YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Here's an example

Heard the bells of an ice cream truck yesterday - a warm, late-summer/autumn afternoon. Nice sound, brings back memories....

Half thinking of running out for a Creamsicle or something, and BAM!
The thought of a child getting hit by a car pops into the old noggin.

WTF, Brain?!

I’m not sure why, but I am glad that you are using your words.

THanks for sharing.

Just an example, many more available.

Maybe not so weird. If our brains are wired to predict possible outcomes to help us anticipate situations, then this could be helpful.

(That is, If I had children and was buying them ice cream, or sending them out with a pocketful of change. Otherwise, just anxiety-producing mental noise).

SD

SD, have you ever followed these thoughts through to their completion? Don't do it if it doesn't feel right!!!! but when I stay in a hotel that's on an upper floor for some reason I think about my cats being on the balcony and falling off (???). I've started imaging it really happening, in a very mild way not too bloody, and it's actually calmed my brain down and been less distressing than I thought it would be. Still unpleasant for sure, but it takes away the reoccurring demanding quality.

Your brain may vary but I thought I would share.
Heather

Hello Heather,

No, but I understand that that's a good idea.

(In the past I'd try to dodge them with a shake of the head, but then worried that I'd develop a tic!).

The little app I've been testing makes a similar suggestion as yours, and also not trying to fight them, but let them float by.

These ANTs aren't a big problem most of the time, but once in a while when one pops in it takes my breath away, and leaves me a little shaken. Like a punch to the gut that takes the previous pleasant thought away...

SD