How to Stop Negative Thoughts Looping in Your Mind

[puppydoglover]

Hi, after watching an episode of the Holding on to Hope podcast I discovered this forum. It looks like exactly what I need. If anyone can relate to what I write and has suggestions to what helped them please let me know ❤️

I have ASD and bipolar disorder. I think I am in a depressive episode and I am in autistic burnout.

What are some ways that you get through the depressive and suicidal thoughts. I have no reason to be sad, everything in my life is going great and I have so much to look forward to. They just won't stop. I feel like my brain is diseased and I can imagine black areas of it with pus oozing out. I know the thoughts and feelings are illogical but I am fixating on it constantly, having autism doesn't help with this. I just need to get through the next two months.

I find talking to people helpful but it's hard for me to begin the conversation as I feel like a burden to everyone. I also look at dogs up for adoption because one day I want to get my own assistance dog and that helps me look forward to something in the future.

Does anyone know of any coping techniques that stop the loop of the same thoughts cycling through your mind? People have told me to just tell myself to 'STOP' but this isn't working well for me.

Any advice/thoughts are useful. Even just someone telling me they understand and I'm not alone in feeling this way. Thanks guys. Stay safe. 🐾❤️

[NightHedgehog]

Hey @puppydoglover 

A warm welcome and thanks for sharing your experiences with the community! ✨

  

Sounds like you are dealing with a lot at the moment, so its great that you found SANE as a place to reach out and talk about the things you are dealing with!  Feeling like you are in a depressive episode and autistic burnout sounds like a difficult space to be in both at the same time.  Even if we have no "objective" reason to experience struggles, any one can - mental health doesn't discriminate. And having things going great in life does not mean your struggles are not valid. Also looking forward to a puppy sounds fantastic! 🐕

It takes courage to share your experiences with the community, and you are being really brave reaching out to your peers.  

   

I'm sure that the community will have some insights to share with you soon! In the mean time I thought I would share a couple of resources that might be a helpful starting place in finding some strategies that work for you.  I look forward to seeing what else the SANE community can add - you are not alone in this! 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation for Kids (this is aimed at kids but the pace of the talking I feel is more comfortable than others - each to their own though!)
TIP Skills: Reduce Extreme Emotions Quickly | DBT-RU
you are not your thoughts - YouTube

  

Take care! 🍀

[puppydoglover]

@NightHedgehog Thank you for the support. I'll go check these videos out in the meantime.