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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
I am doing research on distinguishing bipolar "racing thoughts" from the distractibility and mental jumble characteristic of ADHD? Anyone have any thoughts to share? Thanks
-psychnp
Posted by amberlicious on December 27, 2004, at 20:46:59
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
I have plenty of thoughts on the subject. Unfortunately, I can't put them into words very well. It feels a bit like those scenes in movies when the camera does a 360 over and over.... There's too much to take in and analyze and assign a value to all at once.
When i was a teenager, I could hear many distinct voices ("mind voices", not auditory hallucinations) and each one had a unique perspective on the same thing. Over all of this commotion was a voice I called the doctor who would explain the reasoning behind each different voice. It was a lot to keep up with.
These days, I'm now 25, the voices aren't quite as distinct. But the dizziness and confusion are just as bad.
I hope that made some sense.licious
Posted by psychnp on December 27, 2004, at 22:24:27
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts » psychnp, posted by amberlicious on December 27, 2004, at 20:46:59
> I have plenty of thoughts on the subject. Unfortunately, I can't put them into words very well. It feels a bit like those scenes in movies when the camera does a 360 over and over.... There's too much to take in and analyze and assign a value to all at once.
> When i was a teenager, I could hear many distinct voices ("mind voices", not auditory hallucinations) and each one had a unique perspective on the same thing. Over all of this commotion was a voice I called the doctor who would explain the reasoning behind each different voice. It was a lot to keep up with.
> These days, I'm now 25, the voices aren't quite as distinct. But the dizziness and confusion are just as bad.
> I hope that made some sense.
>
> licious
>Wow! Thanks for sharing that. Was/is it frightening? What effect has medication had on this process?
-psychnp
Posted by amberlicious on December 28, 2004, at 0:53:34
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 27, 2004, at 22:24:27
The thing that frightens me is that I don't know which point of view to follow. Its very hard for me to make decisions because I don't have clearly defined morals. There are so many things with so many different angles. Its overwhelming.
As far as medication goes, I've been on several but none have seemed to help these particular symptoms. Currently I take Lithium to curb mania and Wellbutrin for depression. Previously I was on Topamax, Depakote and Neurontin and none of them had any positive effects. Xanax had the most effect because it slightly dulled my senses. Marijuana increases my ability to distinguish one voice from another while alcohol and speed make them go away altogether.Do you have racing thoughts?
licious
Posted by manicmomto3 on January 19, 2005, at 23:50:52
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
I found this question while researching racing thought for myself, because due to a medication change, I am hypomanic & the racing thought are worse.
I have these thought no matter what, but sometimes they are overwhelming when I am manic. I have these running conversations in my head. I do not hear voices, they are thoughts. Sometimes they are my personal to do lists, huge overwhelming lists in rapid succession.
I get a bit paranoid when I am manic, so sometimes I think of thoughts that other people may be thinking about me & how I would respond. In fact it happened today at the grocery store & I caught myself mumbling, which really freaked me out. I have never done that before.
Since I was about 12 or so, I have not been able to sleep without medication because these thoughts would keep me awake. Thankfully with the right combo of meds, I sleep great now.
> I am doing research on distinguishing bipolar "racing thoughts" from the distractibility and mental jumble characteristic of ADHD? Anyone have any thoughts to share? Thanks
> -psychnp
Posted by Jen2 on January 23, 2005, at 20:10:37
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by manicmomto3 on January 19, 2005, at 23:50:52
Hi,
When I had my "episode" -- two weeks of living nightmare hell in Nov/Dec of last year that started with what felt like a popping in my head due to a variety of stress-related factors -- I had what I would consider "racing thoughts". It was like my mind was let loose of any of its boundaries or controls and my thoughts just came constantly and uncontrollably. I was overanalyzing everything, constantly second-guessing myself and trying to determine if people were thinking ill of me. I became quite paranoid. I thought that everybody I knew (even just acquaintances) might know my innermost secrets and that they were all plotting to catch me in the midst of doing the wrong thing. I still have those thoughts sometimes.
The worst was at night. I hadn't had a good night's sleep until last night. The Effexor is finally taking care of that. At night I would have constant long threads of anxiety-based thoughts that I couldn't control and couldn't make go away. I wouldn't sleep more than a couple of hours.
The mania was so bad, my heart was pounding for days and days on end - and it was accompanied by the worst anxiety and depression and I just felt like I was going to die.
I haven't been diagnosed bipolar or ADHD. In fact, I haven't been diagnosed at all. But I'm on the meds and things are better now (until such time as I have to go off, and then I'll have to suffer the withdrawal).
Jen
Posted by up'n'down on January 28, 2005, at 5:09:14
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts » psychnp, posted by amberlicious on December 28, 2004, at 0:53:34
I have had some thoughts that have outraced all the Nascar racers! Usually, I come up with the most impossible and irrational plans and they just jump all over each other to see who can get out the fastest. My perception is very scewed. And I also go on spending sprees and I am on a very limited income. Since I've been on medication for some years now, I haven't had a severe manic attack in quite awhile. I am on Effexor, Xanax and Depakote.
Posted by Heba on February 14, 2005, at 19:06:46
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
I am havng the problem of "racing thoughts" since late teenage. I dont remember how it started. My mom and sister including myself were subjected to a very disfunctional environment including domestic violence and disturbance. My childhood was based on many deprivations and unpleasant memories. However, things have improved since we have grown up. The problem of racing thoughts started during my late teen years. As I grew older these thoughts became more intense, frequent and dirty esp blasphemic. They became strong at times of prayer or accelerated during the mention of anything in relation to religion. Surprisingly, I am a religious person as in, particular about my prayers and it was hard for me to have such thoughts racing my mind with all unthinkable profanities in the midst of prayer etc. These thought are still part of my life and put me into severe depression and feeling of guilt. I would appreciate an advice as to how I can control this problem and live a healthy life. I want to mention that my mother and sister are bipolar patients.
Posted by Cyclo Craig on February 25, 2005, at 19:30:00
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts » psychnp, posted by amberlicious on December 28, 2004, at 0:53:34
I have been very interested to read the dialog regarding racing thoughts. I thought this was normal until it drove me to a suicide attempt a few years ago. I've since been diagnosed with Bipolar II and have tried many medications (anxiety & depression meds) without results. Most recently, I have been prescribed Lamictel and it seems to keep me in a tighter band.
My racing thoughts consist of me talking to others; people talking about me; my children as adults lashing out at me for my failures. No one would ever know that I have 5-10 conversations going on in my head at a time. The only clue is that I don't assimilate information or remember well, but otherwise I'm viewed as an intelligent professional. My brain literally races through at least a million words per day.
The only medication that has ever touched the racing thougts is Ativan, but I'm very cautious in taking it due to it's addictive properties. In retrospect, my irrational racing thoughts and manic moods have cost me a business that I loved and comprimised many relationships.
It is a lot to bear and I'm happy to discuss at any length in the name of research. My 10 year old is exhibiting some signs and I want so badly to help him.
Posted by Mark_6328 on March 22, 2005, at 15:03:28
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
Some of the answers to this were very familiar to me. I noticed that I stopped "being in a situation". I am not sure how do explain it. Now I believe that I don't have the necessary emotional response anymore which seems extremely unusual.
I really don't know what kind of emotional responses people usually have, and how strong they are. If I tell about these things in a coucilling session I don't get any feedback. I am now more open to tell about these "hidden" things.
Usually almost everyone describes me as a kind person. Medicines like Risperdal did not help me. I believe that this is a much more complex problem. I am very gratefull if I can tell about these things. I have had a very severe OCD few years ago. OCD is real, and I noticed that it is very difficult to treat. I guess many people find themselves checking, and double-checking things if they are under stress. But it isn't severe for them, and it goes away along with the stressing factor(s). You could almost compare it to a head ache.
But perhaps I am too hard on myself. I have seen many people who don't care a bit how they act. I would like to experience situations instead of this odd thinking.
One thing is certain: personality disorder doesn't go away easily. First I had severe insomnia, then OCD, and now this. The problem keeps changing its form :(.
Posted by mandapanda on April 27, 2005, at 15:32:13
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by Mark_6328 on March 22, 2005, at 15:03:28
I have been severely depressed lately and I have been doing a lot of research on my symptoms, which I had first thought was just depression, but I can very strongly relate to racing thoughts and other symptoms of bipolar disorder. I always thought that the voices in my head were ok because I did not hear them, but thought them. But I constantly worry about things like my loved ones being tragically hurt if they are 5 minutes late, or if I have a headache its a tumor in my brain; things like that that I cannot "shut up" in my brain. I am getting paranoid and have been very VERY irritable for months-to the point it is seriously affecting my relationships. I am confused and it feels like am not a part of my body-hard to explain. I cry at the drop of a hat and lash out at loved ones for no reason. However, what is confusing is that I can control it pretty well in public, at work and school, etc. but not at home or in private. I am scared I will have a breakdown, and there doesn't seem to be a direct cause for my feeling this way for so long. Can anyone relate or help?
Thanks
Amanda
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 4, 2005, at 10:23:12
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by mandapanda on April 27, 2005, at 15:32:13
> Can anyone relate or help?
Just wanted to let you know, there's been a response (by a no-longer-newbie) on the main Psycho-Babble board. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050428/msgs/492900.html
Best wishes,
Bob
Posted by coley on August 15, 2005, at 3:23:47
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
> I am doing research on distinguishing bipolar "racing thoughts" from the distractibility and mental jumble characteristic of ADHD? Anyone have any thoughts to share? Thanks
> -psychnpMy mind races like crazy, and sometimes it doesn't bother me, but lately it seems as though my racing mind, is expieriencing mood swings, I have self loathing thoughs going a mile a minute to the point where the racing hits a wall of "I wish I were dead" then twenty minutes later I have racing thoughts of hope and inspiration to better my life. Am I losing my mind?
Posted by Fin on October 7, 2005, at 2:31:46
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by coley on August 15, 2005, at 3:23:47
> > I am doing research on distinguishing bipolar "racing thoughts" from the distractibility and mental jumble characteristic of ADHD? Anyone have any thoughts to share? Thanks
> > -psychnp
>
> My mind races like crazy, and sometimes it doesn't bother me, but lately it seems as though my racing mind, is expieriencing mood swings, I have self loathing thoughs going a mile a minute to the point where the racing hits a wall of "I wish I were dead" then twenty minutes later I have racing thoughts of hope and inspiration to better my life. Am I losing my mind?
>
I hope you all have consider dual diagnosis. I have been diagnosed Bipolar II and ADHD. I had horrible racing thoughts. Kept me up all night. One person posted that when they take speed or drink alcohol the racing thoughts go away altogether. I'm on Adderall, 10mg twice a day with my mood stabilizers. Addrall basically is speed, but whew ! It sure has quieted my mind. I can actually read a whole paragraph in a book and remember what I read without re-reading it about 5-6 times ! If you are only on antidepressants, talk to the doc about mood stabilizers, then adding something for the ADHD. Hearing voices in your head, that's probably another problem.
something to think about.
> I am doing research on distinguishing bipolar "racing thoughts" from the distractibility and mental jumble characteristic of ADHD? Anyone have any thoughts to share? Thanks
> -psychnpI think bipolar racing thoughts are of a more paranoid nature. ADHD are just distractable. At least with me. ADHD, I'm thinking about the million things I have to do before the end of the day while someone is trying to get me to pay attention or when I'm trying to finish a project and I tend to go from one project to another not accomplishing much at all. My Bipolar thoughts are more paranoid or grandiose, depending on which end I'm at. (I just know they're getting ready to fire me from this job... wow I really rock at this job...) yet I can concentrate on the project in front of me at the same time, not so easily distracted.
Posted by Maynerd on October 20, 2005, at 22:17:58
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
When I go into a manic episode my thinking starts to do funny but cool things. First, it does start racing faster and faster, but in a wonderful and exhilerating way for a while. At first I start seeing how things are 'connected' with other things. This gets progressively better (or worse depending who you ask)until at some point the connections are coming so fast and furious that they make me feel like I am spinning out of control. Until that moment, life cannot get any better, I can see and understand the meaning of life type stuff shown to me by my spirit guides.
Posted by TLinIL on November 26, 2005, at 9:46:16
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
Interestingly, I am in that exact predicament. I am bipolar...but, the thing is, I'm not. I have learned not to use the word "racing thoughts" as it seems to only be synonomous with "bipolar". Instead I prefer to say "attention span issues". I was diagnosed by a psychology intern 12 years ago. The doctor she found for me ran with it, and so did I, because it was an explanation, and I wanted desperately to know what was wrong with me. Prior to this diagnosis I had been prescribed Effexor. I had quite a bad reaction to it. I became hyper, dilusional, and self-destructive and this was interpreted as bipolar. When asked if I had racing thoughts, I answered yes. But it was never considered if racing thoughts occured in conjunction with mood swings. On the contrary, not only do I not have mood swings, but my thoughts are always jumbled and quick. So much so that I find it difficult to concentrate at all anymore. I have been on Zoloft for years, and it works rather well, but I am still not "me". 4 years ago, and 5 Psychiatrists ago, my Dr. gave me Ritalin to augment the Zoloft (which is what brought me to this site yesterday). He did not diagnose me with ADD, it was only to augment. Guess what--for the very first time in my whole entire life I felt like a human being after taking Ritalin. It would seem that was the answer, except that my Dr. moved his practice one month later. I have been through 4 other Dr.s who refuse to prescribe Ritalin, because of course, I am bipolar, and they can say that without reassessing me because one Dr. said it 12 years ago. So now I am bipolar forever. One Dr. even refused to work with me unless I agreed to be bipolar. If you haven't figured this out by now, Dr.s don't seem to like it when you have a plausible idea of your own. Do I have ADD or don't I? Are my racing thoughts Bipolar? I have been off of Depakote (for bipolar) since August, and many other times in my life, due to expense or pregnancy, and never ever not once have had any kind of a manic symptom other than the time I was on Effexor. Do I have ADD? I took an Assessment for ADD and the results were such that I had many probable symptoms. Then my therapist left last year, and my new one doesn't seem too concerned with pursuing this issue. Can the symptoms of ADD be something else? Some other sort of processing disorder or chemical imbalance? So after 4 years post Ritalin, I just can't let this go. I decided to start researching again yesterday, and then, I found this site. I forget which thread I found it in, but references to SSRI's having an adverse effect on Dopamine levels, which can be corrected with Ritalin. Could this be it? Although I have all other symptoms of ADD, I lack in one area, I did not get poor grades in school, nor do I now, when I'm there. I was in gifted classes. I am currently trying to finish my education, but had to drop out this semester due to these issues, with no help from therapist or Psych. One Dr. did prescribe Strattera for ADD, which made me completely suicidal within 3 weeks. Strattera did not work at all. And then I found out, Strattera works on Norepinephrine levels, not Dopamine. Well, it just seems to be one big jigsaw puzzle, but I think I'm getting closer to an answer, and I am so glad to see other's questioning the same things I am. One final thought (with no offense to Dr. Bob, of course), it seems clear to me that the larger issue in Psychology/Psychiatry/Therapy for anyone is finding consistent, concrete research-based treatment from a competent professional. It is frightening to me that Psychiatry seems only to be a matter of opinion. Sorry this was so long, but like my thoughts, it seems to be on big jumbled up mess! What do you think?
TL
Posted by gardenergirl on November 29, 2005, at 22:28:00
In reply to Bipolar, ADD, SSRI's, Dopamine and Ritalin..., posted by TLinIL on November 26, 2005, at 9:46:16
Sounds like you've been through quite a process. I'm glad you found a combo that works for you.
Welcome to Babble!
gg
Posted by micenmen on July 27, 2006, at 12:26:05
In reply to Re: Bipolar, ADD, SSRI's, Dopamine and Ritalin... » TLinIL, posted by gardenergirl on November 29, 2005, at 22:28:00
Racing thoughts, you keep me up while I lay me down to sleep. I listen to my wife fall quickly and peacefully to dreamland. Then I notice the endless energy of my 17 month old son slow to a crawl; he stops squirming, and falls to sleep. It’s then just you and me!
Racing thoughts, you distract me from my work; you prevent me from enjoying movies, books, vacations, or even the company of friends.
These racing thoughts! Do you have a good side? A ying to your yang? “Dear mister/miss boss, please to do not take my low productivity the wrong way. I’m special. My racing thoughts might be a gift to be wisely used. Ohhhh look, something shiny - what were we talking about? Have you heard that new song on the radio? Do you want to go right bikes?”
Racing thoughts – like horses pulling a blinding chariot you bring me rapid clips of music, recent and past events, to-do lists, grandiose schemes, and quick, deep pangs of guilt, and regret.
Oh, racing thoughts! You kick into overdrive when I’m approached by a co-worker, or someone who’s important to me. I can only talk so fast, but I try to keep up with you. I want everything to be perfect. I want someone to understand what’s in my head and what I’m trying to explain.
Racing thoughts, I could never try to tame you – but I may try to guide you. You’re unstoppable, like the Colorado River. But maybe, just maybe I could divert you temporarily with meditation and Paxil? Maybe, just maybe I could then build a dam in your momentary absence – not with concrete and steel, but with wise lifestyle choices? And, maybe, just maybe, I can propose a deal with you – you flow through evenly through the spillways of my Lamictal dam, slowly filling and emptying my reservoir, but seldom spilling over my Klonopin top. I hold down a job, a family, a mortgage and I keep breathing – always ensuring your oxygen fueled whirl. And you, my friend, come to my aid when I least expect it.
Posted by TLinIL on July 27, 2006, at 12:52:48
In reply to Re: Bipolar, ADD, SSRI's, Dopamine and Ritalin..., posted by micenmen on July 27, 2006, at 12:26:05
Wow, thank you very much mice. That was really beautiful. --TLinIL
Racing thoughts, you keep me up while I lay me down to sleep. I listen to my wife fall quickly and peacefully to dreamland. Then I notice the endless energy of my 17 month old son slow to a crawl; he stops squirming, and falls to sleep. It’s then just you and me!
>
> Racing thoughts, you distract me from my work; you prevent me from enjoying movies, books, vacations, or even the company of friends.
>
> These racing thoughts! Do you have a good side? A ying to your yang? “Dear mister/miss boss, please to do not take my low productivity the wrong way. I’m special. My racing thoughts might be a gift to be wisely used. Ohhhh look, something shiny - what were we talking about? Have you heard that new song on the radio? Do you want to go right bikes?”
>
> Racing thoughts – like horses pulling a blinding chariot you bring me rapid clips of music, recent and past events, to-do lists, grandiose schemes, and quick, deep pangs of guilt, and regret.
>
> Oh, racing thoughts! You kick into overdrive when I’m approached by a co-worker, or someone who’s important to me. I can only talk so fast, but I try to keep up with you. I want everything to be perfect. I want someone to understand what’s in my head and what I’m trying to explain.
>
> Racing thoughts, I could never try to tame you – but I may try to guide you. You’re unstoppable, like the Colorado River. But maybe, just maybe I could divert you temporarily with meditation and Paxil? Maybe, just maybe I could then build a dam in your momentary absence – not with concrete and steel, but with wise lifestyle choices? And, maybe, just maybe, I can propose a deal with you – you flow through evenly through the spillways of my Lamictal dam, slowly filling and emptying my reservoir, but seldom spilling over my Klonopin top. I hold down a job, a family, a mortgage and I keep breathing – always ensuring your oxygen fueled whirl. And you, my friend, come to my aid when I least expect it.
>
Posted by rina on January 30, 2007, at 11:00:27
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
> I am doing research on distinguishing bipolar "racing thoughts" from the distractibility and mental jumble characteristic of ADHD? Anyone have any thoughts to share? Thanks
> -psychnpHi,
I might have a little insight in reference to the racing thoughts per my experience. I was diagnosed with ADD a few months ago. My doctor was wondering why all of the ADD meds: Adderal,Concerta, Ritalin and Focalin weren't taming and helping my ADD but made me quite depressed. I also take Effexor XR and Lamictal. The culprit was the Effexor as well as the ADD medicine. How this was found out, was the hypomanic episode that occured last week. My doctor came to the conclusion of being bipolar. Both of the stimulants and Effexor were counteracting the bipolar disorder and ADD. Now she stopped the Effexor and ADD medicines abruptly, replacing it with 200mg of Seroquel temporarily. It has helped tremendously, until she comes up with a personalized coctail for me. Now, the cravings to eat everything not chained down is horrible but I see her today. Just a little insight in reference to my personal situation.
Posted by micenmen on January 31, 2007, at 10:50:00
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by rina on January 30, 2007, at 11:00:27
my racing thoughts subsided recently as my depressive symptoms abated. i was on 300mg wellbutrin and 10mg adderall. i went down to 150mg wellbutrin and the depressive symptoms returned and my racing mind started up again. i'm now convinced that my focus and memory problems have much more to do with my bipolar depression then my ad/hd.
Posted by TLinIL on February 1, 2007, at 9:37:41
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
I want to add, and to know if anyone else ever feels this way, what seems so hard to articulate to other people, that "racing thoughts" (for lack of a better term" is much more than an annoyance. When you are just sitting around spinning your wheels everyday because you can't sort out priorities and are completely overwhelmed by ordinary tasks, your life becomes a mess. You can't clean your house, you can't play with your kids, you procrastinate paying the bills, you miss appointments...you feel like a failure, worthless and stupid. You can't sleep at night because you stay awake obsessing about everything you need to do, everything you didn't get done today. But then in the morning you are too tired from worrying deep into the middle of the night that you just can't wake up. You start napping, frequently. Then you feel frustrated, not knowing why you just can't pull yourself together enough to be "normal" like other people. You think maybe your just lazy. This creates anxiety, OCD, and depression. It's a downward spiral from there. Can anyone relate to this? I used to think I had some great depressive illness that could not be cured. About 8 months ago I finally found a Dr. that listened to me and agreed to try the Ritalin again. Now, I function. I get up in the morning. I sleep at night. I pay my bills, play with my kids, and make my appointments. I still take Zoloft also. I don't believe I have ADHD, and really I don't care what I may be labeled as. I do still struggle with prioritizing and things, but it is much more workable. I always enjoy reading everyone's thoughts here. Thank you!
TLinIL
Posted by ltunison on February 4, 2007, at 23:19:22
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
My wife has ADD diagnosed late in life so she has all of the results, self-esteem, etc. I am a bipolar with severe combat related PTSD. We both have racing thoughts. Initially. we experienced most of the things discussed in this thread.
The biggest problem we face has not been addressed. Making Love. This requires a certaqin amount of focus and attention. It is really frustrating to be the worlds greatest lover when you partner is wondering if blue is better than green, daytime better than night, etc. No joke. This creates a seriuos initmacy issue. Suggestions welcome.
I'm a MENSAN (IQ 179). With my intellect I can select and organize my racing thoughts to where they usually can be productive.Thats a problem, but in certain bipolar episodes some if the thoughts would be considered delusional for others or at least not possible. I have the abilities to make either happen. ie I was at a dinner and the guest speaker was killed in an auto accident on the way there (launching of the Saturn in Detroit). I worked at the hotel. I convinced the key people that I was his assistant and that I could make the presentation. ( there had been rehersals I watched). I did a fantastic job but got fired. I was with my wife in Germany she was USAF until she was diagnosed and started ritlin). I attended an informal meeting of generals - as a general. I went on an inspection tour of Kosovo with them.
Anyway, it is possible to control racing thoughts with training. You can't stop the racing but you can train yourself to stick to general thoughts at first and more specific later. Controled racing thoughts can be an asset. Your mind works faster than everyone elses. Thats an advantage. You have more thoughts so you can offer more suggestions and alternative soloutions.
Ritlin is deffinitely a big asset. OK for my wife but causes me to be manic. Use it if you don't have an addictive personality.
Organization must become one of your senses. Organize everything but keep it simple. Give up the idea of an orderly house. There should be storage items everywhere. Everything labeled. Build routines. Automate everything possible, bill paying, etc. Don't add new tasks unless they are really essential.
Most of the posts sound like everyone telling their sad story and enabling one another. Come on guys. You have the problem. Understand it and start using it to your benefit.
Now sleep. We do everything recommend for getting and staying asleep. Doesn't work as you know. Use a pill. We use oxazapam. Knocks you out and has a hypnotic effect so you don't dream and sleep peacefully.
YOU CAN USE RACING THOUGHTS TO MAKE YOU LIFE BETTER> TRAIN> SUCCEED.
Posted by matr on June 8, 2007, at 10:21:08
In reply to About racing thoughts, posted by psychnp on December 13, 2004, at 21:22:50
hi,
i have for the last year had constant racing/ruminating thoughts and mood problems/depression and anxity and depersonalization/derealization which came on from a bad 'trip' whilst taking lsd and smoking marijuana. I was on an ssri before xmas which helped but i came off it because it was worried i might become dependent on it and though that i would be able to get over this naturaly. Unfortuantly that hasnt been the case, i have my own business which i run fine but i do have trouble sleeping and getting out of bed in the morning, these racing thoughts just dont go away. for example i will try and watch a tv programe and then try to go to sleep but i will have people from the show in my head, images of other things,then music it just jumps around to different things,its like dreaming but your concious, and the less you have to distract these thoughts the worse they get. I dont have any hallucination or dellusions of any kind. i just dont like being alone and not doing anything because i think ill go crazy or something from these thoughts. i am only 20yrs old and this has been a huge shock considering i was perfectly happy and healthy before this happen a year ago. does any one know which kind of meds could help my condition?
thanks
matr
Posted by kimjeanr on August 22, 2007, at 11:47:53
In reply to Re: About racing thoughts, posted by matr on June 8, 2007, at 10:21:08
I have been recently diagnosed as having bipolar2. I have been taking Lamictal for 3 weeks. The first 2 weeks, I felt calmer, but this third week has been filled with obsessive thoughts about my boyfriend's previous relationships. I know racing thoughts are a part of bipolar 2, but this is getting ridiculous. Does medication help this? Somedays I don't obsess at all, but most days I take it to the extreme.
Thanks for any info. that might help.
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