How to stop ruminating about intrusive thoughts

Looking for more exercises to get off the rat wheel in your head, check out my book, YOU ARE NOT A ROCK: bit.ly/youarenotarock
Travel mental health blog: www.themindfulfieldguide.com/
Be social all over here:
Instagram: / markwfreeman
Twitter: / thepathtochange
Coaching: www.markfreeman.ca

[@banu111]

rumination is the hardest thing to stop, because brain makes to think that you need to solve this uncertainty to become normal and that is the problem i think.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Yes, learning to quiet that problem solving creature throughout our lives is very useful.

[@SandeshSandyaego]

@@everybodyhasabrain How exactly do you do that Mark?

[@KarmasAbutch]

THIS!

[@PixelBraint]

Last year, I had alot of problems but I was not ruminating and I managed to be happy. Now, my life is going better except my mental state. I'm super scared

[@samuelsnell9474]

@@everybodyhasabrain why am.I always trying solve my thoughtd

[@stinkyopinions6288]

Knowing that im not crazy and that im not the only one who deals with thoughts that i cant get it out of my head really helps

[@Dylan-qt2mh]

same

[@serenagilbert1483]

same same

[@tauseefp23]

Same

[@rhondapelletier2141]

Ditto!!!

[@canvasideas]

Not on your own brother's sisters

[@urbancampfire7253]

Man i wish my intrusive thoughts were about angry alpackas! 😂

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Urban Campfire But they are!

[@urbancampfire7253]

Mark Freeman Are your's? Mine are a bit scarier than angry alpackas I'm afraid. 😏

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Urban Campfire It helps not to get caught up in the topic. You can approach any obsession as just thoughts about alpacas

[@urbancampfire7253]

Yeah i understand. I was just kidding around. I´m suffering from "pure-o" and panic anxiety, and i found myself chuckling at the thought of angry alpacas. Angry alpacas hurting the ones we love, are possibly just as scary to some people though.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Almost as terrifying as vicious squirrels.

[@a.schweighardt]

It’s so true: the brain will replace an uncertainty with another - often more complex - uncertainty to “figure out” or quell with a compulsion. It’s a tiresome, virtually endless, fatigue-inducing, life-draining game, that doesn’t give much of a return on the investment; in fact, it can rob you of everything. Thank you, Mark, for another great video to help me (and others) be mindful of the systems at play while living the recovery life.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, Andrew. That's an awesome way to describe this life-draining game!

[@gingerisevil02]

I call it "collateral damage." When your brain gets stuck it picks up on other things to get anxious about. That's the hellish part about not getting treatment for the initial problem. It's like your brain is being re-wired to react to everything.

[@gingerisevil02]

Sometimes I forget what made the anxiety bad to begin with cause you go down the road to hell or the "rabbit hole" of over reacting and over thinking to every little problem.

[@KarmasAbutch]

shaylen sanders Yes! This is quite literally true for people with developmental trauma from chronic abuse or adversity in childhood. #cPTSD

[@zuzu091]

The bane of my existence is "What if". Like when an intrusive thoughts pops in my head i just ignore it but after i ignore it i ask myself "If i ignore it that means i like it and i will become an serial killer", and after i reply with "what if i really like those thoughts" and the chain starts going...

[@LoudPaintings]

At first I read this wrong. I thought your were saying Mark Freeman is the Bane of your existence. Like Bane from Batman, which Mark could totally pull off as a cosplay hahah.

[@d.m2506]

Man this Is so me

[@abbyn1939]

Ugh this is literally how it is and i hate it. I'm taking Prozac and its helping a lot but now i also kinda feel numb to everything

[@madiw176]

this is exactly how i feel

[@sand9619]

I too have these thought and what I do is just say: you are just a thought. Don’t try to ignore them, what you have to do is accept them as thoughts. Nothing more, nothing less. Currently struggling to keep this attitude up, but it gets better hopefully

[@cassettepat]

Probably the tenth time I’ve come back to this video

[@broojie8191]

Rumination is absolutely the hardest compulsion to quit doing. I suffer from relationship obsessions, when it first began I would say I loved him in my head and it felt like if I didn’t something bad would happen. I would obsess if I got assaulted when I didn’t, I would freak out if I didn’t feel or a certain way or if I did feel anxious or even not anxious I would freak out no matter what the hell I was going though, freaking about ex’s and how I felt with them. Absolutely terrible. OCD has ruined my life, but I’m slowly getting it back.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

It's great you're aware of what was going on and taking your life back. Keep taking steps towards things you care about!

[@Pioramic]

I understand this feeling. It will absolutely ruin everything good. And take you out of the present moment.

[@AnshulDabholkar]

More power to you!

[@abraham7140]

This guy is brilliant.

[@carlchaovski8542]

Legend hey

[@noayariv5902]

I really have diagnosed OCD, and that thing with "What if i'm an alpaca?" cracked me upppp🤣

[@sorryimsosad]

Mark out here saving lives

[@everybodyhasabrain]

🙏🙇‍♂️

[@JayantaBRoy]

The rat trap is a really good way of thinking about this. Our brain in its attempt of increasing our problem solving ability actually puts us into the habit of making problems out of nothing.Although I managed to not put too much attention to my thoughts ,this awareness towards my thoughts is somewhat making me mechanical ,it feels like I am losing my natural emotions towards things but I don't know it maybe just another complexity my brain is trying to put me into😌.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

It is useful to notice how the brain does that! Cutting out the checking and comparing around thoughts and feelings was a big help for me.

[@cheeremily96]

The idea of focusing my energy into doing things that I value instead of ruminating has been such a helpful concept. Thank you so much for introducing it to me. This video and all of your videos have helped me so much, and I just want to say thank you for making them! ❤️

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks! I'm glad you've found them useful. Enjoy putting your time and energy into things you enjoy :)

[@brewhadefeo707]

Mark Freeman how do I get your audio book in the USA on audible.com it says I cannot get it in this country because of the copyright. Let me know..ty

[@julesrobbie5837]

I am 46 years old and have had this for as long as I can remember. For the last 4 months I have been in a deep depression in which I cannot come out of. In trying to learn more about depression I have been doing as much research as I can. It is in this research that I only today discovered the term "Intrusive thought". Although I can clearly distinguish between right and wrong, it has always bothered me, in fact "eaten a part of my soul" is probably closer to the truth, that these thoughts are even inside my head. I don't expect to be cured of this, but I have more hope today than I did yesterday, and indeed more than I had just 30 minutes ago.

[@elisacaullery2638]

I’ve been dealing with intrusive though for so many years without even knowing what it was, I was so scared of not being normal that it even prevented me for seeking what it was. I recently had the courage to search and find answers and well I could not be more happy! I used to think I was weird and alone in the world with this problem but now seeing that a lot of people suffer as well from that, and that there are solutions makes me feel so much better! Thank you for this video And good luck to everyone who deals with this problem!

[@anasabogal255]

Thank you Mark for your videos! You can't even imagine how they have helped me to overcome and understand OCD. I love your honesty and openness about the topic, because they are so many people suffering in silence and wondering what is happening, I was that person for 22 years. Thank you so so much. Your are doing an amazing contribution to society because mental health is an issue we cannot keep as a secret or tabu any more. You are doing great and you inspire me on my journey to recovery! Love from Colombia, South America.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, Ana! I'm glad you've found them helpful on the journey over these challenges. Enjoy the steps ahead! :)

[@MarieRhondelle]

Your videos are really helping me with rumination. I've had an epiphany of sorts that I'm overthinking and reassurance seaking in many different ways throughout the day...not just in the context of classic OCD themes. And I'm having more success by not letting myself stop and obsess and google... instead I try to just carry on with my day despite any unpleasant feelings.

[@jacksonscully9260]

I'm understanding this more and more thanks to you Mark. I never thought there was another way to think either. It's a relief to know there is hope.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Enjoying thinking in new ways!

[@JP-cc9vo]

Thank you I realized that not only was I ruminating about bad things I was doing the same for good. This has been an eye opener. 🙏

[@everybodyhasabrain]

It is so useful to notice that!

[@isabellamariaarevalo1084]

your channel is such an amazing help. i’m 17, and have been realizing ive dealt with intrusive thoughts (possibly OCD) for years. i finally feel understood and like i am beginning to understand my mind more, so thank you

[@potatomuffin4420]

I've been waiting for a video on this. I've been working so hard to not ruminate. My head starts to hurt.

[@awkwebum100]

I love this so much. I was always the type of person that in order to solve my problems I would tackle it piece by piece until I could figure out one whole solution to get to my goal. I always thought that was working hard and putting in serious effort. In short, it was exactly what the wheel is. The checking, the avoidance, the control, etc. And for the majority of my life I thought that this is what it took to get things done. But this video has helped me realise that, the wheel can be harmful. I’m going to subscribe. I thank you for helping others, you have a true kind heart, and I’m glad there are people out there like you :)

[@deankerr2469]

I thank you Mark, you're a massive help to us all!

[@dwillive]

Thank you mark I have been so confused about myself and my mind recently. You have been one of the greatest reason I am able to understand myself and my thinking more. Thank you I am so glad people like you exist it really shows how great having a community is.

[@bellie6142]

Your videos are incredibly helpful. No psychologist has been able to explain things the way you do. Thankyou

[@InMemoryOfBobbyCoon]

I am so happy I found this channel, thank you SOO much for these videos!

[@keithlhiker]

So awesome. The needing to know for certain. Also the practicing or reviewing conversations (often with negative outcomes) is so spot on. I read an article on ruminating called. Rumination: Problem solving gone wrong. Also love the fact that you're Canadian lol.🇨🇦

[@alimhdrum]

Super engaging video, you can really tell this guy has figured this out for himself.

[@tobysmith4099]

Mark, you make perfect sense! Really helpful advice, made me look at my OCD intrusive thoughts in a different light. Thankyou from Wales UK x

[@alyj3l828]

I am almost done your book and I find it so helpful and eye opening.. so many aha moments!! I have been suffering since I was 4 )since I can remember ), but it only turned catastrophically disruptive when I became a mother ... before that it was just my normal organizational skills that made me rearrange dishes on the drying mat wether I was late for work or not. Or wearing certain outfits and avoiding others to protect my parents as a child. Obsessive eating patterns and exercise because I was a “fit girl”... the list goes on. HOCD ruined so many beautiful moments since the day I gave birth and only then did I recognize a problem. I have a therapist but trying to manage without medication (nothing against it - I may need it one day) it’s ppl like you who make ppl like me come out of the suffering in silence box and start to heal. So forever, thank you. Aly

[@alexfalconer-athanasssakos5066]

So glad to see so many videos about intrusive thoughts!

[@ajsawyer4497]

Everything about you is so calming. New to your channel! Have had ocd now since I can remember although I’ve only just recently recognized it as OCD. Always thought I was just an anxious person. Didn’t realize that checking and ruminating was a obsession and compulsion. I’ve probably spent a years worth of hours reassuring myself through google lol. It’s truly awful. But I’m grateful to have a supporting family, and serve a wonderful God.

[@whitneylaurenjones]

This is by far the most helpful KZbin video I've watched on ocd and intrusive thoughts and I've watched a lot. I just want to say a massive thank you to you because I feel like understanding the thoughts and thinking about we can the pattern of rumination is so helpful xx

[@chevair0]

I'm finding I see more and more young people with intrusive thinking.

[@KM-wv2og]

You are GENIUS on this subject!!

[@lukeoliver9785]

I’d just like 2 say from a fellow ocd sufferer, thanx mate!!! Your Chanel has helped me over the past few years. Iv recovered from my ocd n I can honestly say that u have contributed immensely 2 that👍🏾 I ran from ocd a lot of years n the only way 2 kick it is face it! 2 any1 suffering, listening 2 mark. He knows what he’s talking about. Any1 can kick it but ya gotta face it🇦🇺🤙🏾 n recovery is 4 ever so stick it out

[@FernandoVazquez-ro1nw]

This is pure Wisdom

[@kennywarner314]

Mark, I just want to thank you again for making these videos. I know of no one out there that is able to so clearly explain the ins and outs of OCD, and how to get out of the OCD loop.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, Kenneth!

[@beckyg927]

Oh my gosh! So glad I found your channel. I have been spinning on this wheel in my brain for years. I find your videos very helpful, and look forward to watching them all. 😀

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Enjoy stopping the wheel!

[@erikgreeno6136]

this man's energy is very trustworthy. I just got a concussion and I'm healing and ruminating thoughts are running Rampant

[@everybodyhasabrain]

I appreciate the kind words. I hope your healing from the concussion goes well!

[@schujordan]

Please don't stop making content. You are helping me a lot!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, Jordan!

[@francofitness9994]

I wish I would have seen the thinking vs thoughts video before watching this one. Because I believed self talk and self affirmations were considered good thoughts. But now I know!

[@adamabraham6835]

Solid as always Mark, love your wisdom and advise that never fails - i find myself often returning to your videos just to re understand and not forget the practicals that we must invest in our day to day lives. God bless you sir you really are a blessing ! Im working on myself and have been for the past 2 years and I've grown a lot and healed a lot but there's that last bit of stubborn OCD that needs more courage and confidence to get rid off and i will achieve that. It's easier said than done but very much possible and i already feel freedom not so far. i hope you're doing well out there in this wet space rock :D Today i choose again to no longer suffer but positively grow in love and spirit and to never fall back into the dark never ending abyss.

[@qmax44]

Thank you so much!!! Your ideas are brilliant! They totally resonated with me, and I will try my best to develop my mindfullness skill.

[@jaymailk5733]

I really needed this video, thank you for helping us 🖤

[@jeppepsi]

Love you man! Thank you for this

[@squishyblurbmoment9404]

Unique mental health advice that is literally life saving. Thank you🙌

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome! 🙌

[@etripp111]

Thanks. Very informative video with practical advice. It almost sounds like you were in my head. It sounds funny, but it helps to know we are not alone in this battle.

[@jacobgordon1093]

Hey man been looking for this type of video for a while now thanks so much!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@ahill7684]

Makes a lot of sense....being aware of how you ruminate about the small stuff, and how it naturally leads to more and more ruminating, if you don’t stop with the small stuff. A natural progression, or regression. Stop spinning the rat wheel! Thanks Mark.

[@medipallinarender7709]

i am so happy watching your videos

[@danielwalker6436]

Truly enlightening. Thanks!

[@jiyounghwang9437]

Thank you mark!

[@dylanmeier2473]

Great video thank you for your help, stay safe and God bless!

[@789quicky]

Thank you Mark.. That's really helpful

[@jennifermccartney4528]

You are amazing. thank you so much for this. God Bless you man

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thank you!

[@Jenbug123]

I have finally got some control back onto my life. Anyone out there thinking they will never overcome. I am proof you can live again. Stay consistent it takes alot of work and time but keep going!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks for sharing that! Enjoy the steps ahead :)

[@Jenbug123]

Thank you so much your videos helped me more than you will ever know.

[@gautierh2486]

Thank you Mark, you look really happy to share this knowledge it’s very well explained as well even for me who’s in that rat wheel cycle it’s shown me another way.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thank you! Enjoy stepping off that rat wheel!

[@barbarariver8766]

You are amazing! Thank you so much!

[@FM-dm8xj]

Another great video mate! The journey ahead is long and challenging but your help ill be sure to get their.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Enjoy the steps ahead!

[@elliegallagher9021]

thank you so much. I'm struggling and this helps

[@keikoo]

Thank you Mark for making this video

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@yark618]

Thank you, Saitama.

[@xcellentadventurer185]

This video is really helpful. Been really struggling with this, so your information helps put my spiraling thoughts into perspective.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

I'm glad it was useful for dealing with those spiraling bananas!

[@siddsen95]

Mr. Freeman, Having watched my fair share of OCD related videos, I have to say ; yours is certainly the most accessible, engaging, informative and humorous. I appreciate how deep the understanding of your own internal machinations are. The comic metaphors were much needed. Thank you and may you find your peace in all places where it's sought.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

😁🙇🏻‍♂️

[@brandonjosephboyle]

The rat wheel analogy is great. It made me realize the neverending chain of thinking that can surround just one thing, so you know not to engage with it, as it's futile. It's good to have a visual like that.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Yes! It helps to put the breaks on it :)

[@Zgembo121]

Amazing video thank you so much for doing this

[@everybodyhasabrain]

If you're struggling with challenges around travel and intrusive thoughts (and panic attacks, controlling compulsions, obsessing about disasters, ruminating, etc), check out these travel mental health articles full of tips and exercises: www.themindfulfieldguide.com/travel-mental-health/

[@_cr4zy_4ss]

This video made me feel understood. I’ve struggled with OCD for almost my whole life and knowing that I’m not the only person doing certain compulsions or ruminating over a certain thought really comforts me.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

These are very common compulsions and it's totally possible to leave them behind and give our time and energy to other things.

[@_cr4zy_4ss]

@@everybodyhasabrain your videos help me tremendously, thank you

[@luizac5580]

This is fabulous !

[@emmablackman408]

brilliant. brilliant. brilliant.

[@alyssavanderkat3417]

Thank you so much for this video. I do this all the time and am just realizing what I'm doing. Having strategies to help me stop obsessing over the same issue or emotion will help so much.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

It is totally doable to change things up!

[@PokeyMeansBusiness]

this video puts a lot of things into context. thank you so much!!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@joeyam3480]

I can’t stop thinking, I can’t sleep. I’m so tired of this, it’s affecting me so badly I’m thinking of quitting my job due to this. I’m just so confused, I don’t know what to do anymore. The thoughts are very intrusive that I can’t even focus on anything anymore and the more I think about these thoughts, the worse it gets and I keep running around in the same loop of thoughts over and over again until I’m stuck and just can’t find a way out.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

But it's great you see that the more you think about the thoughts, the worse it gets. That's how it works! It's like any addiction: the more you do the thing you believe is going to give you the high you want, the more you get withdrawal. That thinking about the thoughts and judging them and trying to solve them and fix them and find a way out IS the problem. Those are the compulsions. So it's useful to cut them out. We can break that addiction cycle and walk away from that stuff in our heads instead of constantly picking fights with it.

[@joeyam3480]

ALINN the struggle is real. Any quick tips on how to relax yourself and disconnect from the ruminations when it becomes unbearable?

[@vevepriezviskova6909]

@@joeyam3480 Perhaps try googling various grounding exercises? Or doing a quick body scan?

[@joseramirez-cc1mz]

Become the observer, stop judging your thoughts as good or bad. Do not fear your thoughts, just observe them as thoughts.

[@je187u]

@@joeyam3480 what I fear I just take it , I face the fear , I let it happen . , and do what's important to me , I try to live

[@TheEamoB]

Brilliant summation.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks!

[@cheatercats]

Just discovered Mark Freeman and purchased his book “I’m not a Rock”. I was becoming depressed with reading that OCD was chronic and then I read a comment written by Mark, which made things sound more positive. Gave me motivation to really work to get better. Hearing it’s chronic all the time I find sets me backwards, it squashes hope. I feel I can get over this despite how much despair it has/is causing me. Intrusive thoughts after a baby can be rather exhausting. My problem now is having ocd about ocd. Consent looking for reassurance on the internet! Horrid way to spend time. Currently having counselling and purchased Mark’s book, so hopefully a good first step.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any questions as you're going through the exercises.

[@agg5324]

How is it going?

[@christalynpettus9930]

OMG🤯🤯🤯this VIDEO really gets it!!!!

[@Bubbyzmom]

Wowwww I needed this. Thank you!!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@carsonkoenig9710]

dude this is so good

[@pixie89]

Thank you so much for this 😊

[@mfossoli]

Thank you for this.

[@leanned.8828]

Thank you for this video...honestly never thought about it like this. (And I'm so good at thinking!!) ;) Been enjoying all your videos!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, Leanne!

[@pompomkitty306]

Thank you Mark!😊😊

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@GodlessPhilosopher]

This is super helpful! I just read a bunch of Dr. Michael Greenberg's work, according to which rumination is a compulsion, but you were talking about it in 2017!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

I'm glad it was helpful! Indeed, the concept of rumination as a compulsion is not at all new. Cutting out mental compulsions like ruminating has always been a core component of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. There were research papers published on the effectiveness of ACT for reducing ruminating before I was talking about it.

[@DrEthre]

Hey Mark, I hope you're going to continue making videos, they're invaluable. :)

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks! I'm glad you're finding them useful :)

[@alexmickmusic]

6:04-6:23 is a direct mirror of my brain for my entire life up till this point

[@JadMock]

Same

[@Enlightenedlikebuddha]

Another great video Mark. The rat wheel doesn't need to run all the time.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Enjoy letting the rat rest.

[@gillespieQMA]

Thank you very much for this video :)

[@nimrodgrrrl]

The banana analogy has blown my mind. Thank you.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

:) It was so useful for me to understand on the recovery journey!

[@proyectodevida8777]

Great and valuable video!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, Antonio!

[@sokuskan]

Mark I wanna give you big hug. I love you my human big brother. You have a nice soul, Thank you so much with all my heart.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@timcook4552]

this is a really good explanation. thanks!!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome, Tim!

[@shreya_xvi]

SO TRUEE.. I NEEDE THIS CONTENT

[@CJC1512]

I can’t tell you how helpful this is. I have existential OCD which is basically trying to answer the ULTIMATE uncertainty (I.e, is there a God, why are we all here, what is our purpose/if any). Which of course everyone has theories and opinions and there is scientific data in specific areas... but nothing could ever fully answer this question. I’ve been ruminating about this nonstop for 4 days straight. It’s exhausting and suffocating. This is the ONLY thing that’s given me peace: you are not your thoughts. This has given me a glimpse of hope and allowed me to engage myself back in the present moment (whether or not God exists). THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@thareal7820]

Wow this is really helpful god bless u

[@tinyshinythings]

Thanks Mark. X

[@susanburgess820]

This is me to a tee! Subbed!!!

[@K.Spade7902]

Thanks for this video 👍

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@jencarron2984]

I love your personality and the way you explain things. I actually refer some of my clients to your videos. Great stuff!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thank you for sharing!

[@PauloDias-nm2eu]

Thanks Mark, this is the 1st time that is see my Pure O OCD with a lot of humor :D

[@everybodyhasabrain]

It's useful to laugh in its face!

[@InkEater881]

Thank you so much for this video it helps so much:)

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!