My past is haunting me what do I do?

[Anonymous]

It’s my bad memories of the past and memories I wish I could forget but I can’t ever get over them. My present life could have been worse than it is now. I almost feel like a therapist or psychologist would have to look inside my brain and read my thoughts whereas it’s almost like I have to use a lie detector test on myself. It’s almost like they have to pretend I’m deaf.

Updates

+1 y

Sometimes I almost feel like committing suicide. I wish to escape my thoughts of suicide.

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, having a past that haunts you is never fun. I've definitely been there before too with stuff I regret or just can't seem to forget no matter how hard I try. A few things that might help:

- Talk to someone you trust about it, like a close friend. Just getting it out there can help you process it better.

- Do something creative to represent those memories - like write a song or poem, draw a picture, etc. Getting it out of your head and onto paper is therapeutic.

- Consider keeping a journal. Writing down your thoughts in detail, even stuff you'd never say out loud, can be cathartic.

- Look into meditation or mindfulness exercises. Being able to quiet your thoughts is a skill that gets easier with practice.

- Focus on the present as much as you can. Do fun stuff with friends, pick up a new hobby, find things that fully engage you now instead of looking back.

- Give yourself permission to forgive yourself over time. Beating yourself up won't change the past, but moving forward in a positive way can.

Seeing a psychologist could definitely help too if you feel like you're really struggling. No shame in getting outside perspective. But know that lots of people deal with this - you'll get through it too man. Just don't dwell alone in those thoughts if you can help it.

[BCRanger10]

What horrendous thing have you done that has you feeling this way?