How to Stop Repetitive Thoughts

Written by: Harmandeep Kaur Grewal – MA (Psychology)
Last updated date : March 21, 2023

When something is going on in our lives then we think. And may overthink, which is pretty normal. Thinking is part of the mental process that makes us take smart decisions in our life. But when our thinking obstructs our daily lives then it becomes a problem. For instance, you cannot stop thinking about money. “How will I make money?”, “Who will pay the bills, loans, and so on”. Moreover, you are obsessed with your health. Your thoughts can be of varied nature. And they will be related to issues which you are stressed about. For Example, you are worried about other people’s opinions. And you will keep thinking about how they felt about your actions. And so, you need to learn how to stop repetitive thoughts. Moreover, anxiety and repetitive thoughts are related.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder includes recurring thoughts which will make you do certain repeated behavior. For instance, hand washing more than often in a day. Additionally, during distress, you will experience unwanted thoughts. Make sure that these thoughts go away after you are not worried. But if you are unable to get rid of obsessive thoughts. Then you may have some mental health issues. For instance, your doctor will tell you whether you have an anxiety disorder. Or obsessive disorder is also possible. Because in these you will have nonstop repeated thoughts. So you would require treatment to rid of such thoughts.

In this article, we will discuss conditions that can lead to repeated thoughts. And their causes. Later the treatment of such mental health problems.


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Chapter 1:

How to Stop Repetitive Thoughts

You see, your thoughts become repeated when you have stress. Also, you worry that if you do not think then your problem will increase. And hence you delve into the cycle of repeated thoughts. And they can go away from you and undergo a treatment plan. Your thoughts could be there due to various reasons. For instance, stressful incidents like childhood trauma. Also, as abuse, accidental death in the family, and so on. Your therapist and you can sit and analyze the reasons. But you should be receptive to the treatment. And accept your problem for better results. You can learn how to stop repetitive thoughts. And anxiety and repetitive thoughts are related.

Furthermore, negative thoughts could also be present due to underlying conditions. You could be suffering from anxiety or depression. And this could be diagnosed after a thorough examination. Your therapist will have to do that. Moreover, you should not try to come up with a conclusion after reading on the internet. You can discuss your problem with someone in the family. And ask for help. Moreover, if your condition is not bad then try to calm down. You can use meditation and deep breathing for it. But if you see no improvement then go and see the doctor.

Chapter 2:

Conditions That Cause Unwanted Thoughts

You need to know that obsessive-compulsive disorder can cause repeated thoughts. And your thoughts could be related to fear of germs. And you ould wash your hands a lot of times. This is caused because you are anxious to get sick or die. Second of all, there is a fear of forgetting. You keep checking the gas stove. If you left it open or not. And you can do these actions several times a day. And making it difficult for you to carry out other tasks in your life. Also, you fear that you will have control over your behavior. And become helpless, these thoughts keep disturbing you.

Additionally, you will have thoughts of harming someone. For instance, your husband. You keep thinking of pushing him on the stairs or terrace. And then fear develops in you about whether our thoughts will be converted to reality. So, you do things to avoid such a situation. Next of all, thoughts could be related to putting things in order. For example, you want an even number of things in the fridge. And so you go to a large extent to make it even.

Your obsessive and compulsive behavior is due to several reasons. It can be possible that you have undergone some tragic event. And you developed such a thought pattern because of it. No doubt your biology and genes have an important role to play here. Your thoughts will make you do several actions. And you could not live a normal life. Therefore, you can learn how to stop repetitive thoughts. Also, anxiety and repetitive thoughts are related.

Chapter 3:

Dealing With Unwanted Thoughts

First of all, your doctor can give you medicine for the problem. For instance, an anti-anxiety medicine. And they will work after some time. They will make you calm and relaxed for some time. But they can make you dependent on them. Another class of drugs that are effective is anti-depressants. Also, these drugs are not addictive. And can be taken for a long time. Also, the therapist will help you with how to stop repetitive thoughts. And anxiety and repetitive thoughts are related.

You should be careful about taking medicine. As they can cause side effects. And conditions like heart or lung disease patients could be extra cautious. Your doctor may change the dose as per your need. But never take the drugs without help from your therapist.

Second of all, therapy will be helpful. Moreover, cognitive-behavioral therapy will help. It will help you understand your problem. You can realize the reason for your thoughts. And you can maintain a journal. Also, write your thoughts on the dairy. It will help you keep track of your mind. You can reason with yourself and improve yourself. Also, exposure therapy will be effective. When you are exposed to the stimuli you become relaxed.

Chapter 4:

Ways to Stop Ruminating Thoughts

You need to have adequate sleep. It will help you keep calm when you are stressed. And you need to stick to your treatment plan. Also, perform exercise regularly. You will feel the difference after doing simple actions. And do not take drugs that are not prescribed by your doctor. Furthermore, you should understand things that can trigger your thoughts. For instance, germs, and diseases. Then when your mind tries to play repeated thoughts you distract it with something positive. You can watch a movie, and talk to a friend. And learn other things which you can do to distract yourself. Be positive. And learn further ways how to stop repetitive thoughts.

Additionally, You can increase your self-esteem. Sometimes your anxiety could arise from a lack of confidence. And your fears develop into a full-blown anxiety disorder. Also, try meditation. Though you need patience. As it can take time for it to show results. It will help you to focus on one thing. And lose the thoughts which follow you all around. As anxiety and repetitive thoughts are related to each other. So, treatment for anxiety is essential.

Chapter 5:

Call for Action

For more information, please click “Courses” in the navigation bar and check our online courses. The course titled ‘DBT for Social Anxiety’ provides more information on the topic.

"Learnt a lot from this course" Sally

51 sections

6-Weeks Self-Paced

  • Educational Content
  • Quizzes
  • Self-reflection material
  • Suggestions & feedback
  • Worksheet, tips & tools to use

$9.00 $12.00

25% discount