Racing thoughts can be described as rapid, repetitive thought patterns and are associated with various mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders.
Anxiety and How to Address Racing Thoughts
Racing thoughts can be described as rapid, repetitive thought patterns and are associated with various mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. The persistence of racing thoughts can lead to insomnia and other sleep issues. This rapid thought pattern often becomes difficult to cope with. While everyone can occasionally have experiences that cause racing thoughts, people with certain mental disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder may have persistent racing thoughts that interfere with daily functioning and/or cause emotional distress. It’s important to address racing thoughts so this symptom doesn’t negatively impact a person’s wellbeing and functioning.
Racing thoughts can be described as the following:
- Your mind is going fast.
- It’s difficult to slow down your thoughts.
- You’re having difficulty concentrating.
- You start thinking of worst-case scenarios.
Utilizing healthy coping may help relieve racing thoughts. Distractions such as playing a video game, writing in a journal, talking to a friend, or going for a walk can be a good way to get support and get out of your head which may slow your thoughts down. However, if racing thoughts persist and are interfering with your life, treatment options are available. A psychiatrist can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. A licensed therapist can help you learn how to manage your symptoms. In therapy, you may learn new coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that’s effective with treating many types of problems from chronic pain to depression to anxiety. CBT is helpful in treating mood and anxiety disorders. CBT helps identify negative thinking patterns that influence your emotions and behaviors. By learning faulty thoughts, reframing those thoughts to be more balanced, a person’s racing thoughts may reduce or diminish. The therapist can help you learn coping strategies and thought patterns as well as discuss ways in becoming more self aware of the signs of trouble before they begin (Wisner, 2022).
If you or someone you know are experiencing problems with racing thoughts, and nothing seems to be helpful, it may be time to consider talking to a doctor or therapist.
Manage Racing Thoughts with CHE
With CHE Behavioral Health Services, individuals can access therapy and medication management services online, making it easy to connect with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of their own homes. Our team at CHE Behavioral Health Services is dedicated to providing personalized and evidence-based care that is tailored to each individual's needs, and we offer a range of resources and support to help individuals overcome the challenges of living with anxiety and bipolar disorders.
For more information about treatment options offered by CHE, please call 888-515-3834. We are ready to talk and ready to listen.
Work Cited:
Wisner, W. (2022, October 18). Why am I having racing thoughts at night? Verywell Mind. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/racing-thoughts-at-night-5207856
Makenzie Pacubas, MSW, LCSW
CHE Quality Assurance Associate
Makenzie is a clinical social worker who has worked in the mental/behavioral health field for over a decade and now works as a clinical quality assurance associate with CHE Behavioral Health Services. Makenzie lives in Missouri with her husband, Justin, and their two puppies and cat. She likes art, singing, exercising, reading, getting outdoors, and trying new restaurants.
