This may sound strange, but hopefully some of you can relate.
My anxiety and depression started about 18 months ago, ive had a very rocky time emotionally and mentally since then.
There are so many symptoms of depression and anxiety, so I wont list them all…theres just something that’s been bothering me a bit for a while now.
Does anyone know what I mean when I say I sometimes get what I call a “commentary” in my head. Not like hearing voices that arent there, but my head will start making a conversation, or repeat what someone has just said…. Or plan a conversation im about to have. Even about silly things like a cup of tea and how it tastes…Its not like I hear this out loud, and its never anything horrible that upsets me…
Ive noticed it seems to be when im tired, like at night when im drifting off to sleep…but even now in the office when im not doing anything my mind feels all tired and starts doing this.
Im pretty scared of posting this because it sounds very strange, but I really hope to get some insight into this.

Thanks
Bubbly

this could be obsessive compulsive disorder which often happens to anxious tense people

Sometimes at night while my body is tired I do the same thing. At night, all things are quiet an it is the end of the day. That is when anxiety and depression are at their best. Sometimes I start thinking about what I did that day or the simplest things that I am going to do tomorrow. I think a few minutes have gone by and I see by the clock that it has been an hour or more. I think you mind works over time during this rest period because due to the anxiety and depression we have lost some of the confidence in ourselves to do tasks that before came without thought. We are just as good at then, it just becomes an obsession. I hope you are seeing a Specialist or Therapist for this condition of 18 months. I just consider myself a brain stormer and ignore whether or not I do this anymore. The less you dwell on the things you do the better. Good luck Friend

Hello 14AllAll41 - can i call you Al?

Thankyou for replying - like you say its best not to dwell on things that you think or do - i have become very anylitical (if thats how you spell it) and its a hard habit to kick. All part of anxiety i guess.

In the last 18 months, yes ive seen doctors, some of which took no notice... ive been on an anxiety management course, i have a psychwho i see every 2 or 3 months...and ive just started counselling! Blimey...when you right it all down it looks as though i should be ship shape by now! Hopefully one day.

Anyway - thanks for the advice..take care
Bubz

bubbly ARE YOU ON ANY MEDS? I GET THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS YOU, READ MY POST.. I AM GOING TO THE DOCS ON MINDAY OR TUESDAY AND I AM GOING TO ASK TO BE REFERED TO A PHSYICIATRIST AGAIN THEN ASK FOR SOME ANTIPHSICOTIC MEDS... LAST HOPE.. OR I WILL JUST HANG MYSELF I HAVE HAD IT

unwanted thoughts are usually part of OCD, books on overcoming OCD are helpful, 'brainlock' was a good one but now out of print, try a library
antidepressant meds sometimes reduce OCD

I saw "Brain Lock" at Barnes & Noble just yesterday.

OOOh Bubbly! You are not alone! I have done this for years and for me I even have songs that I don't know where they came from and I just sing the song in my head all day and nite and I don't even like the song. I repeat things inside my head all day and sometimes I can't sleep well b/c my brain can't shut off. I think it goes with all of our anxiety and depression.

Serena

That's so strange that you should mention singing songs in your head.
I've been doing that for the past week or so.
I wake up in the morning, go to the bathroom and I'll be sitting there and all of a sudden a song will pop into my head.
It's never been the same song twice...at least not yet.
This morning it was "Tiny Dancer".

If I have to make a phone call I always rehearse what I'm going to say over and over again in my head before I make the call, but the song thing is a new one for me...and I've been dealing with panic disorder and OCD on and off for almost 20 years.

hi guys..

i think that lots of people who dont suffer with mental illness would probably relate to what we're saying, even a little bit. i dont know one person who couldnt say theyve never had a song stuck in their head!
i get that too but im going to try and not worry so much about these things...as long as you can function ok, and you arent thinking really terrible thoughts then you sholdnt worry so much...
But im not a doctor.

Ive thought of a way to try get rid of unwanted thoughts - when it starts, start singing out loud...its harder to think and sing at the same time

Hi Bubbly,

Hope you had a lovely weekend - the weather was great,
wasn't it!

Your 'circular thoughts' really are nothing to worry about and really are an absolutely classic symptom of anxiety.

Have you ever thought of meditation? People often think of meditation as some of 'new-age' thing to relax but the actual meaning of meditation is 'controlling one's own mind'.

I used to have a 'run-away' mind which would fixate on certain thoughts and go round and round and round an round for hours on end.

Although my anxiety was treated with conventional methods as well (Paxil/therapy) I've found that my meditation practice has left me with the ability to 'drop' negative thoughts. My mind is much clearer and controllable since starting my meditation practice.

Anyone can benefit from meditation and it doesn't have to have any religious connotations. A good place to start is somewhere like Wildmind...
http://www.wildmind.org/meditation/mindfulness/intro.html

The key to learning meditation is to do a little every day and not worry about how much progress you seeem to be making. It's very hard at first and seems to 'not be doing anything' but gentle persistence has amazing results!

I hope this helps......

Hugs for my Bubs (((((((((((Bubbly)))))))))

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/clown.gif

Thankyou Cushy - ive often thought about meditation but not really seriously - Zafu always used to praise it. I'll have a look at the link tho and let u know how it goes

This weekend was gorgeous wasnt it, i spent most of on the beach, im lucky i live near one..

I saw my Psych on Friday and she has suggested i change from Prozac to Effexor. Im kind of keen to try it, im just really worried about withdrawal and the time it takes to kick in....but i guess its worth a try.

How are you today...apart from it being Monday?

Bubs x

Hi Bubs,

You lucky thing living near the beach! I'll be like that soon when I've moved to Dorset. Romford is unfortunately very much inland!

A dear friend of mine has found Effexor very good for her severe depression. She's been on it for a couple of years now and it's saved her life I reckon.

If you aren't responding to SSRI's like Prozac then I guess an SNRI like Effexor might work. It's just a matter of luck whether a particular drug works or not.

I'm doing fine today, working from home playing with Mia (next doors cat). Hope you are hanging in there.

((((((((('kins))))))

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/clown.gif

[This message has been edited by cushy (edited 07-15-2003).]

How could i be so dumb? Have you been giving me clues all this time that ive just overlooked!!?

Daddy Gold Pants is that really you!!!? You dont know how much this has made me smile...i feel like ive found a long lost friend!!!
xxxxxxx

At last! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Yup 'tis me sweety!

(((((((((((((( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gifBubs http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif))))))))))))))

How are you doing today? Have you given any more thought to changing over to Effexor....?

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/clown.gif

Hey! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif Why did you have to change your name? You trying to keep a low profile? http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I have been thinking about Effexor yeah...ive just started cutting down my dose of prozac to every other day, instead of every day. i am still worried about that transition period, waiting for the effexor to kick in. I'll start taking it in a couple of weeks.

So generally have you been good? Are you getting out much?

Missed you so much
Your 'kins http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Yup - think of it as a 'low profile' http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Keep us informed of how it goes with the Effexor change over and give us a shout if you need any support....

I've been doing pretty well - no major relapse into depression and my anxiety is greatly improved. I had a wonderful therapist for about 6 months who really helped straighten a few things out.

I'm spending my time alternately between working from home (what a luxury!) and working with my colleagues in the Dorset countryside. As I mentioned earlier, I've sold my house and will be moving to Dorset in a month or so. So all in all things have been pretty good.

I'm sorry you are having a hard time at work - I've responded to that thread with some thoughts.

Missed you too hon.

Your http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/clown.gif

Thankyou for your other reply about the job Cush..youve given me some food for thought. I will think about it properly when im feeling in a better mood.

Sounds like things are pretty settled for you at the mo, you sound quite chilled out. Ive printed out some of the things on the meditation Website so i'll definitely havea go.
Ive got a new boyfriend by the way..hes been my best pal for 3 years and we've finally got it together. i couldnt ask for anyone more supportive of me and understanding... Maybe thats why ive felt better lately :-)

I still cant believe wot a wally i am - ive read over your first few posts to me and the clues are clear as daylight! :-)

Hehe - my concentration! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/round.gif

Bubz x

I'm so glad you've found someone nice Bubs - your previous bf was really bad for your confidence and last time we spoke you were going through a 'shall I, shan't I, ditch him phase'. I hope the new one makes you happy and you go from strength to strength.

I've just got back from giving blood so I'm a bit light-headed! Time for a lay down methinks http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

(((((((((Bubz))))))))

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EDITED: for nonsensical spelling http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by cushy (edited 07-15-2003).]

Dont let the bed bugs bite. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Yes he's a gem, the last one wasnt good for me, i now that now

X

hi bubbly -
i don't post often anymore but wanted to say hi hi hi!!!

i always have racing thoughts. Whole conversations with myself. I think it's pretty common.

------------------
(the truth is out there)

Hi Simby http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif
nice to see you here...hope you r doin ok.
Bubbly x