Is there a way to stop bad memories from popping into my head constantly?

[Flower7]

I keep feeling disturbed by things that happened in the past, even if they were a long time ago. Is there any way to stop having intrusive thoughts so I can have more peace?

Yes

No

[midnightmoon05]

To stop… No… to not let it bother you, yes.

I have been working this out with my daughter who had a bad thing happened to her for 2 years.
we worked with her for 3 years … she is like a changed person as of 3-4 weeks ago… her outlook and attitude is very positive.
she of course still says things like…. Mom, I don’t like these thought… then over On to focus on her work.
it is less and less compared to few urs back.
write down the negative thoughts… try not to let it consume your mind…

go online, read positive quotes daily… the more you do this… the negative thoughts will slowly replaced by new ideas, fun adventures in your life.

[Flower7]

Very helpful, thanks!

[Agape93]

Not that I've found sadly. Do you want to talk?

[Flower7]

I’m guessing you’re dealing with the same thing. I’ve tried anti-depressant medicines many times in the past, but they’ve never worked. So I don’t know what any other options are.

[Agape93]

Sometimes it can just require a different one, because each anti depressant works differently for each person. So it can take time. Like I'm going to have to increase my dose next month when I run out because while it works well, I'm still routinely depressed and still a bit suicidal. My therapist this tkme around however is great, so maybe look into one that specializes in abuse/assault trauma and depression

[Flower7]

A specialized type of therapist is a good idea.

[Agape93]

Thanks. Had to find one for my girl because a normal therapist can't help her

[The_Shadow_Dweller]

There is a way.

Accepting your bad memories will make them go away somewhere in your brain.
When I was in 11 and 12th, I did many stupid things, still do.
They were bad memories for me.
The rejection from a girl in 12th standard was an especially difficult memory to handle.

But I accepted them as they are and the problem is solved.

A bad memory is bad because we are not able to handle it. The moment we learn to handle it, is the moment it is not a bad memory anymore.

Now, even if she meets me coincidently in any mall or any place, I will be normal with her, rather than the other way around. Which is childish.

[Tim-loves-it]

Yes but its very difficult. What I've done is just say "NO, get out of here" shake my head and maybe change directions.. possibly?

[Dinosaursandanime65]

Think about Lamar roasting Franklin, but instead he’s roasting your memories. Tell your memories something like this.

“N*gga, do you know who I am? HELL NO N*GGA. I DONT GIVE A GOD DAMN. Fuckin cock sucking tit licking ass kissing piece of shit ruining my good mood, you can go fuck yourself for all I care. Maybe if you got aborted instead of that third kid mama mentioned one time, there’d be some harmony in this household. But nah, you came in a messed up all kinds of shit. Cuz youz a dirty ass bee-zee-aye-eez-itch”.

[ChrisMaster69]

Yeah it sucks.

i would recommend a counselling session.

Try art, poetry, music, something to give your thoughts and feelings an outlet and stop them going round and round.

i am sort of lucky lol in that my inner voice tends to deal with it, that way I just chat to it about shit.

I would look at a counselling session and work out an outlet for things.

[ChrisMaster69]

@Flower7 read some of your replies, sorry but a counsellor suggesting breathing exercises is really minimal and is not even scraping the surface.

Do you have a coping type book, where you have issues and worries down one column and things you do to help with each, those you can sort out and those that just are.

It’s not just about looking at depression it’s about looking at your PTSD side of things as well.

[Flower7]

A coping book is a good idea. I’ve never tried that before.

[ChrisMaster69]

Basically you put in the issue.

Example.

I get bullied - why do I get bullied - I get bullied because xyz - what can I change with xyz - okay I can do this for x and that for y, however Z is still there - management plan for Z.

Etc.

[RealMarek]

Sometimes talking through them with a therapist or someone you trust is a way to process the bad things. One of the treatments for PTSD (for example, not saying you have it) is to relive and face the memory of a traumatic event until it loses its power over the individual.

[MemeSupreme]

i guess it's a mix of time and distracting myself? i'm still figuring it out myself. for me they've lessened a bit over time. i still deal with them though and just keep myself busy, so i'm distracted to an extent

[jessicarosen]

The past is done, nothing can be done. Focus on the future and the positive memories you will make. :-)

[Flower7]

That’s a really good way to think about it!

[jessicarosen]

Yeah and you won't waste energy dwelling on the negative.

[DaveToo]

If you ever find out how please let me know. There are some Vietnam memories, a few fireman memories, and one police one in particular that I'm still dealing with.

[molonski2]

Its not a YES/ NO question , you keep those memories as a source of experience , but you learn over time as to how you will personally cope with these memories , they are part of you , part of your character.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Every time an intrusive thought comes into your mind, listen to a favorite song, take a walk, listen to an uplifting song you like with happy lyrics,

[exitseven]

Since I have joined GaG I have had to revisit many unpleasant things that happened to me. I have gotten used to it and have integrated it into my life instead of shying away from it.

[LiamSawyer]

Maybe deal with the issues that are causing your turmoil.

[Flower7]

I don’t think that’s possible because most of them happened a long time ago.

[LiamSawyer]

Anything is possible, but the method of dealing with them may change.

[CuriousMufuxka]

Keep your mind busy, whether it be conversation or playing music, etc. It's no cure but helps.

[blondfrog]

Those sound like traumatic experiences. Have you tried seeing a therapist?

[Flower7]

Yeah, I’ve seen several different therapists. But the only thing they seem to be trained to do is teach deep breathing exercises. And those don’t work for me.

[Wise4myage]

When they appear, do your best to not pay any attention to them.

[Flower7]

But it’s an almost constant thing.

[Wise4myage]

Have you tried changing the thought to something else?
Maybe you should see a therapist?

[Flower7]

I have seen many therapists before and all they tell me is to do deep breathing exercises.

[nawtee_me]

An idle mind is the devil's workshop... Try to keep busy and your mind active as much as possible.

[Flower7]

Even while I’m working, I can’t seem to stop bad thoughts from going through my head.

[nawtee_me]

may I ask what kind? you can message me if you like?

[Neosporin]

If you find out please tell me.

[Flower7]

Thanks for letting me know that I’m not alone in this!

[jahaims]

That's called intrusive thoughts. They have therapy for it.

[Hangry06]

Be busy most of the time.

[jasco]

Make better memories with better people

[Guardian45]

Explore Mindfulness, and consider CBT