reason I'm having anxiety about her being from the same organization and making assumptions based on the last therapist's notes. Sometimes I think, what's the use? I guess I'm feeling defeated.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a nice Christmas. Happy Holidays

Hi, @xRavenx! Yes, I've been where you are. And I sometimes fall back into old habits even now & have to remind myself what I learned. I had cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT.) It was a lot of work & disbelief in the beginning but it finally paid off & it started to work automatically. Maybe you can find a book on it, from the library maybe? And physical excercise can help, circulating oxygen & nutrients to your brain, if you're not already doing that? Good luck with your new therapist! And happy holidays to you, too!

Thank you! I think I need to be more consistent with working out. I have been struggling with motivation when it comes to exercise.