Thanks so much for posting. I've been watching your videos, and find them to be very inspirational. Ruminating/isolating is something I really struggle with as I'm going through severe depression. It's nice to know there are people out there who want to share. Peace.
It's so true how you ruminate more when there's nothing else going on in your life. I live alone and my social anxiety stops me connecting with other people, so as a result I spend lots of time alone overthinking everything. It's a vicious circle and I feel like a prisoner trapped in my own head.
Have you tried going to a mental health professional and working on your social anxiety. I believe I made a video on the subject recently called "how do you overcome social anxiety."
@@DouglasBloch This will probably sound silly but my anxiety has been stopping me doing so, as unfamiliar situations often make me feel uncomfortable. I think I may need to force myself soon though. I did see my doctor who put me on Sertraline (aka Zoloft) but found it didn't help, and I gradually tapered off it. I will have a look at the video you mention. Thanks Douglas
i cant take it anymore i also ruminate while working watching tvs Heck YESTERDAY i got my most anticipated game of all year and while playing i couldnt stop ruminating.. I am so tired
@@roger3force924 hi. Im so sorry. Im going through the same thing. I cant stop rumination all day and night, it makes me so tired and paranoid, i just feel like Im losing my mind and i fear that some day i wont be able to distinguish reality from my thoughts. But by being here, in this video, we are looking for help to fix our problem, so its not Over yet, lets fight. Sometimes videos about guided mindfulness help me, sometimes it doesnt. Maybe it helps you! Hope you are feeling better and received my virtual hug ahahah
Yes, that is very ironic. I hope that you found something in the video that was helpful. Intense exercise helps to stop ruminating. When I bike up Rocky Butte with a three hundred feet elevation gain, all I can think about is my next breath.
Yep, same here. I found that the only way to temporary cure it is by keeping active, but not all activities work, like painting a wall, or cleaning, I find myself talking to myself even more. It has to be an activity with a few other people around away from your comfort zone. ie bedroom or house, the trick is to get away from your comfort zone
And especially with ADHD/ADD, all sorts of activity can easily go down the drain. Even with strong beliefs and will, the brain itself just flips around and shatters the attention (especially with ADHD-PI, the inattentive kind, might make one much more prone to ruminating). It's basically being trapped inside one's own brain. So in that case, it'll require many more tools to non-ruminate and actually getting into those activities + getting stuff done.
Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Douglas Bloch Hello Douglas absolutely love your videos and content. Thank you so much for what you do. I was wondering, do you have an email buy chance ? I was wanting to ask a few question about your thoughts on a situation I have been through. :)
Remember everyone has bad memories to ponder on. Every one of us has something we can hold ourselves responsible for or even guilty for. The difference is only a few of us ruminate while others forget. Because we are humans and not saints. Not all our actions could be right. And no body expects you to have them. So be assured that you are normal and just continue with your life
I used to ruminate a lot but now not so much because 1. It doesn’t help 2. There’s nothing you can do about stuff that happened in the past, it’s done already. Focus on things that you can change not on stuff you can’t, it’s really that simple.
@@delia5588 Toxic shame is very hurtful. I am going through the exact the same issue at the moment. Michelle is right though. I have made my life a living hell for the past month, ruminating about an extremely embarrassing past incident (and this is no understatement), incessantly beating myself up over it (past) and conceiving apocalyptic scenarios (future). But: I am my worst enemy because those have been four weeks now that I wasted, as there have been no grave ramifications (thus far). It is easier said than done, and some day one is more susceptible to emotional setbacks, but we cannot control how others view us. You could ask yourself: What can I do to change my current situation? If the answer is "nothing", then it is easier to quit on it.
@@delia5588 we all have really deeply shameful things. My sister told me once that I should forgive myself because God has. I am older now, and all my mistakes from my life visit me regularly. All I can do is keep my faith in God and realize that this is not just me but a human condition and try to do better. God bless you honey, you are not alone. Forgive yourself and do better.
Hi, I’m currently going through my worst period of ruminating yet. Overthinking, worrying, letting my past define me. List goes on along these lines. You described ruminating very well. A ditch that I’ve dug, and now having trouble to get out of. I’m beating myself up for something that I cannot change. I have even enlarged my thoughts to an uncessesary degree. I’m in chock that I’ve become my worst enemy. My mind is tearing me down. I’m saddened. Disappointed. Scared. I have been listening to music today though, and I must say it helped. I had a big smile on my face and my mind was at ease. I will continue to do so. Focus on music, my biggest interest and hobby, and hope it will continue to help in the long run. Thank you for this video, Douglas.
I wish I discover this channel since I was 14. I could have avoided the darkest and most painful years of my life. Now Im 19 and thank God I have managed to get myself out of the never-ending cycle of negative rumination, anxious thoughts, and intrusive thoughts. But this is way before I came across this channel though. Now I enjoy having friends, interacting with people, engaging in social activities, and living in the present moment smoothly. Thanks for sharing these techniques with people like me.
Man Im 37 and wish I came to the realization you did. I still ruminate heavily about past issues with school, family, girls, etc. Stuff back in the past. What did you do to end it?
By coming to the realization you did Troy, you save yourself another decade of misery and hitting the bitterness stage. You have your whole life ahead of you at 19. I still have more life ahead of me at 37, but I will never get back the years you have now.
I’d like to know the same as John. And I couldn’t agree more... you’re incredibly lucky to heal yourself from this now rather than later in life! Best wishes!
So happy for you,even if i come here a year later. I hope you are doing well,i am still on my journey to a calm and happy mind,but you gave me hope. May you have a great and happy life! :)
I got zero sleep last night, Ruminating, and anxious. I told my self, that I would rest today, but that I wasn’t going to enter my room at all, because that is where I ruminate the most. That’s been helpful for me, I have to fight these thoughts/feelings. Something as simple as leaving your room helps a lot.
You are welcome Jennifer. Wha kind of mental health treatment are you receiving? I also wanted to let you know about a crowdfunding site that I have started to help me fund my videos and websites. Please feel no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to take a look, here is the website. www.patreon.com/douglasbloch
Hi Douglas. It's tiny steps it seems. Today I am struggling more than yesterday, though my hope is for overall improvement. Apathy, hopelessness, helplessness and fear are all tugging at me. Thank you for asking how I was. David
If you post me your email address, I will send you a PDF of my "Five Areas of Self-Care" diagram, which has lots of tools and strategies you can use to raise your mood
I just want to say thank you. I never thought this could be possible, but right after watching this video, I started using these easy tips and I completely stopped ruminating the day after.
Thank you for your videos. Just discovered them today. I’m going through a very difficult time right now reflecting on my childhood of bad memories and regrets. The ruminations are every few minutes and it is absolutely exhausting. Trying my best to get out of this hole... wishing everyone fast healing. We can do it.
Thanks. Are you seeing a therapist to help with the ruminating. There is a medication called Luvox that some of my group members are using to help decrease their obsessive thinking. You might want to ask your doctor about it.
Douglas Bloch I am not seeing a therapist. I went to my GP about a month ago. I took Lexapro for about a week and was so incredibly sick from it and was only sleeping 1-2hrs a night. I then took a 2 week break and just started Zoloft on Saturday. I seem to be tolerating this medication much better. I am still thinking about eventually talking with someone. For now I am finding comfort in talking to my husband and finally allowing myself to reflect of everything. I think keeping these feelings suppressed for so long is what caused me to spiral so quickly. And I’ve finally realized that I have always had some level of anxiety, since I was a child. I am also trying to watch videos like the ones you’ve posted. And I do agree, obsessively googling and going on social media/news apps doesn’t help at all! :) I will look into the medication you mentioned. I do have a question. And if you don’t feel comfortable answering, no worries. Since you mentioned having several depressive episodes over the years, do you use antidepressants continuously or do you go on/come off Of them when you are feeling better? I’ve never been on any kind of medication like this before and it does make me nervous. But I know that’s a normal feeling for someone with anxiety to feel. Lol.
I’ve never been on antidepressants long-term because they’ve never worked for me. However since I left the hospital in February 2016 I have been taking Wellbutrin and Lamictal. I’m not sure if they’re helping but my nurse practitioner wants me to stay on them as an insurance policy. I will probably keep taking them into the future.
Thank you so much Douglas these videos pulled me out of a dark place and helped me manage my conditions . I was so scared and worried I lost my mind . Everything around me felt fake felt foggy , I didn’t know what this was and that anxiety and depression causes these symptoms . I have learned how to acknowledge my symptoms , learn about why and how they are happening , talking positive to myself , not fighting the feelings and just letting them go . I could not thank you enough
You hit the nail on the head. When I get the worse and wanna withdrawal that’s when I get outta my house Nothing worse then being in bed by yourself In a room
Finally something truly helpful for me. I like where you said to take your focus away from the internal world of thought and memories and putting it on the external activities and people.
Thanks you this has helped me understand what I have been experiencing this past year. Now I understand due to circumstances COVID and lock down I had been ruminating over things that happened in the past which I wouldn’t normally dwell on . It was definitely becoming a vicious circle .
Great video Douglas! Breaking negative thought is essentially about pattern interrupts. If you're in a negative thought pattern, you need to realise that you are in one and find ways of breaking it, and by repeating this process you will ultimately stop it.
Thank you so much. I must do it or at least give it a try instead of overthinking and ruminating and stop judging if it’s going to work or not. I have to surrender > let go of control > Do it
This was I was just doing with self-blame and guilt (shame spirals). Thank you so much for this video. It came at the right time because I want to stop this.
God bless you my friend for bringing up a topic that can cripple and destroy lives. Ruminating leads to sadness, plenty of resentment towards self and others. It makes me the saddest above all else when my mind won't stop. I appreciate the manner in which you present your topics. Please continue making your videos. We ARE watching and we ARE listening. Thank you and God bless.
I learned that meditating helps however after a good month you tend to think “I got this” And don’t really intend to stop meditating but I did and then it starts back up all over again so for me meditating works but I have to keep doing it even on my good days
Thank you. When I begin to feel the downward pull of my emotions, it does help for me to clean the house or do something out in the yard. I have gotten back into my local church and I find the fellowship with others makes me feel good.
Thanx doug this was helpful . I'm struggling with ruminating because I hav been unable to work for abt 10 years now and often find it very hard to motivate myself to do something. I'm always thinking abt the everyday thing I haven't done n all the things I'm not good at. The people around me r usually immediate family who try to be supportive but it can be difficult when they can't full understand what I'm going thru. And things r stressful for everyone as there doesn't seem to be enuf time n my parents r eldrly n need care which is given by all six of us but still hard. Thanx again
When my thoughts are negative, sometimes it’s difficult to stop it. When one negative thought comes out, then more follows. It’s hard to get out of a lot of times. Reaching out to others help me a lot but I feel like I want to face the inner critic so that I’ll have more power over it.
Thank you for this. I've been suffering with depression due to ruminating constantly about a very traumatic event in my past. I can't eat, I can't sleep. 24 hours a day my head is occupied by my demons. My life is an absolute mental train wreck at the moment, but this video will hopefully be a step in the right direction.
Watching many of your videos has really helped me with my anxiety & depression. The past month has been very rough, however I've been feeling much better comparatively over the past several days. I may fall back into that deep hole, but at the moment I'm in a better place. Thank you.
When people say it's all in your head. It sounds callous and uncaring but it's actually true. At 17 or 19, I'm 44 now, I got out of depression by doing a bit of what you said and I'm so blessed that I had the epiphany to get out of it. We were very poor then and by poor, I mean third World poor. I'm from the Philippines. And I'm also a painfully shy guy in my youth. So talking it out with other people is out of the question. I hear a lot of people say: express, express, express but what if you can't?? I thought about suicide then, but I also thought of my parents, who had barely any money to feed us would also have to worry about a decent burial for my stupid ass. I just refused the conclusion depression had for me and that's where things started to change. I thought if I can drive myself crazy, I can also drive myself sane. Depression started slowly, so ridding myself of depression is gonna tae awhile too. I started ruminating about the positives because it all started with the negatives anyway. So, I'm just doing the reverse. I'm also a deeply spiritual guy and that helps a lot, to empower me in those moments. I also had a mantra that I keep saying to myself over and over: "I owe it to God, I owe it to myself and I have no right to destroy me. The body is only reacting to the brain and the brain is reacting to my will and the brain is merely a tool" So, I just reversed the self-destructive thoughts that's been plaguing my head and busied myself with a lot of stuff until I was out of it and started to enjoy life. It was hard but not impossible and it's actually a little painful to think about all this stuff again but no worries. Nowadays, I get angry when depression rears its ugly head but its few and far between. I'm too busy with work and family and I'm glad to say that I'm too busy and too tired to be depressed, haha. It just infuriates me that it's trying to control me again and I've been there and done that and I don't like how it'll end.
You have helped me more than I could ever express. We are all praying for you and your current battle, but we all know that you will come out of this darkness. We hold that field of healing and believe and know you will overcome this and this too shall pass ! I pray this in the power and blood of Jesus name 🙏
I keep ruminating about an event in my life and I have to keep writing down all of these thoughts over and over again. If I'm stuck on a thought and I forget it, I have to keep searching through my mind until I can remember that thought I was ruminating about. I feel tense If I can't remember that thought! For the last few days I've told myself STOP WRITING DOWN THESE THOUGHTS. I'll try these tips!
Thank you for raising people's awareness. I went through this myself and still do, but the intensity level of ruminating has drastically gone down through awareness which is a good thing and I am also aware that it takes time to keep on improving. Once again. Thank you
Surprisingly this is exactly the same thing that my doctor recommended to me and it really is that simple! Go out and be busy with activities and people and decrease the time you spend alone isolated.
Occupying the mind is fine, but we can't always turn our attention away when we are say, sleeping. When sleeping, all we have to occupy ourselves is our thoughts and breathing (as we are trying to sleep). And unfortunately, that can often be when rumination can most negatively affect us, as this can heavily affect our sleeping, which can be the process that allows our minds to move on from previous obsessive thoughts. I'm assuming you'd suggest meditation and controlled breathing for rumination in bed?
Yes, they are good. I also do progressive relaxation, which helps me to fall asleep. If you are awake too long it is best to get out of bed and focus on something else. Then there is always the option of taking the antidepressants trazadone or amitriptyline before bed which are know to promote sleep.
I can relate. It is the worst when trying to fall asleep at night because the mind is not occupied and thoughts are very likely to wander off. Focusing on one's breath can help to a certain extent.
Thank you Douglas. I have yet to try what you recommended but I know that your information is spot on. Thank you for helping so many people with your wonderful adivce.
I'm at the end of my teather with my rumination. I can't seem to stop! I replay situations over and over in my head, fantasising about how it should have gone instead, what I would have and should have done. The only problem is when I compare it to what I actually did I am filled with so much regret it's almost ubearable. It's making me sad and I end up feeling so low 😞 The situation don't even have to be that big or significant, all it takes is a situation that didn't go perfectly, or something I did or didn't do that in hindsight I could have done for me to obsess about. It's a horrible thing to have, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
@@DouglasBloch I am currently undergoing CBT therapy, mostly for my phobias and social anxiety. We haven't spoken about rumination too much in our sessions, although the times when we have spoken about it it's only 'solved' one situation, usually regarding social situations. Throughout the week there tends to be other situations that pop up that I can't stop thinking about, circumstances that didn't go perfectly that I obsess about. It isn't always to do with how others percieve me, although that does play a part, but to do with my own expectations. Even so can't stop obsessing about how it should have or could have gone, even after being told I shouldn't have unrealistic expectations of myself! I'm thinking about bringing it up with my therapist as I'm finding it very difficult cope with. I find it hard to open up and talk about it, although it does seem easier to write about it. I will definitely check that book out, thank you. Thank you as well for the response.
I feel your pain because I'm exactly the same. I get social anxiety in certain situations with people I'm not totally comfortable with, and I'll replay encounters in my head constantly afterwards. Last week I went to lunch with a colleague, and straight after I was thinking how well it went by my usual standards. Within a few days I'd convinced myself that I would have come across as awkward and made a total mess of it. I'm at the stage where I don't want to interact with people anymore because it only results in negative outcomes for me 😔
Thank-you. I have difficulties. Although I have always had a problem with ruminating, lately, I have been caught up doing it a lot. I needed that reminder. :-)
I live with Bipolar disorder. Unfortunately the manias are few and the depressed states are long and robs me of a proper life - u know, just existing, not living
I have found that impartially observing thoughts and feelings from awareness, and welcoming them, instead of resisting them works like magic, resisting and fighting them keeps them alive and more powerful.
Ruminating is what many people call a rut. I once heard a sermon by John Hagie and he said a rut is a grave that is open on both ends. I agree with him on that and that is why it’s so important we climb out of ruts. Thank you for this video. It will help me for sure.
Thank u for these posts Douglas. Am pushing 60, & have had OCD forever!! Been to countless therapies, even out of state. Depressed most of life, recently, w/in last 6 months, moved out of verbally abusive bldg. into 55+ & or disabled. I'm both, having autism too. Also, quit job due to being misunderstood about autism. Played me for a fool. The fool's on them. Now do EMDR. Love it!
Doug I live in constant rumination and constantly anxious. I believe my depression stems from losing my identity and sense of self. I'm often thinking random negative thoughts and situations. Some don't even make sense. I used to be very out going and now I go blank and feel dumb Everytime I talk to someone. Work is a nightmare . Recently I rear ended someone and that has just added to me worries. I'm constantly suicidal but I can't afford a doctor. Only reason I'm here is cause I still have a strong will to live especially for my family. But everyday is hell. I love coming home , taking a shower and sleeping. Sleeping is my favorite hobby now. Only support I have is my mom and brother which I love dearly but they don't even know how to help me.
Andre, you might want to find some low cost clinics in your area where you can get counseling and psychiatric medications. We have many such clinics here in Portland. In addition, click on these links to find support groups in your area. Keep reading out until you find the right kind help. You can get through this. www.nami.org/Find-Support www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=peer_support_group_locator
Douglas Bloch thanks Douglas, its gonna take a lot of courage for me to get help. So ashamed of this disease and I feel like failure because honestly I don't have a major reason to be depressed. But the depression is very real. But I need it and have nothing to lose at this point.
That's right. You do have nothing to lose in asking fro support. And here is a video I made on letting go of the shame of depression. Hope you find it helpful. th-cam.com/video/SEJ7olG5IVA/w-d-xo.html
How has it been going? There are ways to help you. Know that those intrusive thoughts mean nothing. It’s just mindless chatter. Everyone has them, but some people identify with those thoughts more than others. They’re just like an annoying child. Just notice them as being useless and go on with life. It really can be that simple. Hope this helps.
Hi Douglas, great advice! Can you make a video relating to morning anxiety/depression my symptoms are alot worse in the morning of awaking, i have to drag myself out of bed it's a chore, I'm ok in the evening once I get going, I have Diurnal variation of mood'. My mornings get the better of me somedays I just lie in bed not wanting to get out and just sleep for hours.
+Douglas Bloch I've been in my head lately. I don't sleep well now days I feel like I'm sleep thinking and when I wake up I don't feel feel like I slept well so any help
You are correct. Serious rumination is hard to stop on your own. That is why it's a good idea to consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist who specializes in treating rumination. There are also medications that may help.
This was helpful. Im going to listen to this again tomorrow. Im also starting a new song project tomorrow everytime my mind wants to ruminate. Refocus my energy on something creative were i will see results then it releases reward hormone in the brain.
Thank you for this. I have a big problem with this when I’m sick. (Because I’m not doing anything productive) Because of this, anxiety/depression takes over. The worst.
Hi, Douglas, thank you so much for your videos. I've been watching them since September last year when I started suffering from severe depression due to complications in surgery, my mother falling ill amongst other things. I've had ups and downs, but I found true happy moments along this hard journey. I guess that the positive side of suffering from anxiety and depression is being able to value happiness more than others do. Maybe you should make a video about the positive sides of it, I don't know if you already had. Lately I've been a little down, but I know it will go away, it always does. In the meantime, I practice mindfulness, hug the people I love, write my book and sing out loud, I try to ignore the "bug" telling me I'm not fine or that I should give up. Hope I'm in the right road. Hugs and keep up the great work.
It sounds to me that you are on the right road. I did a video called “after the pain the joy” about the good that can come out of a depressive episode.
Thank you for your channel. I have been suffering from anxiety this past few weeks. And am at the road to depression. Your videos have helped me at least. More blessings.
Hello, Around 3 months ago I had gotten in a state with anxiety and had a panic attack. After that I faced depersonalization and other negative thoughts. Over the last 3 months I have now felt normal again. I don't have negative thoughts, however I constantly ruminate on how I felt in the past and it feels like I'm not moving forward in time. It still feels like I'm in the past and that haven't fully realized what happened to me. I constantly go through my day and still dwell in the past and future. How do I experience the present again? I want to let go of the past and finally get out of the ditch I feel like I'm in. How come even though I feel like I'm in the right mental state, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that these thoughts are useless. I want my mind to be free again.
You want to go to a group that teaches mindfulness meditation. Also, intense exercise calms the mind. And there is an antidepressant called Luvox that seems to reduce obsessive thoughts
@@russthorn7205 It'll get better. Idk what I had, but I just felt dissociated and couldn't focus. Like I was daydreaming 24/7. I still have a hard time focusing and I overthink. But I'm not in a bad headspace anymore. I'm honestly not sure what it is. Maybe brain fog? @Douglas Bloch
@@muddyknight666 combination of things I think my anxiety triggered depression I'm on Wellbutrin like 11 days in or so it's gotten a bit better then last month
Douglas, I found this video, very helpful. The word, 'ruminating", sounds almost harmless.I've, isolated myself, & it's an awful, lonely, place. This has not been a conscious act. It's crept up through, a death in the family, & toxic, workplace. I am trying to change job. After this, video, get out, & engage,with others. Very helpful. Great advice. You've been there! Thank you.
@@DouglasBloch All of them. However, at the moment I'm helping a friend as his missus unfortunately fell two stories an we are in Samui hospital last time I was here my girlfriend asked to marry me. Might have been a different story if we had actually did it. My friend an I are waiting at present for the results of the surgery as they need to drill a hole to release the swelling. If all goes well I believe they will marry. My response was you should take a picture a picture after the surgery and pronounce this is the picture that made me marry you. Thank you for taking the time to reply I indeed to go through all your videos. I'm just making it through to day helping a friend. Focusing on his problems an not mine. Today I'm OK an later hopefully all 3 of us will have made it through the day thank you for your channel.
Hello! What really works for me is really focusing in something I want tp do (im a programmer, so programming) and refocusing everytime I discover myself drifting away. My last year of university was really challenging and I needed all my focus in my studies to pass. That year of everyday many times a day having to force my mind to focus on what I wanted changed me and thankfully nowadays I am really good at discovering when I'm starting to ruminate and stop it. What I'm trying to say is that this is an ability that you can learn, so don't give up!!! I know ruminating is hell so if you need advice I'm willing to help
Diversion toward a healthy mind is to be in the here and now: practice practice and practice and move forward and enjoy life. A great thing to remember. Thank you.
I ruminate over insignificant thoughts, but mostly negative thoughts. Yesterday I found myself ruminating over good thoughts, but the none stop rumination was getting upsetting. I searched the WEB and found your video and realize that I need to get out more. Thank you!
Yes, focusing on positive self-talk and positive imagery is very good. I would not call it ruminating though, as ruminating has a negative connotation.
Gosh 2015 (when this video was posted) is 3 years ago! I tend to ruminate at night and can't seem to find a way to stop it. I listen to music or watch videos on youtube and try to distract myself but it's hard not to ruminate.
I am always thinking same thing over and over again. It is really irritating to me really can't stop myself by doing that. Thank you so much for this video
There are techniques that I talk about such as focusing on something outside yourself or distracting yourself or just watching the thoughts go by. If those don’t work you should definitely reach out to a counselor or a psychologist for support and guidance
I ruminate over health issues. Drives me nuts (no pun intended). I see it as an attempt to be in control of an outcome. All it does is make me anxious. For instance my blood pressure meds. Every single night I ask myself if I accidentally took it twice. So now I write the time, date, and number of pills left in the bottle down every evening after I take it. This way, when Ruminating Ruby starts to rear her ugly head, I go right on in and shut her down. She'll have me at the emergency room in full panic mode if I don't. 😂
Douglas Bloch I didn't realize they had a medication for that. Do I need a recommendation from a psychiatrist for it, or can I just tell my doctor that I feel I need it?
I use to ruminate much more frequently. When I would catch myself ruminating I would say stop and redirect my thoughts to the current moment. You mention that being social is important, but often times people that I know want to dig up the past and ruminate together. They tell the same stories over and over. They ask prying questions and cast judgements. Over the summer I rode a motorcycle 4000 miles across the USA. I was by myself. I visualized leaving my troubles in a passing forest and how insignificant the troubles were. I enjoyed talking with strangers along the way. After returning home and talking with friends and family I would hear the old stories, the old questions, the old complaints, the ruminating of the past. Writing this made me realize that I need to set up boundaries and let people know that I don’t want to reminisce about the past. I also need to avoid negative people. Your talk was thought provoking. Thank you.
I ruminate at times... In my mind, my memory tends to create false scenarios that are opposite to something that happened shortly after a situation that happens to me. It's pretty hectic.
You might have what is called OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. You can see a psychologist or a psychiatrist if you want to get a diagnosis to see if you do have OCD.
Ive had ocd since childhood but it was very mild and only symptom i had was small repetitive behaviours and wasnt bothering at all,does that mean my ocd its becoming worse?
It might be. That's why I would work with a mental health professional. There is also a very good book on healing OCD called "Brain Lock" by Jeffrey Schwartz, which gives you a four-step process for managing OCD.
I only found out that this was a thing. Sometimes I mumble to myself not realising I am doing it; I have been doing this since I was a kid. This video has been a great help
Thanks Douglas. My husband does not like to interact with me unless it’s something he likes doing. Therefore I feel very alone and which leads me to ruminate since I have cut back on watching TV. Videos Like yours help a lot right now especially during the pandemic.
This was helpful. I am someone who carries the weight of depressing news with me for days after I hear about it. It becomes such a burden that it causes me to go into a temporary bout of anxiety and depression. The news has been extremely depressing here lately and I’m stuck in quarantine with a sick husband and a teething baby. The only thing that has helped is going on walks around the yard and playing my guitar. My hope is that some days this earth will be a more peaceful place to live.
Thanks so much for posting. I've been watching your videos, and find them to be very inspirational. Ruminating/isolating is something I really struggle with as I'm going through severe depression. It's nice to know there are people out there who want to share. Peace.
I'm glad that the videos have been helpful.
Thank you. Very helpful tips.
I too suffer and isolate but I don't have any friends which in itself is hard
Have you written a book?
@@wendysnyder3142 hang in there girl. I know how u feel.
It's so true how you ruminate more when there's nothing else going on in your life. I live alone and my social anxiety stops me connecting with other people, so as a result I spend lots of time alone overthinking everything. It's a vicious circle and I feel like a prisoner trapped in my own head.
Have you tried going to a mental health professional and working on your social anxiety. I believe I made a video on the subject recently called "how do you overcome social anxiety."
@@DouglasBloch This will probably sound silly but my anxiety has been stopping me doing so, as unfamiliar situations often make me feel uncomfortable. I think I may need to force myself soon though. I did see my doctor who put me on Sertraline (aka Zoloft) but found it didn't help, and I gradually tapered off it. I will have a look at the video you mention. Thanks Douglas
I tend to ruminate less when there's not much going on in my life. Idk why.
Yoga helps a lot. I used to laugh at yoga and now i understand the benefits. Try it. Also tapping meditation
Same, I’m always ending overthinking which results in me talking to myself and me crying. I’m sorry.
I still ruminate as Im doing activities...i hate these obsessive thoughts...
Same here. But with practice it will make us better. It's gonna take time though. Just do mindful meditation
i cant take it anymore i also ruminate while working watching tvs Heck YESTERDAY i got my most anticipated game of all year and while playing i couldnt stop ruminating.. I am so tired
Same
Me too
@@roger3force924 hi. Im so sorry. Im going through the same thing. I cant stop rumination all day and night, it makes me so tired and paranoid, i just feel like Im losing my mind and i fear that some day i wont be able to distinguish reality from my thoughts. But by being here, in this video, we are looking for help to fix our problem, so its not Over yet, lets fight. Sometimes videos about guided mindfulness help me, sometimes it doesnt. Maybe it helps you! Hope you are feeling better and received my virtual hug ahahah
Awkward moment when you ruminate while trying to watch this video 😪
Yes, that is very ironic. I hope that you found something in the video that was helpful. Intense exercise helps to stop ruminating. When I bike up Rocky Butte with a three hundred feet elevation gain, all I can think about is my next breath.
Yep, same here. I found that the only way to temporary cure it is by keeping active, but not all activities work, like painting a wall, or cleaning, I find myself talking to myself even more. It has to be an activity with a few other people around away from your comfort zone. ie bedroom or house, the trick is to get away from your comfort zone
Bro This is happening to me too
Yes Diana, me too! Wishing you healing.
And especially with ADHD/ADD, all sorts of activity can easily go down the drain. Even with strong beliefs and will, the brain itself just flips around and shatters the attention (especially with ADHD-PI, the inattentive kind, might make one much more prone to ruminating). It's basically being trapped inside one's own brain. So in that case, it'll require many more tools to non-ruminate and actually getting into those activities + getting stuff done.
Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
This literally eats me alive. Thanks for the help.
You are welcome.
KennaKenna I do the same thing. So many triggers and down it goes. You don’t enjoy much and it causes a lot of pain.
Thank you. My thoughts drive me to the brink of insanity sometimes and I've never been able to know how to stop the never ending chatter in my head!
I know how you feel. Ugh
You might want to look into a book called Brain Lock by Jeffrey Schwartz that talks about how to stop obsessive thoughts.
Douglas Bloch Hello Douglas absolutely love your videos and content. Thank you so much for what you do. I was wondering, do you have an email buy chance ? I was wanting to ask a few question about your thoughts on a situation I have been through. :)
Its exhausting isn't it. 😣
There are meds for this.
Remember everyone has bad memories to ponder on. Every one of us has something we can hold ourselves responsible for or even guilty for. The difference is only a few of us ruminate while others forget. Because we are humans and not saints. Not all our actions could be right. And no body expects you to have them. So be assured that you are normal and just continue with your life
Thank you.
Can we all just take a minute to thank Douglas for providing this help for free. You're a saint and a wizard. I'm so grateful for you.
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad that you are finding Benefit in the videos
❤
I used to ruminate a lot but now not so much because 1. It doesn’t help 2. There’s nothing you can do about stuff that happened in the past, it’s done already. Focus on things that you can change not on stuff you can’t, it’s really that simple.
Michelle Burlinson I’m trying to do this. But what if it’s something that’s so deeply shameful?
You can’t change what happened no matter how often you think about it. Let it go gently, be kind to yourself and live your best life now. Take care.
I’m going to try my hardest. This has been the most challenging 2 months. Thank you for replying to me.
@@delia5588 Toxic shame is very hurtful. I am going through the exact the same issue at the moment. Michelle is right though.
I have made my life a living hell for the past month, ruminating about an extremely embarrassing past incident (and this is no understatement), incessantly beating myself up over it (past) and conceiving apocalyptic scenarios (future). But: I am my worst enemy because those have been four weeks now that I wasted, as there have been no grave ramifications (thus far).
It is easier said than done, and some day one is more susceptible to emotional setbacks, but we cannot control how others view us.
You could ask yourself: What can I do to change my current situation? If the answer is "nothing", then it is easier to quit on it.
@@delia5588 we all have really deeply shameful things. My sister told me once that I should forgive myself because God has. I am older now, and all my mistakes from my life visit me regularly. All I can do is keep my faith in God and realize that this is not just me but a human condition and try to do better. God bless you honey, you are not alone. Forgive yourself and do better.
Hi,
I’m currently going through my worst period of ruminating yet.
Overthinking, worrying, letting my past define me. List goes on along these lines.
You described ruminating very well. A ditch that I’ve dug, and now having trouble to get out of. I’m beating myself up for something that I cannot change. I have even enlarged my thoughts to an uncessesary degree.
I’m in chock that I’ve become my worst enemy. My mind is tearing me down. I’m saddened. Disappointed. Scared.
I have been listening to music today though, and I must say it helped. I had a big smile on my face and my mind was at ease.
I will continue to do so. Focus on music, my biggest interest and hobby, and hope it will continue to help in the long run.
Thank you for this video, Douglas.
you’re not alone. you’ve described my experience exactly
I wish I discover this channel since I was 14. I could have avoided the darkest and most painful years of my life. Now Im 19 and thank God I have managed to get myself out of the never-ending cycle of negative rumination, anxious thoughts, and intrusive thoughts. But this is way before I came across this channel though.
Now I enjoy having friends, interacting with people, engaging in social activities, and living in the present moment smoothly. Thanks for sharing these techniques with people like me.
Reading your comment made me happy for you. I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks Troy! I truly hope you're doing well.
Man Im 37 and wish I came to the realization you did. I still ruminate heavily about past issues with school, family, girls, etc. Stuff back in the past. What did you do to end it?
By coming to the realization you did Troy, you save yourself another decade of misery and hitting the bitterness stage. You have your whole life ahead of you at 19. I still have more life ahead of me at 37, but I will never get back the years you have now.
I’d like to know the same as John. And I couldn’t agree more... you’re incredibly lucky to heal yourself from this now rather than later in life! Best wishes!
So happy for you,even if i come here a year later. I hope you are doing well,i am still on my journey to a calm and happy mind,but you gave me hope. May you have a great and happy life! :)
Where have I been that I’m only finding this video now????? Oh. Onward. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I got zero sleep last night, Ruminating, and anxious. I told my self, that I would rest today, but that I wasn’t going to enter my room at all, because that is where I ruminate the most. That’s been helpful for me, I have to fight these thoughts/feelings. Something as simple as leaving your room helps a lot.
Yes, getting away from your normal environment and engaging with the world is helpful
I have been doing this for years and digging myself deeper into depression and I didn't even know there was a name for it until today.
Learning to meditate, twice a day is good. Stay away from caffeine too.
You ain't kiddin, coffee gives me hecka anxiety
Laying off the red bulls
How does one boost their energy levels without the caffeine?
Exercise creates more energy
Excellent tips, Jack. Stimulants like caffiene really don't help.
Douglas is one of the most useful human ever. Thank you man. You helped me at my worst
You are welcome Kevin.
I live with depression everyday.The talks and advice u give really make sense.
Am grateful to have come across ur videos. Thank you so much, Douglas
You are welcome Jennifer. Wha kind of mental health treatment are you receiving? I also wanted to let you know about a crowdfunding site that I have started to help me fund my videos and websites. Please feel no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to take a look, here is the website.
www.patreon.com/douglasbloch
Hi Douglas. It's tiny steps it seems. Today I am struggling more than yesterday, though my hope is for overall improvement. Apathy, hopelessness, helplessness and fear are all tugging at me. Thank you for asking how I was. David
If you post me your email address, I will send you a PDF of my "Five Areas of Self-Care" diagram, which has lots of tools and strategies you can use to raise your mood
Dave Pickell I feel the same way friend please hold on
I just want to say thank you. I never thought this could be possible, but right after watching this video, I started using these easy tips and I completely stopped ruminating the day after.
I'm that you found the tips helpful.
Thank you for your videos. Just discovered them today. I’m going through a very difficult time right now reflecting on my childhood of bad memories and regrets. The ruminations are every few minutes and it is absolutely exhausting. Trying my best to get out of this hole...
wishing everyone fast healing. We can do it.
Thanks. Are you seeing a therapist to help with the ruminating. There is a medication called Luvox that some of my group members are using to help decrease their obsessive thinking. You might want to ask your doctor about it.
Douglas Bloch I am not seeing a therapist. I went to my GP about a month ago. I took Lexapro for about a week and was so incredibly sick from it and was only sleeping 1-2hrs a night. I then took a 2 week break and just started Zoloft on Saturday. I seem to be tolerating this medication much better. I am still thinking about eventually talking with someone. For now I am finding comfort in talking to my husband and finally allowing myself to reflect of everything. I think keeping these feelings suppressed for so long is what caused me to spiral so quickly. And I’ve finally realized that I have always had some level of anxiety, since I was a child. I am also trying to watch videos like the ones you’ve posted. And I do agree, obsessively googling and going on social media/news apps doesn’t help at all! :)
I will look into the medication you mentioned.
I do have a question. And if you don’t feel comfortable answering, no worries. Since you mentioned having several depressive episodes over the years, do you use antidepressants continuously or do you go on/come off
Of them when you are feeling better? I’ve never been on any kind of medication like this before and it does make me nervous. But I know that’s a normal feeling for someone with anxiety to feel. Lol.
I’ve never been on antidepressants long-term because they’ve never worked for me. However since I left the hospital in February 2016 I have been taking Wellbutrin and Lamictal. I’m not sure if they’re helping but my nurse practitioner wants me to stay on them as an insurance policy. I will probably keep taking them into the future.
Thank you :)
You mentioned your group members... is there a support group?
Thank you so much Douglas these videos pulled me out of a dark place and helped me manage my conditions . I was so scared and worried I lost my mind . Everything around me felt fake felt foggy , I didn’t know what this was and that anxiety and depression causes these symptoms . I have learned how to acknowledge my symptoms , learn about why and how they are happening , talking positive to myself , not fighting the feelings and just letting them go . I could not thank you enough
You're more than welcome. I have another video called how to stop obsessive and intrusive thoughts that talks about the same principle
You hit the nail on the head. When I get the worse and wanna withdrawal that’s when I get outta my house
Nothing worse then being in bed by yourself In a room
Finally something truly helpful for me. I like where you said to take your focus away from the internal world of thought and memories and putting it on the external activities and people.
That technique has worked for me and so I'm glad to share it with you.
Thanks you this has helped me understand what I have been experiencing this past year. Now I understand due to circumstances COVID and lock down I had been ruminating over things that happened in the past which I wouldn’t normally dwell on . It was definitely becoming a vicious circle .
Great video Douglas! Breaking negative thought is essentially about pattern interrupts. If you're in a negative thought pattern, you need to realise that you are in one and find ways of breaking it, and by repeating this process you will ultimately stop it.
Thank you so much. I must do it or at least give it a try instead of overthinking and ruminating and stop judging if it’s going to work or not. I have to surrender > let go of control > Do it
Good idea. You can also see a psychologist or therapist who can give you skills or strategies to stop ruminating.
This was I was just doing with self-blame and guilt (shame spirals). Thank you so much for this video. It came at the right time because I want to stop this.
Once you become aware of the problem, you can change it. The antidepressant Luvox can also be helpful for reducing obsessive and intrusive thoughts.
God bless you my friend for bringing up a topic that can cripple and destroy lives. Ruminating leads to sadness, plenty of resentment towards self and others. It makes me the saddest above all else when my mind won't stop. I appreciate the manner in which you present your topics. Please continue making your videos. We ARE watching and we ARE listening. Thank you and God bless.
I learned that meditating helps however after a good month you tend to think “I got this” And don’t really intend to stop meditating but I did and then it starts back up all over again so for me meditating works but I have to keep doing it even on my good days
Zink R I’m feeling this exact way recently as well , it’s been a hell ride
Thank you. When I begin to feel the downward pull of my emotions, it does help for me to clean the house or do something out in the yard. I have gotten back into my local church and I find the fellowship with others makes me feel good.
Thanx doug this was helpful . I'm struggling with ruminating because I hav been unable to work for abt 10 years now and often find it very hard to motivate myself to do something. I'm always thinking abt the everyday thing I haven't done n all the things I'm not good at. The people around me r usually immediate family who try to be supportive but it can be difficult when they can't full understand what I'm going thru. And things r stressful for everyone as there doesn't seem to be enuf time n my parents r eldrly n need care which is given by all six of us but still hard. Thanx again
I suddenly started ruminating while watching this video. 😢😢😢
Thank you that was extremely helpful I recently found myself with ruminating thoughts after being home during the pandemic .
Douglas, you are a very generous person. I have found your videos very helpful as I pass through this current cycle of depression.
Thanks. Hang in there. You can get and will better.
When my thoughts are negative, sometimes it’s difficult to stop it. When one negative thought comes out, then more follows. It’s hard to get out of a lot of times. Reaching out to others help me a lot but I feel like I want to face the inner critic so that I’ll have more power over it.
Thank you for this. I've been suffering with depression due to ruminating constantly about a very traumatic event in my past. I can't eat, I can't sleep. 24 hours a day my head is occupied by my demons. My life is an absolute mental train wreck at the moment, but this video will hopefully be a step in the right direction.
I hope so too. There are other videos on the channel that also provide tools and support
Watching many of your videos has really helped me with my anxiety & depression. The past month has been very rough, however I've been feeling much better comparatively over the past several days. I may fall back into that deep hole, but at the moment I'm in a better place. Thank you.
When people say it's all in your head. It sounds callous and uncaring but it's actually true.
At 17 or 19, I'm 44 now, I got out of depression by doing a bit of what you said and I'm so blessed that I had the epiphany to get out of it. We were very poor then and by poor, I mean third World poor. I'm from the Philippines. And I'm also a painfully shy guy in my youth. So talking it out with other people is out of the question. I hear a lot of people say: express, express, express but what if you can't?? I thought about suicide then, but I also thought of my parents, who had barely any money to feed us would also have to worry about a decent burial for my stupid ass. I just refused the conclusion depression had for me and that's where things started to change. I thought if I can drive myself crazy, I can also drive myself sane. Depression started slowly, so ridding myself of depression is gonna tae awhile too.
I started ruminating about the positives because it all started with the negatives anyway. So, I'm just doing the reverse. I'm also a deeply spiritual guy and that helps a lot, to empower me in those moments. I also had a mantra that I keep saying to myself over and over: "I owe it to God, I owe it to myself and I have no right to destroy me. The body is only reacting to the brain and the brain is reacting to my will and the brain is merely a tool" So, I just reversed the self-destructive thoughts that's been plaguing my head and busied myself with a lot of stuff until I was out of it and started to enjoy life. It was hard but not impossible and it's actually a little painful to think about all this stuff again but no worries. Nowadays, I get angry when depression rears its ugly head but its few and far between. I'm too busy with work and family and I'm glad to say that I'm too busy and too tired to be depressed, haha. It just infuriates me that it's trying to control me again and I've been there and done that and I don't like how it'll end.
You have helped me more than I could ever express. We are all praying for you and your current battle, but we all know that you will come out of this darkness. We hold that field of healing and believe and know you will overcome this and this too shall pass ! I pray this in the power and blood of Jesus name 🙏
You should be a doctor u could replace all the ones out there who look down on you thinking your crazy
I keep ruminating about an event in my life and I have to keep writing down all of these thoughts over and over again. If I'm stuck on a thought and I forget it, I have to keep searching through my mind until I can remember that thought I was ruminating about. I feel tense If I can't remember that thought! For the last few days I've told myself STOP WRITING DOWN THESE THOUGHTS. I'll try these tips!
I love your videos. You're just so -- human, and not afraid of that.
Thx
I've been going to counselling for years and I have this listen to this video and finally clued in thanks
Thank you for raising people's awareness. I went through this myself and still do, but the intensity level of ruminating has drastically gone down through awareness which is a good thing and I am also aware that it takes time to keep on improving. Once again. Thank you
Surprisingly this is exactly the same thing that my doctor recommended to me and it really is that simple! Go out and be busy with activities and people and decrease the time you spend alone isolated.
Occupying the mind is fine, but we can't always turn our attention away when we are say, sleeping. When sleeping, all we have to occupy ourselves is our thoughts and breathing (as we are trying to sleep). And unfortunately, that can often be when rumination can most negatively affect us, as this can heavily affect our sleeping, which can be the process that allows our minds to move on from previous obsessive thoughts. I'm assuming you'd suggest meditation and controlled breathing for rumination in bed?
Yes, they are good. I also do progressive relaxation, which helps me to fall asleep. If you are awake too long it is best to get out of bed and focus on something else. Then there is always the option of taking the antidepressants trazadone or amitriptyline before bed which are know to promote sleep.
PhantomStrider, I never thought that I would see a comment from you on a different video other than your own videos.
PhantomStrider if youre asleep then you cannot be ruminating
Dreams can have it too, right?
I can relate. It is the worst when trying to fall asleep at night because the mind is not occupied and thoughts are very likely to wander off. Focusing on one's breath can help to a certain extent.
Thank you Douglas. I have yet to try what you recommended but I know that your information is spot on. Thank you for helping so many people with your wonderful adivce.
I'm at the end of my teather with my rumination. I can't seem to stop! I replay situations over and over in my head, fantasising about how it should have gone instead, what I would have and should have done. The only problem is when I compare it to what I actually did I am filled with so much regret it's almost ubearable. It's making me sad and I end up feeling so low 😞 The situation don't even have to be that big or significant, all it takes is a situation that didn't go perfectly, or something I did or didn't do that in hindsight I could have done for me to obsess about. It's a horrible thing to have, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
What kind of treatment have you sought? There's a very good book called brain lock by Jeffrey Schwartz about how to stop ruminations and obsessions.
@@DouglasBloch I am currently undergoing CBT therapy, mostly for my phobias and social anxiety. We haven't spoken about rumination too much in our sessions, although the times when we have spoken about it it's only 'solved' one situation, usually regarding social situations. Throughout the week there tends to be other situations that pop up that I can't stop thinking about, circumstances that didn't go perfectly that I obsess about. It isn't always to do with how others percieve me, although that does play a part, but to do with my own expectations. Even so can't stop obsessing about how it should have or could have gone, even after being told I shouldn't have unrealistic expectations of myself! I'm thinking about bringing it up with my therapist as I'm finding it very difficult cope with. I find it hard to open up and talk about it, although it does seem easier to write about it.
I will definitely check that book out, thank you. Thank you as well for the response.
I feel your pain because I'm exactly the same. I get social anxiety in certain situations with people I'm not totally comfortable with, and I'll replay encounters in my head constantly afterwards. Last week I went to lunch with a colleague, and straight after I was thinking how well it went by my usual standards. Within a few days I'd convinced myself that I would have come across as awkward and made a total mess of it. I'm at the stage where I don't want to interact with people anymore because it only results in negative outcomes for me 😔
Thank-you. I have difficulties. Although I have always had a problem with ruminating, lately, I have been caught up doing it a lot. I needed that reminder. :-)
This might sound strange but you look really well..like, healthy.
Just watched this again. Thank you. Douglas, you're a blessing!
I live with Bipolar disorder. Unfortunately the manias are few and the depressed states are long and robs me of a proper life - u know, just existing, not living
Yes, in bipolar disorder the depressions are usually more problematic. What have you been doing to treat your symptoms of depression?
imagene your in Church and pray the HailMary..
I have found that impartially observing thoughts and feelings from awareness, and welcoming them, instead of resisting them works like magic, resisting and fighting them keeps them alive and more powerful.
Ruminating is what many people call a rut. I once heard a sermon by John Hagie and he said a rut is a grave that is open on both ends. I agree with him on that and that is why it’s so important we climb out of ruts. Thank you for this video. It will help me for sure.
Thank u for these posts Douglas. Am pushing 60, & have had OCD forever!! Been to countless therapies, even out of state. Depressed most of life, recently, w/in last 6 months, moved out of verbally abusive bldg. into 55+ & or disabled. I'm both, having autism too. Also, quit job due to being misunderstood about autism. Played me for a fool. The fool's on them. Now do EMDR. Love it!
It's really hard to stop
Yes it is. Here is another video I made on the subject.
th-cam.com/video/9kTsUJRs8Lo/w-d-xo.html
You are a blessing for many 🙏
I don't know why but I like ruminating and re-living hundreds of the most humiliating moments in my life. Weird huh?
It happens when the brain circuitry is out of balance. But it can be corrected
Douglas Bloch how can you correct it?
Thank you for this advice for an hourly check in when ruminating.
Doug I live in constant rumination and constantly anxious. I believe my depression stems from losing my identity and sense of self. I'm often thinking random negative thoughts and situations. Some don't even make sense. I used to be very out going and now I go blank and feel dumb Everytime I talk to someone. Work is a nightmare . Recently I rear ended someone and that has just added to me worries. I'm constantly suicidal but I can't afford a doctor. Only reason I'm here is cause I still have a strong will to live especially for my family. But everyday is hell. I love coming home , taking a shower and sleeping. Sleeping is my favorite hobby now. Only support I have is my mom and brother which I love dearly but they don't even know how to help me.
Andre, you might want to find some low cost clinics in your area where you can get counseling and psychiatric medications. We have many such clinics here in Portland. In addition, click on these links to find support groups in your area. Keep reading out until you find the right kind help. You can get through this.
www.nami.org/Find-Support
www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=peer_support_group_locator
Douglas Bloch thanks Douglas, its gonna take a lot of courage for me to get help. So ashamed of this disease and I feel like failure because honestly I don't have a major reason to be depressed. But the depression is very real. But I need it and have nothing to lose at this point.
That's right. You do have nothing to lose in asking fro support. And here is a video I made on letting go of the shame of depression. Hope you find it helpful. th-cam.com/video/SEJ7olG5IVA/w-d-xo.html
How has it been going? There are ways to help you. Know that those intrusive thoughts mean nothing. It’s just mindless chatter. Everyone has them, but some people identify with those thoughts more than others. They’re just like an annoying child. Just notice them as being useless and go on with life. It really can be that simple. Hope this helps.
@@andreco8192 Don't be ashamed, doing so will interfere with your recovery. How are you now?
This video changed my life.
I’m glad it was helpful. My latest video is on OCD which is quite related
Hi Douglas, great advice! Can you make a video relating to morning anxiety/depression my symptoms are alot worse in the morning of awaking, i have to drag myself out of bed it's a chore, I'm ok in the evening once I get going, I have Diurnal variation of mood'. My mornings get the better of me somedays I just lie in bed not wanting to get out and just sleep for hours.
Haffy Ali Good idea.
Haffy Ali
That's exactly what's happening to me, Haffy!!
+Douglas Bloch I've been in my head lately. I don't sleep well now days I feel like I'm sleep thinking and when I wake up I don't feel feel like I slept well so any help
Haffy Ali I also struggle with depression, anxiety and rumination when I first awaken. I wish my brain would just shut up.
Jesus
Very good, thanks
He makes it sound so easy. But what if you can’t concentrate on anything else except what is bothering you
You are correct. Serious rumination is hard to stop on your own. That is why it's a good idea to consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist who specializes in treating rumination. There are also medications that may help.
Excellent advice Dr. Bloch! I appreciate it very much.
I ruminate when I paint and draw. It is strange ( all negative thoughts)
❤❤ Great and helpful advice thanks sir!!
This was helpful. Im going to listen to this again tomorrow.
Im also starting a new song project tomorrow everytime my mind wants to ruminate. Refocus my energy on something creative were i will see results then it releases reward hormone in the brain.
Sounds like a good strategy
Thank you for this. I have a big problem with this when I’m sick. (Because I’m not doing anything productive) Because of this, anxiety/depression takes over. The worst.
Hi, Douglas, thank you so much for your videos. I've been watching them since September last year when I started suffering from severe depression due to complications in surgery, my mother falling ill amongst other things. I've had ups and downs, but I found true happy moments along this hard journey. I guess that the positive side of suffering from anxiety and depression is being able to value happiness more than others do. Maybe you should make a video about the positive sides of it, I don't know if you already had. Lately I've been a little down, but I know it will go away, it always does. In the meantime, I practice mindfulness, hug the people I love, write my book and sing out loud, I try to ignore the "bug" telling me I'm not fine or that I should give up. Hope I'm in the right road. Hugs and keep up the great work.
It sounds to me that you are on the right road. I did a video called “after the pain the joy” about the good that can come out of a depressive episode.
Thank you for your channel. I have been suffering from anxiety this past few weeks. And am at the road to depression. Your videos have helped me at least. More blessings.
Hello,
Around 3 months ago I had gotten in a state with anxiety and had a panic attack. After that I faced depersonalization and other negative thoughts. Over the last 3 months I have now felt normal again. I don't have negative thoughts, however I constantly ruminate on how I felt in the past and it feels like I'm not moving forward in time. It still feels like I'm in the past and that haven't fully realized what happened to me. I constantly go through my day and still dwell in the past and future. How do I experience the present again? I want to let go of the past and finally get out of the ditch I feel like I'm in. How come even though I feel like I'm in the right mental state, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that these thoughts are useless. I want my mind to be free again.
You want to go to a group that teaches mindfulness meditation. Also, intense exercise calms the mind. And there is an antidepressant called Luvox that seems to reduce obsessive thoughts
Sounds like anticipatory anxiety...I feel you on that one, but I'm still in it.
Going through this now
@@russthorn7205 It'll get better. Idk what I had, but I just felt dissociated and couldn't focus. Like I was daydreaming 24/7. I still have a hard time focusing and I overthink. But I'm not in a bad headspace anymore. I'm honestly not sure what it is. Maybe brain fog? @Douglas Bloch
@@muddyknight666 combination of things I think my anxiety triggered depression I'm on Wellbutrin like 11 days in or so it's gotten a bit better then last month
Douglas, I found this video, very helpful. The word, 'ruminating", sounds almost harmless.I've, isolated myself, & it's an awful, lonely, place. This has not been a conscious act. It's crept up through, a death in the family, & toxic, workplace. I am trying to change job. After this, video, get out, & engage,with others. Very helpful. Great advice. You've been there! Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm afraid of people.
Me too
This is something you can get over with the right kind of support
Don't be. Were all human there's good in everything we do just keep the good close to you.
Me too.
Cannot blame you!
Thank you Douglas. Your Channel is helping me stay alive.
That’s great. Still live one day at a time and one day you will emerge from your ordeal.
Which videos have you found most helpful
@@DouglasBloch All of them. However, at the moment I'm helping a friend as his missus unfortunately fell two stories an we are in Samui hospital last time I was here my girlfriend asked to marry me. Might have been a different story if we had actually did it. My friend an I are waiting at present for the results of the surgery as they need to drill a hole to release the swelling. If all goes well I believe they will marry. My response was you should take a picture a picture after the surgery and pronounce this is the picture that made me marry you. Thank you for taking the time to reply I indeed to go through all your videos. I'm just making it through to day helping a friend. Focusing on his problems an not mine. Today I'm OK an later hopefully all 3 of us will have made it through the day thank you for your channel.
I hope that all of you come through this crisis successfully
Hello! What really works for me is really focusing in something I want tp do (im a programmer, so programming) and refocusing everytime I discover myself drifting away. My last year of university was really challenging and I needed all my focus in my studies to pass. That year of everyday many times a day having to force my mind to focus on what I wanted changed me and thankfully nowadays I am really good at discovering when I'm starting to ruminate and stop it. What I'm trying to say is that this is an ability that you can learn, so don't give up!!! I know ruminating is hell so if you need advice I'm willing to help
Diversion toward a healthy mind is to be in the here and now: practice practice and practice and move forward and enjoy life. A great thing to remember. Thank you.
Taking antidepressions. But its not enough. I live in almost complete isolation though not of my choice
Are there other people you can reach out to? How about a counselor or someone in the mental health field?
This was very true and helpful. Much appreciated!
The problem is that when i catch myself ruminating i think something like:
"I'm ruminating again, somethings really wrong with me"
It's such a trap.
Nicely put. You could also say, “I’m ruminating again. What can I do to turn my attention somewhere else?“
@@DouglasBloch I wish my inner voice was as reasonable as you lol.
@@DouglasBloch I tried that....but hasn't work
I ruminate over insignificant thoughts, but mostly negative thoughts. Yesterday I found myself ruminating over good thoughts, but the none stop rumination was getting upsetting. I searched the WEB and found your video and realize that I need to get out more. Thank you!
You're very welcome
How are you now do you still ruminate?
Along with socialization. Reinforcing and ruminating on positive self talk and image is beneficial for me.
Yes, focusing on positive self-talk and positive imagery is very good. I would not call it ruminating though, as ruminating has a negative connotation.
Ruminating for a cow is good when they eat that which is good but i understand your point I'm just learning and like the way you think.
Yes, ruminating is good for a cow. So I don't know why it has taken on a negative association for humans.
ying-yang.
You are such a blessing. You've helped me beyond measure.
Thanks. I am glad I was able to help.
So true. Mine go back to middle school.
For me it's all of school.
Douglas: Thank you for doing what you do. You help many people and are a wonderful person.
You're welcome Tony
Gosh 2015 (when this video was posted) is 3 years ago!
I tend to ruminate at night and can't seem to find a way to stop it. I listen to music or watch videos on youtube and try to distract myself but it's hard not to ruminate.
I am always thinking same thing over and over again. It is really irritating to me really can't stop myself by doing that. Thank you so much for this video
There are techniques that I talk about such as focusing on something outside yourself or distracting yourself or just watching the thoughts go by. If those don’t work you should definitely reach out to a counselor or a psychologist for support and guidance
I ruminate over health issues. Drives me nuts (no pun intended). I see it as an attempt to be in control of an outcome. All it does is make me anxious. For instance my blood pressure meds. Every single night I ask myself if I accidentally took it twice. So now I write the time, date, and number of pills left in the bottle down every evening after I take it. This way, when Ruminating Ruby starts to rear her ugly head, I go right on in and shut her down. She'll have me at the emergency room in full panic mode if I don't. 😂
You might also try a medication called Luvox that helps to diminish obsessive thinking.
Douglas Bloch I didn't realize they had a medication for that. Do I need a recommendation from a psychiatrist for it, or can I just tell my doctor that I feel I need it?
I use to ruminate much more frequently. When I would catch myself ruminating I would say stop and redirect my thoughts to the current moment. You mention that being social is important, but often times people that I know want to dig up the past and ruminate together. They tell the same stories over and over. They ask prying questions and cast judgements. Over the summer I rode a motorcycle 4000 miles across the USA. I was by myself. I visualized leaving my troubles in a passing forest and how insignificant the troubles were. I enjoyed talking with strangers along the way. After returning home and talking with friends and family I would hear the old stories, the old questions, the old complaints, the ruminating of the past. Writing this made me realize that I need to set up boundaries and let people know that I don’t want to reminisce about the past. I also need to avoid negative people. Your talk was thought provoking. Thank you.
I'm glad it was helpful I'm also glad you had a reflective trip
I chew my thoughts as if it was a combination of beef jerky and fresh gum.
Love this! thank you
I ruminate at times... In my mind, my memory tends to create false scenarios that are opposite to something that happened shortly after a situation that happens to me. It's pretty hectic.
This is a great video. I will definitely take time to use them suggestions to my advantage.
Im ruminating all the time about same thoughts every day but i dont have depression what is it?
You might have what is called OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. You can see a psychologist or a psychiatrist if you want to get a diagnosis to see if you do have OCD.
Ive had ocd since childhood but it was very mild and only symptom i had was small repetitive behaviours and wasnt bothering at all,does that mean my ocd its becoming worse?
It might be. That's why I would work with a mental health professional. There is also a very good book on healing OCD called "Brain Lock" by Jeffrey Schwartz, which gives you a four-step process for managing OCD.
+Frenk Guni You might also want to see the dr to get your blood tested see what deficincies you have. Vitamin d and iron help alot.
I only found out that this was a thing. Sometimes I mumble to myself not realising I am doing it; I have been doing this since I was a kid. This video has been a great help
Well , Jesus is the answer for anykind of mental illnesses...God bless us all
Thanks Douglas. My husband does not like to interact with me unless it’s something he likes doing. Therefore I feel very alone and which leads me to ruminate since I have cut back on watching TV. Videos
Like yours help a lot right now especially during the pandemic.
Thanks Kelly. Where do you and your husband live?
When I was a kid I wasn't only LIKE a Cow, I was always HAVING a Cow!
This was helpful. I am someone who carries the weight of depressing news with me for days after I hear about it. It becomes such a burden that it causes me to go into a temporary bout of anxiety and depression. The news has been extremely depressing here lately and I’m stuck in quarantine with a sick husband and a teething baby. The only thing that has helped is going on walks around the yard and playing my guitar. My hope is that some days this earth will be a more peaceful place to live.
I agree, the news is very depressing. On the other hand there's a lot of good happening in the world. Just doesn't get reported as much
If it weren't for ruminators, we'd have no great literature, or other parts of civilization.