Trying not to think

A negative event that I just can't seem to get out of my mind. The glances in my mind take my breath away. I have tried to write. I have tried to get to the bottom of it. Old fears and control issues seem to be a part of it. It got started and it is playing over and over and it should not be as bad as that. The situation is over. Trying to distract myself. That can help but I do suffer from obsessive repetitions. Trying makes it worse. Maybe someone else struggles like that.

Hello PianogirlPlays: Yes, it seems like I can remember every bad thing that ever happened to me or with me... every slight... every stupid stunt I ever pulled. I replay them over-&-over in my mind... whether I want to or not. I do try to practice mindfulness. But this only goes so far. Writing it down helps some. I know full-well that the past is gone & cannot be changed. But it's one thing to know that intellectually. It's something else to put it into practice. It's an ongoing struggle.

You're correct, I think, in saying that analyzing it doesn't help & sometimes seems to make it worse. I guess some folks benefit from talking it through with a therapist or a close friend. I don't have either at this point. For me, the best antidote is simply to try to keep as busy as possible doing things I enjoy. When I'm busily involved with something I like to do, the unwanted memories tend to come back less frequently & with less strength.

It is so hard and so much habit involved. I noted that when I was involved I probably wasn't doing that. I hope tomorrow is better but even today there were some reasonable moments.

Every day is like that for me. Even when I'm very busy doing things the intrusive thoughts just stream through my mind. It definitely wasn't any better when I was working either. I really hope you can get a good handle on it so it doesn't worsen over time. Best wishes!