Runaway Thoughts

Runaway Thoughts

It is amazing how manic one can become. For some reason so obsessive in one’s thoughts: perhaps a chemical imbalance. And sometimes compulsive thoughts: so much worry, a compacting of thoughts on thoughts,, obsession with (if feels) no end in sight.

How terrible it must be to suffer with such thoughts every day. Thoughts on a treadmill, runaway thoughts that you cannot control; thoughts on a roller coaster.

This also sometimes happens to me when I haven’t read a book for a while or sometimes when I have dealt with computers, tablets and cell phones intensely for a day.

It is also curious how scary it can be. As if you are caught in a web of compulsion and obsession on thoughts, even the words themselves; or a feeling of slowly sinking alive in quicksand.

It is not something I even want to think of now; it is not even something I want to suggest solutions for…when I am not in that manic state. A state which does luckily not happen to me often (why is it necessary to offer this disclaimer? Is there still a stigma attached to mental illness and still important to distance you from something like it?)

Possible mitigating actions?

• It is important to stay calm during such an episode. That is something I can remember from when I experienced it (seems that there is memory loss involved when an incident occurs and so I cannot remember a lot of details about such episodes),

• Perhaps try to gain some distance from the situation. It might be impossible to stop thinking – after all that is what obsessive thoughts are all about. But, try to get some distance. Try to stop thinking and let the moment pass – so difficult because the thoughts are obtrusive and COMPELLING,

• Try to believe that this episode too will pass. Of course if this kind of thing happens too often then therapy and medication is required. Medication to sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) is vital and essential and has a great effect on the mental and overall well being of OCD sufferers. But, yes, try to believe that things are going to turn out ok; that things are going to get better…that this too shall pass,

• Resist the fear: when your thoughts feel out of control, when you downright feel crazy and you feel that it will never go away and never get better…then that is a scary thought. It certainly induces fear. Work with your calmness, try to stay above your fear.

Afrikaans sleutelwoorde/-begrippe (Afrikaans key words and key ideas):

• Herhalende gedagtes (oor enige onderwerp, selfs oor woorde: die woorde self)
• Vrees algemeen
• Angstigheid
• Vrees vir mal word
• Vrees vir moontlike (verbeelde moontliheid) van skade

• Written by Omar Daniel Fourie: Thursday, 23 May 2019