I have racing thoughts, too, and they jump from one thing to the other. We are not allowed to mention specific meds, but the doctor gave me something that helps that. If I don't have it, I can't sleep at all because the thoughts don't stop.
I just got the program so I can't speak to how effective that is.
As to whether it it "normal," it is common but normal is a relative term and I'm not sure anyone is "normal." But you are not the only one who suffers from this; it is one of my main symptoms. It doesn't usually stay at the level you describe for long, if that is any help.
BIPOLAR OR ANXIETY??????
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Guest
Manly - no it is not "normal" but many of the participants and testimonials in the program have had exactly what you described before healing with this program. Remember the youth pastor from session 2, he was the exact same way.
Just because you aren't "normal" doesn't mean you are bipolar or have a clinical disorder - it sounds like you have constant anxiety and depression from what you describe.
When you go through the tapes, make sure you are alone. Yesterday I took a long hour drive so I could listen to the CD by myself, I can't have any distractions. Listen on your way to work and back, use an mp3 player or ipod if you can, I have the relaxation on my ipod so I can listen to it anywhere. It's only 15 minutes which is how long it takes to travel to a lot of places so I can listen to it during that time if I'm a passenger, and I can listen to the CD's if I'm the one driving and by myself.
Just because you aren't "normal" doesn't mean you are bipolar or have a clinical disorder - it sounds like you have constant anxiety and depression from what you describe.
When you go through the tapes, make sure you are alone. Yesterday I took a long hour drive so I could listen to the CD by myself, I can't have any distractions. Listen on your way to work and back, use an mp3 player or ipod if you can, I have the relaxation on my ipod so I can listen to it anywhere. It's only 15 minutes which is how long it takes to travel to a lot of places so I can listen to it during that time if I'm a passenger, and I can listen to the CD's if I'm the one driving and by myself.
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Guest
Manley - I am convinced that you are at a high level of anxiety. I used to question everything about my sanity, whether I was bipolar or not, etc. I used to have racing thoughts all the time, still sometimes catch myself getting into that mode. When that happens, I just usually put a stop sign image in my mind, and put the image of my son's face while he was sleeping, very peaceful and very calming. If you want to try to picture your daughter's face and what she looks like when she is sleeping, try to picture every little detail about her face, her eyelashes, her hair on her forehead, her head on the pillow. While you are concentrating on the little details, you are taking you mind away from the racing thoughts.
My thoughts used to race so much I felt like I would jump out of my skin and just needed to be out of the situation I was in at the time the thoughts started. I just wanted to run until the thoughts stopped racing.
If you are not in counseling while doing this Program, I would suggest you try, if you can. I did the Program with a counselor and I am so much better. I feel more confident about dealing with my anxiety because I have all my tools to get me through it and I check in with my counselor about 1x a month now.
Remember, too, you are just starting in the Program and it is normal if your anxiety feels like it is getting worse. You are dealing with it for the first time head on. You should be very proud of yourself for taking on this Program and dealing with your anxiety.
Good Luck To You.
Lisa
My thoughts used to race so much I felt like I would jump out of my skin and just needed to be out of the situation I was in at the time the thoughts started. I just wanted to run until the thoughts stopped racing.
If you are not in counseling while doing this Program, I would suggest you try, if you can. I did the Program with a counselor and I am so much better. I feel more confident about dealing with my anxiety because I have all my tools to get me through it and I check in with my counselor about 1x a month now.
Remember, too, you are just starting in the Program and it is normal if your anxiety feels like it is getting worse. You are dealing with it for the first time head on. You should be very proud of yourself for taking on this Program and dealing with your anxiety.
Good Luck To You.
Lisa
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Guest
Manley, hi, It took me a couple of years of being diagnosed with panic disorder to get the correct diagnose of bipolar 2. I also still have the generalized anxiety, and panic disorder, but I take meds for everything. I took quite a while of experimenting with different meds with my pdoc, to get the right combo, but I feel pretty good now. I am using this program to help me with the over thinking, the racing thoughts, the anxiety etc. No one here can diagnose you. you really need to see a good psychiatrist for that. I know I was in denial when they first diagnosed me, and I kept trying to go off the meds. Everytime I did, I'd be back in a bad situation. I have finally learned to accept what I have, but at the same time be proactive in my life, and try to help myself with things like this program, and other things, as well as be regular with my meds. I wish the best for you. take care.
Hally
Hally
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Guest
Manley, I was worried you'd start worrying about bipolar after reading your posts last weekend and some of the suggestions. I used to think the same thing when I had racing thoughts all the time. I do think you should see a doctor to get diagnosed for sure, but I know that for me it was just anxiety. I had racing thougts and couldn't calm down at all. I finally got better with this program, another program called Phobease, and a councelor. . .and the help of friends on here.
Hally,
What was it that distinguished your symptoms from Bipolar II? I mean what's different from anxiety that you are aware of? I have not been able to get anyone to explain that to me. I have a friend with bipolar but hers had psychotic episodes so hers I guess is Bipolar I.
Hally,
What was it that distinguished your symptoms from Bipolar II? I mean what's different from anxiety that you are aware of? I have not been able to get anyone to explain that to me. I have a friend with bipolar but hers had psychotic episodes so hers I guess is Bipolar I.