Racing thoughts; any advice?

CathyB · Post by **CathyB** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:45 am

Hi everyone. I felt so strange last night and I can't even pinpoint what or why. I was anxious most of the day and I usually calm down as evening comes around and we relax and eat dinner and watch TV. I could not concentrate on anything. My mind was pretty racey and I felt confused and agitated. It was really strange and scarey. The racing thoughts just drive me nuts. Even if I am not thinking anything particularly upsetting, the fact that my thoughts are a million a minute upsets me. How can I slow my mind down? I journaled a bit and prayed a bit and cried a bit. Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated. God bless you all!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:22 am

Funny you should mention that cuz I had the very same problem last night! Like you, evenings are usually my best time... and your evening sounds identical to mine... TV, dinner, a little reading then off to bed. Like you, I just couldn't shut my brain off last night! Then I started obsessing about physical symptoms and really starting to obsess over the whole thing, "WHY now? Why tonight? Does my head feel weird? What's my heart rate, anyway?" Pretty soon I found myself half convinced that something was wrong with me...

Then, I realized that, yeah.. something IS wrong with me. I have an anxiety disorder and this garbage is par for the course. I actaully went into the bathroom, stared at myself in the mirror and quietly told myself to settle down, stop chasing every thought and trying to figure it out. Its a temporary state and it will pass... it ALWAYS does. I realized that I had allowed myself to chase those thoughts around and I know where they lead me: Anxietyville. It was hard and I didn't succeed entirely but... at least I didn't end up in panic and I feel much better today.

I don't know if that helps at all but, at least for me, I know that I wasn't alone last night fidgeting and squirming during "Amazing Race" lol

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:37 am

Thanks HotRod for the feedback. I do feel better today and you are right, it passes. I have been doing the exercises that keep me in the moment, what am I doing, what do I smell, what do I hear etc....it helps. Good luck to you. I repeat that verse in Timothy daily!!