well, my what-if statements are those of the super natural types, which makes it amost impossible to replace with a concrete thought since the super natural could always be true. I constantly think about what if everything is just a figment of my imagination. i used to think about this so much that i started to think that maybe there wa this evil being in my head controlling me,which lead me to fear that maybe it's a "voice" in my head like the skitzofrenic people have, so i basically thought i was going insane. I became obssesed with finding the true answer. i had to know whether there is a world of people around us or i'm being FOOLED! i am so scared even writing this. I really feel like i'm holding on to this thought too much and it's just too hard to change these thought processes. someone help! Sounds insane but it's a viscous cycle

reality,

In my opinion, the degree of ingenuity that shows in one's what-if and obsessive thoughts, just shows how intelligent and imaginative you are - both, wonderful traits. Congratulations!

Philosophers have discussed the nature of reality - whether or not there is a world of people, or if they are all projections of our own thoughts, or if we are just projections of theirs, and so on and so forth - for centuries. It's a fascinating and valid thing to wonder about. You might even enjoy reading some of the opinions that have been written about it over time.

The trouble begins when thinking about any one topic, be it the nature of reality or any other, takes on an obsessive quality. At that point, the topic no longer matters - it's just a scary thought like any other, that you keep and maintain because it is an effective distraction.

You don't mention if you're doing/have been through the Attacking Anxiety and Depression program. If you have, and have reached the tapes on what-if thinking and obsessive thoughts, patiently apply those strategies to this thought. It will pass. Honest. All it takes is time, patience, and realizing that however real and threatening it feels, it is just... a thought. No power, no reality.

WayStone

quote:

Originally posted by reality123:
well, my what-if statements are those of the super natural types, which makes it amost impossible to replace with a concrete thought since the super natural could always be true. I constantly think about what if everything is just a figment of my imagination. i used to think about this so much that i started to think that maybe there wa this evil being in my head controlling me,which lead me to fear that maybe it's a "voice" in my head like the skitzofrenic people have, so i basically thought i was going insane. I became obssesed with finding the true answer. i had to know whether there is a world of people around us or i'm being FOOLED! i am so scared even writing this. I really feel like i'm holding on to this thought too much and it's just too hard to change these thought processes. someone help! Sounds insane but it's a viscous cycle

Hunnie...I wish I could just shake you and say, "it's real, sweet heart". But I can't. What I can say is that I wish you the best and you are in my thoughts.

love
ames