"Normal" progression of thoughts?

Avatar for tnburke98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
"Normal" progression of thoughts?
6
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 9:57am

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting to this board but I wanted to "talk" to someone who might understand. I'll try to keep this as short as possible...

A little background: I'm married and have 2 wonderful little boys, I work full-time out of the home and run a side business out of my home. I've always had some OCD tendencies and frequently over anaylis things. I have also suffered from sleep paraylsis and insomnia. Besides these issues I live a happy life and feel very grateful for what I have and how happy and healthy our family is.

I'm writing because I've been increasingly bothered by thoughts and progression of thoughts that are bringing me to the edge of panic attacks. (Hard time catching my breath, dizzyness, breathlessness, heart palpitations) It's like a movie playing in my head of terrible accidents. For example: me falling down the stairs holding my younger son, or our house catching on fire (I have a huge fear of our house burning down), or getting into a car accident...etc. I also have fears of being really sick...like being diagnosed with cancer or MS or something like that.

I asked my husband last night if he thinks about these things and he said that he does but he quickly puts them out of his head. I can't do that...I think about these thoughts and then my thought progression just anaylisis the whole terrible event...from graphic start to finish.

Does this just sound like "normal" mommy anxiety? Or is this something more?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 4:51pm

hi tara...


welcome to the board:) i have what i consider an interesting perspecitve on things as not only do i suffer from severe anxiety and mild depression, but i am also a psychotherapist (or at least was until i left my job 4 months ago due to anxiety problems).

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-25-2004
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 8:34pm

I think Heather said it best, but I just wanted to add that you're not alone. I have experienced this too, and still experience it from time to time. I have these awful thoughts and when I'm feeling good, I realize that it doesn't mean anything and I can let it go. But when I'm having anxiety, I think these thoughts are a symptom of something worse than just anxiety. Positive self talk seems to be the most helpful to me when I'm focusing on negative thoughts more than I want to.

Take care of yourself and keep us posted!
Jess

Avatar for tnburke98
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 9:35am

Thank you both! It's nice just to know that I'm not alone. My life is pretty crazy with 2 young boys, 2 jobs, being a wife...etc and I don't often take time for myself. Honestly though I love my crazy life.

However, I didn't realize that anything was different but with your postings I did realize that have just started seriously discussing a cross country move and we've started getting estimates and looking at the house market. This is totally stressing me out...it's a huge move. So, I think that this could be the trigger. I'll have to step back a little and take it a little slower I think.

Thank you both for the insight!!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 10:39am

Hello, Tara! It's so nice to have you here. The thoughts you are having MAY be part of your OCD. It does seem that dropping thoughts from our minds is very difficult when coupled with anxiety. In spite of the fact that some of your fears are normal, if they beging to *intrude* or cause you to be unable to live comfortably, then intervention may be necessary. Meds & therapy are known to be most successful. However, self help is possible. Please take a look @ our *coping tips & tricks* folder below.


Remember that you are NOT alone. It feels that way sometimes, but we're here to listen & give you support that you need. Drop into chat where our folks are generous in sharing their thoughts on ways to cope better with anxiety. Good luck & GBU! We care & want you to feel better. (((hugs))) jan





 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 4:26pm

i have intrusive thoughts that cause panic attacks!!

you can e-mail me if you like shawnstalter@comcast.net

they are harming thoughts about my son, not fun, but more
common then you think.

you can yahoo intrusive thoughts and see if it fits. it's
called pure "o" in ocd.

hope this helps,
kris

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 5:51pm

Welcome, I'm happy you found us!

Sheri Ann