Intrusive Thoughts .

[soldierbilly]

Do any members suffer from intrusive thoughts ? Thoughts of harming ? Thoughts of Violence ?and such like.

[historyteach]

Hi, soldierbilly;
Those thoughts are not uncommon, unfortunately. Many of our members, including me for a time, did indeed suffer from intrusive thoughts.

There's really an important thing to think about here, though Billy.
We cannot control what thoughts enter into our minds.
But, we can indeed control what we DO with those thoughts.

Today, I have learned to let them go -- normally. I literally watch them fade away. Sometimes, I even laugh at them as they go; it lightens up the mood, and I can always use a good laugh.

Other times, when I'm going through a particularly dark period, I struggle.
But, I NEVER have to act on those thoughts!
I have been known to literally tell myself "NO!" Right outloud.

Then, I begin to do somehting different.
Changing what we do changes what we are thinking. Always. Body and mind are connected and this action always always always works for me.
Try it for yourself.

And take care of yourself. If you feel like you are a danger to yourself or others, please take appropriate measures. (I've read your other post and have responded over in Mark's forum.)
Here's a number to keep close by in case, ok?
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255

Shalom!

[shockozulu]

If you think you may harm yourself call one of the helplines. If the thoughts are fleeting and you want to push them away, there are some types of therapy that do just that.

Next time the thought to harm comes to you, you may want to google instead and try to see if you find anything that may help you.

[IMHomerSimpson]

every sober hour i have some sort of intrusive thought,never act on them but they there.im on zoloft,klonopin,alcohol,marijuana all on a daily basis.im sober today and mind is mixed up but take the zoloft and klonopin to keep panic away,which it does.i never gave up the alcohol and weed long enough to see if thats the cause like carol id said in another post.

[Codieneaddict]

Hi Soldier! It could be Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Google that and you'll find ALOT of people have them. Doctors say most people do have these thoughts and they just flow on through but people with OCD get the thoughts 'stuck' in their heads. I have OCD but I'm on the obsessive side. I hope that helps. Take care and happy holidays.

[wufspirit]

Thoughts of harm to self, or to others? Im opening myself up here... my past holds much harm and discontent to others. I used 1st as survival skill in "tweeker" world, or i could fall into the "on your knees bitch" etc... (offense to any, unintended) Anyways, after working my program, mental health/medication i express my self in more positive, healthy ways. But for about a year prior to this, was actively a cutter, so i guess i turned my harm inwards? Sooooo. today, is much different. Not perfect. I still get very angry , and its a process, but so far have been able to not physically harm self or others. Its a rough ride, and dont know that thoughts will ever decrease or lesson. Goodluck. Hope i was helpful?

[Bozo]

Originally Posted by historyteach

Hi, soldierbilly;
Those thoughts are not uncommon, unfortunately. Many of our members, including me for a time, did indeed suffer from intrusive thoughts.

There's really an important thing to think about here, though Billy.
We cannot control what thoughts enter into our minds.
But, we can indeed control what we DO with those thoughts.

Today, I have learned to let them go -- normally. I literally watch them fade away. Sometimes, I even laugh at them as they go; it lightens up the mood, and I can always use a good laugh.

Other times, when I'm going through a particularly dark period, I struggle.
But, I NEVER have to act on those thoughts!
I have been known to literally tell myself "NO!" Right outloud.

Then, I begin to do somehting different.
Changing what we do changes what we are thinking. Always. Body and mind are connected and this action always always always works for me.
Try it for yourself.

And take care of yourself. If you feel like you are a danger to yourself or others, please take appropriate measures. (I've read your other post and have responded over in Mark's forum.)
Here's a number to keep close by in case, ok?
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255

Shalom!

Well put teach!

[Wolfstarr]

Teach is right. Thoughts are not actions. They are just thoughts, and are just there in your mind. There is nothing wrong with thoughts unless you turn them into beliefs.

Thoughts turn into beliefs turn into actions. We believe what we think...
and yes, I have had thoughts come into my mind, but I gently let them go...

Hugs to you Billy. Hope you are feeling better these days.
Wolfstarr