I live in Scotland and I think we are quite backward when it comes to mental health issues. I have spoken to 2 therapists now about my obsessive thinking, both of whom seem strangely perplexed by what I percieve to be quite a common problem. I seem to ruminate all day about myself, seeking solutions for a mental health problem. The problem of which I talk is the fact that I think about having a mental health problem all the time. As you can see it is just a vicious circle, the reality is that there is no problem other than the thinking about there being a problem and that in turns leads to anxiety about the fact ' it' s not normal to be thinking like this all the time' . Sometimes I can just accept it, other times I let it overwhelm me.
Hope this makes some sense, I' m looking for some guidance. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
In order to change obessive thinking quickly, you must replace the obsessive thoughts with more positive ones. For your problem, I' d suggest you do affirmations along the lines of "I, [your name] am relaxed and mentally healthy." Please read my article "Attitude: From Negative to Gratitude" You' ll find specific steps there to follow. Also, I recommend two books for you:
Dear Dr. Romance:
I live in Scotland and I think we are quite backward when it comes to mental health issues. I have
spoken to 2 therapists now about my obsessive thinking, both of whom seem strangely perplexed by what I percieve to be quite a common problem. I seem to ruminate all day about myself, seeking solutions for a mental health problem. The problem of which I talk is the fact that I think about having a mental health problem all the time. As you can see it is just a vicious circle, the reality is that there is no problem other than the thinking about there being a problem and that in turns leads to anxiety about the fact ' it' s not normal to be thinking like this all the time' . Sometimes I can just accept it, other times I let it overwhelm me.
Hope this makes some sense, I' m looking for some guidance. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Dr. Romance responds:
In order to change obessive thinking quickly, you must replace the obsessive thoughts with more positive ones. For your problem, I' d suggest you do affirmations along the lines of "I, [your name] am relaxed and mentally healthy." Please read my article "Attitude: From Negative to Gratitude" You' ll find specific steps there to follow. Also, I recommend two books for you:
I Deserve Love: How
Affirmations Can Guide You to Personal Fulfillment by Sondra Ray and
White Bears and Other Unwanted Thoughts: Suppression, Obsession, and the Psychology of
Mental Control by Daniel M. Wegner
For more in-depth work to heal the underlying causes of your perseveration, read my book: It Ends With You: Grow Up and Out of Dysfunction