Stress Center Peer Support

I have problems over analyzing things. Silly things like how to picture the stop sign to stop the negative thoughts in the first place. I sometimes over analyze so that one positive self talk I use seems to contradict another of my positive self talk. Then I mentally wring my hands jumping back in forth to decide which self talk to use. Anyone else have this problem and if so any one have a solution?

Shak,

I did have that problem. What helped me was gradually becoming aware. At first I didn't even realize how badly I was over-analyzing. Then when I began to catch myself, I learned to laugh at it. That helped me to stop the cycle. Once I recognized it, it seemed laughingly absurd and largely silly. Laughing at it helped me move on to an actual solution to whatever I was avoiding.

However, I will say that you are unique, so be open to whatever works for you. I hope you get some other suggestions.

Peace!

I can totally relate. Been there, done that. Like New_Nana said, the first step is awareness. You are trying to be PERFECT, and do everything "just right". Don't worry about doing it perfectly! You have to find your way with this, and figure out what works best for you. If picturing a stop sign isn't working for you (didn't work for me), then try something else. How about saying to yourself "Wait a minute. This is another one of those bad habit thoughts!" (maybe with the sound of brakes screaching to a halt in the background??) You get the idea - find your OWN way with it. This is the only problem with one-direction therapy (ie. listening to tapes) - you don't get the personal feedback you need to help make it work for you. Hang in there! You will find your way with it!

John

I don't know if this will help anyone else or not; but in the past, I've found that picturing a light switch (or any type of on-off switch) helps me with thoughts. I start having scary or obsessive type thoughts, and picture shutting off the switch--just click! Turning them off in my head. Works for me a lot of the time. Just thought I'd pass it along!

Terri

TDub,

Thank you so much for your light switch suggestion! It really helped me a lot! I've been going through a very difficult period the past week or so (setback) with obsessive negative thinking, even more so of course because of the holidays... time to be happy! The Stop sign technique never worked well for me and usually caused me to obsess on that! Again much appreciated.

Take Care,

Russ
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