Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Repeating thoughts, intrusive thoughts, irrational fears

There seem to be a few strange things going on with my mind these days. I don't know if this is the right forum for it, as I don't know if these issues fit under the heading of "anxiety" or not. I'm posting them in a few places... I would love any advice that anyone may have for me.

My mind gets caught on a phrase and plays it on repeat. If I'm underslept or stressed it's more sever. This is the first time I've heard of it happening to someone else... I know that suffers of OCD often have distressing thought loops, but the phrases I end up repeating in my head aren't usually horrible - the aren't usually anything, there doesn't seem to be a pattern.

I also have what seem to be intrusive thoughts, of a very specific genre... if I'm waiting for someone and they are late, I can't help but imagine that terrible things have happened to them. The images in my mind are very vivid and very distressing. I don't think I used to have these thoughts before I lost someone close to me a few years ago, so I guess it makes sense that there would be a link there. But is this a normal part of mourning? It makes me feel deeply unsettled. I know that horrible things really can happen to anyone at any time, but everyone knows that... how do I find a way of not being paralysed by that knowledge now that it has been made real in my life?

I'm also scared of looking in mirrors when it's dark... I'm scared that my face isn't going to be me, or that someone (specifically, someone dead, or a ghost - I don't believe in ghosts, but that doesn't make any difference!) is going to be behind me. This also only started with the death of my friend, and the correlation seems obvious, but that was a couple of years ago now, so I'm wondering if it will go away?

I wonder if the repeating thoughts are related to the intrusive thoughts and the fear of mirrors?

Writing this down makes me realise that I should probably be seeing someone or something... hmmm...

Would love any imput. Sorry this is a bit heavy.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
You guys are awesome. I've been struggling to deal with this stuff on my own inside my head for so long, and to write about it on here was hard. To receive such informative and compassionate responses - and so quickly! - makes me feel a lot more confident about going and talking to someone about this stuff.

Thank you.
Helpful - 0
1238554 tn?1339420116
There is something called the Pure O form of OCD, which is purely obsessional thoughts which may or may not have compulsions with it. Most of the time, there are no visual compulsions, all the neutralizing and  or ritual like behaviors usually happens within the mind. I don't know if your symptoms really fit that definition, but it might be worth checking. However it does sound pretty similar to my anxiety, I've always been quite a worrier about family or friends being hurt. If I can't reach my mom the first time I call her I immediately think the worst. I now have some generalized anxiety along with the pure O, so it's good times all around :p

It would be worth a trip to your doc to see what they think. If the thoughts are intrusive, nerve wracking, or just plain annoying it doesn't hurt to ask a doc's opinion on the matter. There's no reason for you to suffer when there are things out there that can help you, even if it's just learning some relaxation or cognitive behavior techniques from a psychologist, no meds required. Good luck!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It sounds like you haven't truly mourned the loss you suffered and it's manifesting itself in this way.  When we try to forget things and think we have, they are just tucked neatly away, and at some point will make you deal with them by showing up as anxiety, with symptoms like you're experiencing. It's imperative that you address the cause of this anxiety, and deal with it so you can move on. Take care..
Helpful - 0
1221387 tn?1270770065
You definitely should see someone about this.  Doesn't necessarily sound like OCD...with OCD the obsessive thoughts are usually accompanied by obsessive actions as well.  You sound a bit like me, I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) I often have thoughts that repeat over and over and I worry about things excessively.  Like you, if I am waiting for someone and they are late I immediately assume something horrible has happened and tend to panic until I know things are alright.  I get a bad headache and think its a brain tumor, I worry about things I see on TV, I worry about worrying, you name it I've probably worried about it at some point.  Its a tough thing to deal with but talking about it definitely helps.  I would start with your GP and see if they can refer to a therapist that specializes in anxiety disorders.  Hope I helped at least a little :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
OCD isn't obsessive thinking, it's obsessive thinking combined with obsessive actions.  Everyone with mental disorders suffers from obsessive thoughts.  I would say it's time to see a therapist and get to the bottom of this.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?