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Distressing thoughts and rumination
I've been experiencing distressing intrusive thoughts since March 2024 after witnessing hate towards a group I identify with. A single sentence from a book or conversation can trigger intense emotional reactions and hours of repetitive thoughts (previously 3–4 hours daily, now less but still significant).
I constantly analyse these thoughts, seek reassurance, and feel like a horrible or immoral person if I don't react "correctly." It feels like an internal “moral monitor” watching my reactions.
Even when I logically know these thoughts aren't accurate, I feel stuck in loops and unable to disengage. Avoiding the topic is difficult as it appears frequently.
These episodes affect my work and sleep. During intense spirals, I’ve had suicidal thoughts (formerly made a plan which I discarded, currently passive). Is this a known pattern (e.g., OCD/rumination)? What therapy approaches and self-help resources are recommended?
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Connect with Psychologist for assessment for appropriate diagnosis and take therapy
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Hi,
Your symptoms resemble OCD, especially moral or scrupulosity themes. Treatment options include CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), mindfulness, and professional support. Seek help from a mental health professional for personalized care.
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Consult
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seek help
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Hi
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hi
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hi
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It seems to be depressive psychosis. It needs to be treated asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be treated in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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Hi,
I understand this feels intense and tiring, But the fact that you can see the thoughts don’t fully make sense is actually a strong sign you can learn to step out of the loop.
Therapies like CBT, ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and ACT are very effective for this. They focus on helping you understand the underlying reason and learn techniques to notice thoughts without getting pulled into analysing or fixing them, and slowly reduce the power these triggers have over you. You will be able to manage and improve a lot with the right guidance.
Since this has affected your sleep and overall wellbeing, it’s important to have support because with the right approach and consistency, this pattern can become much more manageable and less intrusive over time.
Health Tips
Try the following-
*Gently label it: “This is just a thought, not a fact.”
* Let the thought pass without analysing or checking your reaction.
* Bring your focus back to what you were doing, even if it feels uncomfortable.
* Practice slow breathing (e.g., inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6) to calm your body.
* Keep simple sleep hygiene: fixed sleep time, low screen use before bed.
* Add regular movement (walk, stretch, light exercise) to reduce stress .
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Thanks for being vulnerable sharing your concerns… the post tells me you have some insight in the issues which is good starting point. However, what you are lacking is skills and ability to deal with these intrusive thoughts.
What you need to understand is that fighting these thoughts only make them stronger! To deal with the situation instead of focusing in fighting you can focus on understanding and resolving them.
Though, I am not sure about the group or the community which seems to be a minority. There are many factors in place here social, generational… if i understand better I would be able to share better insights. Right now it’s might feel generic!
Next Steps
Working with a therapist can help you work through them in a non judgemental and safe place.
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Trying to deal with them in your mind only repeats the pattern and make you feel triggered.
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Hi
This pattern does sound like something often seen in OCD-spectrum rumination, especially moral or responsibility-based OCD, where the mind gets stuck trying to feel “certain,” “pure,” or morally correct. The more you analyse, check feelings, or seek reassurance, the more the loop strengthens. It is not a sign that you are immoral; it is a sign that anxiety has attached itself to values that matter to you. The internal moral monitor can become overactive and exhausting.
Helpful treatment usually includes CBT with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), learning to allow uncertainty, reducing reassurance seeking, and disengaging from mental debates instead of solving every thought. Mindfulness and ACT techniques can also help by noticing thoughts without obeying them. Because you mentioned suicidal thoughts, please seek direct support from a psychologist or psychiatrist soon, especially if thoughts intensify. Recovery is very possible with the right therapy. Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Mr. S K KHAJA MYNUDDIN
Counselling Psychologist
1 yrs exp
Hyderabad
I think you need support and a safe place to explore yourself take the steps to avoid intrusive thoughts
Next Steps
Try to avoid what triggers
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Don't hesitate to take support and act timely
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Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Psychologist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi...Please consult a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist. Rumination, obsessive and compulsive thought patterns and emotional burnout is within the scope of psychotherapy/counseling but when someone start having suicidal ideations, its a big red flag. Please do not ignore these symptoms and visit a Psychiatrist first. You will recieve some reassurance and may be medications. Ask for a prognosis if possible. Thereafter you can consult a Psychologist for Counselling. Remember, our brain is also a part of our body and sometime it goes through an unhealthy phase. It doesn't mean, you have fallen ill or experiencing a disorder. It only means that you need some professional help to get over your present circumstances. A little help from the outside at the right time works like a little push while climbing a mountain. It may appear small but has a capacity to make or break the will to persevere.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychiatrist for a Medical Diagnosis and Medications, if prescribed.
Consult a Psychologist for Counselling.
CBT along with Interpersonal Guidance and Counselling is required.
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Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Senior Psychologist
Cell: nine six seven one three zero three one three four
Website: https://gunjanmaithil.wixsite.com/therapy
App: http://wix.to/fechb08?ref=cl
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Connect with the psychologist to discuss
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consult
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connect
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Ms. Pooja Bhargava
Psychologist
10 yrs exp
Delhi
This can happen with rumination or OCD especially with repeated analysing and reassurance seeking. CBT with ERP can help you learn to step out of these loops. Since it’s affecting sleep and you’ve had suicidal thoughts it would be important to seek professional support
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Reach out to a psychologist
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