When Your Mind Develops A Mind Of Its Own


We've all been there? One minute your listening intently as your mother in law tells you for the tenth time about the people she met on her recent holiday? or to the boss as he delivers a presentation on improving productivity levels (yawn!)

One minute you're listening? the next you're planning the colour scheme of the new kitchen or what you're going to be eating for dinner tonight! Basically, your mind has wandered!

It's called 'stream of consciousness' and it happens to us all!

Our minds are designed to work like that, flowing from one thought to the next. It's the basis of intelligent human thought? of creativity? even of survival. Our brains have to react quickly to changing stimuli and they have to be thinking on many different levels at once.

Of course that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to pay attention and stick to the subject at hand! We should control our thought patterns sufficiently so we can learn, so we can live. We should be able to apply this control, this discipline, over our wandering minds.

But what about people who experience the kind of disturbing thought patterns where they see themselves hurting themselves? Or harming loved ones? Or acting totally out of character, for instance in a sexual way? Or behaving in an inappropriately violent or aggressive manner?

These people have NO CONTROL over their thoughts. They cannot help what they picture in their minds.

Sound familiar at all?

These people suffer from ANXIETY. They may not know it, but anxiety is the CAUSE of these disturbing thoughts. These clients invariably think they've become anxious as a result of having disturbing thoughts. That's NEVER the case.

Anxiety causes them. An anxious mind is constantly considering 'what if' scenarios and, together with a vivid imagination, this is what fuels these disturbing thoughts.

I've spoken with many people who have these thoughts. I myself experienced them during my anxiety so I know what I'm talking about!

People who experience disturbing thoughts become confused, scared and isolated. They worry that they'll act on these thoughts. So by limiting their experience of life, they believe they'll somehow control these thoughts and stop them in their tracks.

No. That's not going to happen.

The ONLY way to stop these thoughts is to stop the CAUSE of them - ANXIETY.

So many people experience disturbing thoughts. They think of jumping from high places? harming their loved ones? hurting themselves. They're controlled by fear because the thoughts can be so intense.

Others experience less distressing thoughts. They may find their minds obsessing over music. They may repeat words over and over? or count? or display irrational behavioural patterns. They lack control over their minds.

But however it manifests itself, these thoughts are simply another symptom of anxiety.

If you are experiencing the kind of thoughts which leave you distressed, the most important thing to remember is that you are not going to act on them! You are not a bad person! They have no control over you! Once you remove the cause of them - the anxiety - they'll just go away. It really is that simple!

I only wish it was as simple to keep my mind from wandering when I'm listening to my mother-in-law!

Charles Linden specialises in the treatment of anxiety symptoms. Learn how to cure yourself of Anxiety quickly, permanently and get Free access to a valuable interview done with Charles by the BBC visit: http://beatanxiety.amazon-4u.com

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Depression Information:

Related Articles

Seven Ways To Deal With Your Depression
It has just been announced, after a study by a team from King's College Hospital, that depression is now the biggest reason for people claiming long-term sickness benefit in the UK, having taken over from musculoskeletal problems such as back problems. The research shows that 176 million working days were lost because of depression in 2003.
To Long Term Care Professionals: How to Dramatically Improve your Residents Psychiatric Care
Long term care facilities and residents' doctors shouldconsider combining medication treatment with psychological andbehavioral approaches, such as strength-embedded psychotherapy,for a range of psychological disorders.Currently, psychiatrists and primary care providers in long term care are prescribingdrugs and more drugs as the only treatment for psychologicaldisorders.
Sources of Online Suicide Help for People Suffering from Severe Depression
There are Many Resources for Online Suicide HelpFirst of all, if you are currently having suicidal ideations please immediately call:1-800-SUICIDE (800-748-2433)This is the National Hopeline and you will be connected to a trained counselor in your local area that can help you.There are many sources of online suicide help and information.
Stress and Depression are Killing Us!
A short generation ago, families could set their watch by the time the father got home from work each day. My dad always walked through the front door at precisely 6 PM and supper was served at 6:10.
What's The Latest on Suicide Risk and Antidepressants For Children?
FDA confirms some antidepressants increase suicide risk in some children. In February of 2004, two advisory committees of the U.
It Aint Easy Being Brave
A zoo attendant entered a lion cage carrying only a broom. He casually swept with no concern for the wild animal.
Depression-My Story
What is depression?Depression is a serious medical illness; it's not something that you have made up in your head. It's more than just feeling "down in the dumps" or "blue" for a few days.
Anxiety and Depression Treatment - 5 Tips for Beating Depression
Everyone has days when they are down, worn out and just notfeeling all that happy.That's OK, you need to have days like this, otherwise how wouldyou know when you are happy.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Depression - A Natural Treatment
A new research study has again shown that a diet rich in omega3 fatty acids can effectively treat and prevent depression and other mental disorders.The research, published in the February issue of the journal, Biological Psychiatry, has actually shown that omega3 fatty acids and foods that are high in uridine were as good as (and often better than) anti-depressant drugs in reducing the symptoms of depression.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: What are the Benefits and How Does It Relieve Depression?
Vagus nerve stimulation is more effective than antidepressants and is not related to brain surgery or shock treatments. It is a 60-90 minute out-patient procedure, with robust antidepressant affects on the brain.
How to Put an End to Depression
Depression can have many, many faces. If you are not aware of your feelings and emotions on a daily basis then it can creep up on you and cause misery in your life when you least expect it.
First Thing You Should Do to Get Out of Depression
Depression, in psychiatry, is a symptom of mood disorder characterized by intense feelings of loss, sadness, hopelessness, failure, and rejection. The two major types of mood disorder are unipolar disorder, also called major depression, and bipolar disorder, whose sufferers are termed manic-depressive.
Mental Health Stigma - What Can We Do About It?
What is Stigma? Stigma is the use of stereotypes and labels when describing someone, and it is often attached to people who suffer from mental health issues. We don't fully understand how the brain works yet, but one thing we DO know is that it is an organ.
Do Natural Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Supplements Really Work?
Unfortunately, millions of Americans currently suffer from the debilitating effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. In the pharmaceutical industry, anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants are among the best-selling medications on the market.
What About Drugs for Anxiety and Depression?
As a counselor, I am often asked, "Can drugs be helpful for anxiety and depression?" The answer I give is "Yes" and "No."Yes, drugs may be useful for short-term help.
Cure Against Depression and Low Self Confidence
Depression strikes most of us and it can make us paralysed. It is essential that we do not let it get too much influence on our lives.
How Do You Know if You Have Manic-Depression
Nancy was doing very well until about two years ago when Phil, her boyfriend of 9 years, broke-up with her. It was a difficult moment for her especially after she learned that Phil eventually married her cousin.
Depression Series: Why Don't I Respond to Medications? (Part 1)
Maria has been feeling depressed for at least two and a half years. About three years ago, her husband of 20 years left her for another woman.
So You've Been Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?
If you've been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) you are not alone. It has been estimated that over 2 million people in the United States suffer from this form of mental illness which involves episodes of both mania and depression.
How You Can Learn To Treat Depression
When a person undertakes a course of therapy through theirdoctor, and there is no improvement, they may be sufferingfrom a treatment resistant depression.This is difficult, and takes time to diagnose, since by itsnature, depression is not an illness that can be cured witha ten-day course of drugs, like an infection.