[Seluoor]

I keep having the same thoughts over and over, and they change over time. It would be like a series of things, people, or events or things to do that would would go over and over in my head. It would be a series. I would go over the series of thoughts.

It would pop in my head and I would stop what I am doing to think about it, finish it through, and the continue to what I was doing.

This happens constantly and I can't stop. When ever I would be doing something hands-on, like typing or eating or doing stuff at school or work, I would reverse what I was doing, let these thoughts process, and continue. And it would happen over and over again. The only way to stop this is if I am completely emerged in something. Only watching TV takes these thoughts away.

I struggled through work today, and I used so much energy I am exhausted. I cannot doing anything without these distractions. It is controlling me.

If anyone knows what I am talking about, I would really appreciate it. And any help thanks!

[massau]

Here's some strategies that might help. Just try and see what works for you - for me they all work - at least for a while ...
- Use an mp3 player with easy listening music.
- Talk to yourself about what you're doing.
- Break down the work you have to do in small tasks and make a list; strike out the things you have done.
- Do something that's fun first. Doesn't matter you didn't deserve it yet.
- Make a plan and don't stick to it. Work your way back from the end. And stop doing that by working on something in the middle. Do something first that you planned to do later.
- Try to work in a crowded place, like a pub, or a bus.
- Try to work with the television on.
- Get a *****y boss, or someone who wants to pretend to be *****y.
- Challenge yourself. Set very tight deadlines, so that you can deliver an extraordinary achievement if you make it. And be extraordinary proud if you do.
- Twitter about what you're doing.

[slightlysane]

Originally Posted by Seluoor

I keep having the same thoughts over and over, and they change over time. It would be like a series of things, people, or events or things to do that would would go over and over in my head. It would be a series. I would go over the series of thoughts.

It would pop in my head and I would stop what I am doing to think about it, finish it through, and the continue to what I was doing.

This happens constantly and I can't stop. When ever I would be doing something hands-on, like typing or eating or doing stuff at school or work, I would reverse what I was doing, let these thoughts process, and continue. And it would happen over and over again. The only way to stop this is if I am completely emerged in something. Only watching TV takes these thoughts away.

I struggled through work today, and I used so much energy I am exhausted. I cannot doing anything without these distractions. It is controlling me.

If anyone knows what I am talking about, I would really appreciate it. And any help thanks!

Hi,

Was there ever a time where the thoughts didnt pop intro your head besides watching TV?

When did the thoughts start?

How many times a day does it happen?

Have you told your medical Dr about them?

[pannie]

THAT's MY DEMON TOO -- obsessive thinking! Whether it's positive or negative, the thoughts distract me constantly! I'm like a "stuck record", replaying the same phrases, unable to process it and move on, or file it in my memory for later.

• No medication decreases my obsessive thinking (yet). Actually, Concerta made it worse.

• Do some research on OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). If you identify with any of the definitions/symptoms listed, you might use the same words with your doc or therapist to articulate the struggle.

• Yoga balance exercises and meditation helps -- with regular practice

• Cleaning helps -- anything requiring physical energy takes the edge off

• Writing thoughts in a notebook helps -- but date it, and label the corner of the page so you can reference it later (Experience talking -- I'm attempting to declutter my thousands of obsessive lists and brilliant brainstorms now.)

• MP3 suggestion instantly helps me... I DO like brainsync.com. You might find some free downloads, but I found most free ones even more distracting (obsessing and judging the talent-less use of a cheap synthesizer to layer mu-sack with seagulls).

• Slightly Sane must be aware of "triggers". That's a good thing to be aware of! (Like, trying to avoid irritations or over-stimulation when you need to focus on a task!)

• Last note... When I catch myself spinning off on a tangent (like responding to a post when I should be working), I audibly say, "stop, drop, and roll". (In other words, back to work!)

Hope this helps? Good luck.

[BatsAndButterflies]

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. I agree with everything pannie says. Also, the reason it probably stops when you are watching T.V. is because there is something called entrainment that describes when your brain waves sink up with the waves being produced from the television.

[ocdtalk]

Have you ever tried any kind of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy........I know it can be very successful in not letting these thoughts overtake your life.......good luck!

[themegassa]

Whenever that sort of thing happens to me in school, I quickly jot down the little thoughts on the edge of my paper, then I find I'll stop thinking about it, and if they come back later, I'll do it again.
If I really need to think it through ill go over everything i wrote down. But this doesnt always work.

[doesnotknowwhattodo]

Hi, this has happened to me ever since I can remember. Concentrating on something important - like exams, school, doctor's appointments - seems almost impossible for me. The only haven I found was in music, or drawing. If I'm not doing either of those things, I can't concentrate on anything else. Now I keep my earphones and I-pod with me where ever I go, and a sketchpad in my bag just in case.
When I told this to my psychiatrist, he told me to write down these thoughts and label the date, so I can come back to it later and see what has been keeping me occupied. With some issues, once I figured out what the notes meant, I stopped thinking about that subject all together, but on others they keep repeating.

[Queen of Chaos]

I can't remember when I didn't do this and the harder I try to concentrate, the worse it is. I may try to prepare a meal using a simple recipe and it's like everything my brain can think of tries to distract me.

My #1 invasive thoughts involve music lyrics and numbers. I have trouble reading because music lyrics will invade my thoughts.

I've been on Vyvanse now for almost a week and there is no doubt whatsoever this stimulant drug has calmed my jumbled thoughts. I feel calmer, more focused and I've dealt with the diluge of crazy thoughts for so long that it now feels like something is missing - but I'm so much happier.

There are two activities I can engage in that seem to triumph over the constant jumbled thoughts - sewing and gardening.

[tigers,lions,& bear]

I remember this verbal repetition so well. It interferred in all aspects of my life-learning as well on a social level. I made extreme efforts in quieting those voices down but had little luck no matter what strategy I used. It was torture for me in school. I couldn't understand spoken words blurted out in fast sentences and I was unable to comprehend what was being said. If by chance I did I was unable to retain the information. No special teaching was provided for me-I am a survivor type person so I made due with what I could and learned things myself in was I understood. 35 years of being out of school I am now just realizing why I felt so different than everyone else. To this day I am unable to understand the news, long conversations, etc. I often ask prople to slow down and explain I am unable to listen that fast. Like I said I am a survivor and I made it through a lot in life with other disablities as well. PTSD, BPD, ADD, Anxiety, and some other road blocks. Just because I made it through what society feels is a worth while person: self supportive, working. etc. doesn't mean to much for my well being today. Our bodies and minds as a whole can only take so much no matter how strong we think we are. I was struck by major medical problems and severe psychological problems with the click of one finger. I have been disabled ever since and my job now is to focus 100% in getting to know myself and get better. Work was my cover up, work is what people liked me for, work identified me. Now I am left with not knowing who I am-no feelings. no friends, no self esteem ....I've always believed things happen for a reason-the reason for my sudden inability to work and to function as I had been, was taken away because my body, mind, and spirit no longer healthy needed some major reconstruction and reuniting. I had over the years sought out professional help but they were unable to help beacause I didn't know what was wrong with me. I just felt empty, empty, empty. I give myself credit for putting on such a good show for so many years. I hope I am as strong in therapy as I was in the battle field. Thanks for listening

[justme37_f]

Originally Posted by Queen of Chaos

I can't remember when I didn't do this and the harder I try to concentrate, the worse it is. I may try to prepare a meal using a simple recipe and it's like everything my brain can think of tries to distract me.

My #1 invasive thoughts involve music lyrics and numbers. I have trouble reading because music lyrics will invade my thoughts.

I've been on Vyvanse now for almost a week and there is no doubt whatsoever this stimulant drug has calmed my jumbled thoughts. I feel calmer, more focused and I've dealt with the diluge of crazy thoughts for so long that it now feels like something is missing - but I'm so much happier.

There are two activities I can engage in that seem to triumph over the constant jumbled thoughts - sewing and gardening.

I am so glad I saw your post. I am having a horrible time with the music lyrics in my thoughts. It has gotten to the point I have trouble falling to sleep at night. Then first thing in the morning it is back. It is hard for me to pray even. The thought of any song will just consume my every thought. I have noticed it is much worse on days I have to work. I have no idea why that is.
I made an appointment to talk to my Dr about this. I have been having issues for about 2 years with it, but the last 3 to 4 months it has taken control of so many things. I had no idea anyone else has had to deal with this. I was diagnosed with depression many years ago, but this thought problem...I have no idea what it is or how to stop it. Your post makes me realize there may be help for me.