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.
poster:ltunison
thread:429155
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20061013/msgs/729838.html