Why Mind Wandering Is Bad For You and How to Stop It

Random, unintentional thinking like you do when your mind wanders happens in a different part of the brain than intentional thoughts. And too much mind wandering is bad for you in that it makes you more anxious and unhappy. In this video, I explain why mind wandering increases your anxiety and unhappiness and two things you can do about it.
References
Wilson, T. D., Reinhard, D. A., Westgate, E. C., Gilbert, D. T., Ellerbeck, N., Hahn, C., Brown, C. L., & Shaked, A. (2014). Social psychology. Just think: the challenges of the disengaged mind. Science (New York, N.Y.), 345(6192), 75-77. doi.org/10.1126/science.1250830
Killingsworth, M.A., & Gilbert, D.T. (2010). A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind. Science, 330, 932 - 932.
Follow me on Instagram for quick, bite-sized mental-health tips / drtraceymarks
SHOP MY STORE: MentalWellnessSpace.store
WANT TO START IN THERAPY? Here’s a convenient and affordable option with my sponsor BetterHelp
Betterhelp.com/drmarks
For a monthly fee, you get a REAL licensed therapist with whom you can meet weekly by phone, video or chat. You can also send daily messages.
For a full review of the service, watch this video • BetterHelp Review: An ...
If you use this link you will get a 10% discount on your first month. betterhelp.com/drmarks This is an option I've researched. I get a referral commission if you sign up.
Want to know more about mental health and self-improvement? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. If you don’t want to miss a video, click here to subscribe. goo.gl/DFfT33
Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[@jowens197]

I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder this past year. My mind always wandered at lightning speed, but no one had ever explained to me that it was a bad thing. I'm having to unlearn years of bad habits. This was a great insight

[@CreativeC13]

I relate to that. I have ADHD and so my mind wanders super fast all the time! I also used to talk super fast as a kid but then no one could understand me so I stopped 🤷🏽‍♀️ and that made the wandering even worse.

[@jowens197]

@@CreativeC13 Same! I used to talk really fast, or I would talk so softly that no one could understand me. I was put into speech classes, but it wasn't until therapy that I learned they were both signs of anxiety. I'm still learning how to express myself properly.

[@jervypolistico3377]

Ur not alone buddy same here

[@AwestaKhalid]

i can't tell you how helpful an honest meditation sit-down can be to ground me back to reality whenever I'm in a mental rut of depression or a loop of anxiety. Because meditation is basically training the mind to focus and not wander. and it keeps the default mode network at bay. Best of luck to you!

[@jowens197]

@@AwestaKhalid Thanks! I have done meditation but not consistently. It really does help. It's hard to get into the regular habit of it, but I can really see the benefits.

[@galacticcactus5530]

I’ve been a daydreamer since i was a child, and it’s always the same subject matters. Don’t know if it would be possible to stop at this point. Dreaming and making up stories in my head is such a big part of my sense of self.

[@kadlifal]

You also make up story that you think are cool and want to keep Think about it ditching everything that you think is productively for it and it feel good ? Idk what is exactly DMN but lmao I might have a vague idea now thanks

[@evrenbasak6381]

Search maladaptive daydreaming. Also go to a professional. It could be a sign of adhd, bipolar, autism..etc.

[@silversurfer8208]

Then write about those thoughts

[@Bread_bread01]

Same here, i'm not sure whether i even want to stop cus I would really miss all the warmth i receive from, whats really, people that's just in my head. it really is addictive

[@sergio2692]

Write your stories, make them your job, we are genius in my pov, don't let people put you down we don't have anything wrong.

[@Princesskerji]

Caught my mind wondering multiple times during this video 😭

[@TeaRose9]

Same.

[@ulviyye_7232]

Controlling automatic thoughts is a huge step in overcoming depression and anxiety. Meditation and these kind of topics should be taught at school.

[@ahxyl2755]

I couldn't agree more!! School is a huge struggle for so many students. Mental health and coping strategies needs to be integrated more into the criteria

[@mello.1483]

@@ahxyl2755 Exactly man. So much for preparing you for the world…

[@ahxyl2755]

@@mello.1483 Its almost like they don't understand/believe in mental health?! Frustrating, but that's why our generation is making pretty powerful influences

[@mello.1483]

@@ahxyl2755 ^^

[@NobleWolf33]

Why would the institute do this? How would it serve them? They don’t care

[@jesse1email]

Agreed. The “over active default mode“ is one of the reasons why incarceration of prisoners rarely leads to rehabilitation. Being imprisoned gives the jailed person almost nothing else to do besides ruminate on the negative. Building anxiety which can eventually lead to psychosis.

[@SEVENTHREEANDNINE]

Wow. Great point!!

[@loganwolv3393]

If i was in solidary confinement i'd meditate the hell out of my mind. Like seriously that's about the best thing you can ever do.

[@jayymorris5285]

@@loganwolv3393 Did they give meditation classes or encourage meditation? Otherwise people simply won't know to do that lol

[@loganwolv3393]

I don't know, prison isn't exactly my area of expertise but honestly if you're going to do something that you'd risk getting jailed, especially in solitary confinment it's pretty much common sense to learn how to meditate properly so you can maximize your chances of being at least remotely sane in case your plan fails.

[@jayymorris5285]

@@loganwolv3393 I mean...fair but people who commit crimes don't usually plan to get caught and definitely don't have a plan WHEN they get caught lol. That's besides the point though. I want prisons to encourage meditation and healthy ways to rehabilitate. Also, take into consideration that I've never been to prison/jail so ultimately I'll take your word for it

[@SmumplytheF2P]

I have ADHD, so everytime I try doing things like, art, studying and most stuff that are supposed to calm me down, just makes it worse for me because of my mind switching to bad memories I have instead of focusing. (Mainly judgementalism and self loathing, comparing myself to others). This is such an informative video that I'm so happy found it's way in my recommended.

[@Pensnmusic]

That sounds like trauma, maybe. Especially if it's really intense. I also have ADHD and if I sit down to study I get distracted by a bunch of things, but I don't have all those negative thoughts that you're describing. My wife, though, who has PTSD, has all those types of intense intrusive thoughts. I feel like ADHD can make it hard to do things "like normal" and if someone was always yelling or on your case when you didn't to things "like normal" that's going to effect you. Do you have access to therapy or psychiatry? Meds are the most helpful for my ADHD, I've also dealt with depression and anxiety. Neither of those compare to trauma, which can be difficult to treat. I hope you figure out how to enjoy things and study and just be you. It's hard to find that kind of inner peace, to accept yourself when the world never did.

[@SmumplytheF2P]

@@Pensnmusic Yes, I did use to take pills and meds but they didn't seem to have any effect. Quite literally I suppose for me? There's not any difference and still get thoughts and all of stuff I described. It's Ritalin though, my Psychiatrist recommended me and once I was done with the medicine, I barely felt different. For now, I guess music calms me down and so is taking naps. But I do wish I can find a way to overcome this. Sucks really. Thank you for your reply =D

[@emilynatsios9032]

@@SmumplytheF2P I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. I have anxiety and ADHD, and I have had several different psychiatrists explain to me that if you have anxiety, ADHD meds won't work until you get the anxiety under control. So if you have anxiety, you have to treat that first and then treat the ADHD. A psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will know this. I don't know if that's specifically your issue, but just FYI in case it is helpful for you to explore that idea. (I tried ADHD meds in the past without being on anxiety meds, and they had no effect whatsoever.) Good luck.

[@user-fd5ew3sf5z]

@@Pensnmusic there are different types of adhd

[@cherryblossom-vn6gu]

Wow this happens to me too, i didnt know anyone could relate to it😢

[@robfut9954]

Sounds to me like mind wondering is only bad if you’re a negative person or have bad thought habits. For others it can be a source of creativity, I know a lot of artists who let their minds wonder and it helps them come up with innovative ideas.

[@vale-zx8ws]

Exactly Bro that’s my case

[@mello.1483]

It’s kinda a mixture of both for me

[@mhawang8204]

You deserve more likes 👍

[@mello.1483]

@@catcolivier it really depends on how you perceive it honestly.

[@patrickmarr7076]

her use of the term "wandering mind" is more than a little misleading I suspect. She hit the nail on the head when she switched to the word "ruminations". The end result of ruminations (regrets, resentments, insecurities etc) is to undermine one's happiness. The end result of creative thinking is much more positive and fulfilling. It is unfortunate that both types of thinking get lumped into the category of "mind wandering." I say if you're happy, keep doing what you're doing. If you aren't happy, then step back and examine the nature of your idle thoughts. Are they playful? Or worrisome?

[@Trigger_Nash]

I don't believe I have anxiety, but I do have ADHD, and what you're describing is the most damaging symptom I have. It's made my ability to function as an adult very difficult, to the point where my job is on the line.

[@mslgizzle]

Yea I was gonna say adhd brings on these symptoms☹️

[@Doubleaa500]

My mind wandering is a wonderful thing that my mind does! It can lead to so many creative things to write or draw and I've spent hours staring out the window as my mind wandered listening to music and it made me relax and random spontaneous thoughts came through. I'm not a stressed person and I still meditate and focus on the present, but I couldn't imagine my mind not wandering and feeling my active mind!

[@ryanli8371]

In some way, it can be a blessing and a curse. For you, it seems it works more like a blessing than a curse. Same for me occasionally, but its really not nice to have negative intrusive thoughts.

[@ziron5385]

Same here, I like having my mind wandering when I am resting, calm and chill, it leads to creative things but when I gotta do something that requires focus, I just hate that. it makes me lose so much time...

[@Terrapin22]

It's a tool. If you don't know how to use a hammer, you'll smash your fingers. If you don't know how to use a chainsaw, you'll lose those fingers. If you don't know how to use your mind, your fingers will fidget uncontrollably, looking for a medium to express the thoughts and feelings trapped inside.

[@blackdragoncomics3186]

Same here. My mind wandering lead to trying to create a comic, and it’s a project I’m extremely passionate about.

[@ryanli8371]

@@blackdragoncomics3186 Great! Maybe what you should do is write a story outline for the comic. This creates a good foundation for your project.

[@audreymo63]

Didn't know a wandering mind was a thing-"Default mode thinking". I have to stop myself sometimes from intrusive thoughts..remembering a terrible memory from the past..thank u Dr.

[@appletree7595]

Sometimes bad memories are brought on by flashback. When adult flashes back to childhood state when child was punished for any mistake with content and bad verbal criticism. This in turn can becomes your inner critic, a critic from your parents that trumps your thinking process with their negative. Where it goes from your a bad child, your a mistake, you can't do anything right, to I'm mistake, and full blown shame, anxiety, fear, then abandonment depression.

[@KoolHandJuke]

Your videos are beautiful. You explain things so well! Kudos to you! God Bless and keep up the great work! ✓

[@stoodmuffinpersonal3144]

I found this helpful, too.

[@thestonesstone2581]

@@appletree7595 well defined 🙏

[@vampirexion]

@@appletree7595 wow. This makes sense

[@NicksLocker]

As a 24 year old male, I've been meditating almost daily for two and a half years. That has seriously made a huge impact. I know many friends who will say they don't believe in it, or that it doesn't work for them, but I would argue that for me it has been incredibly life changing. I started excelling in school and at my jobs once I really started doing it. I've been a vegetarian for five and a half years, and since then I feel like I've been happier and had a lot more energy in me. In relation to another one of your videos about sugar, the less sugar I eat, the better i feel, and vice versa now, a lot of sugar makes me feel like crap. As for drugs, I absolutely loved mushrooms and MDMA, I got so deep into my head with mushrooms, like i felt the network of thoughts in my brain, how one thought reminds me/triggers something, and with the molly, i had this insane sense of calmness and mental clarity. When i tried the molly for the first time I was on my two weeks notice leaving a job because i was furiously angry at the boss, and when it hit, i just envisioned me shaking his hand and saying it's been a pleasure, thanks for everything, and that is exactly how the interaction went the last time i saw him. I'll add too, that everyone around me is addicted to marijuana, and as much as they'd tell you that it's a good thing, i'd say that it never did me any good. i was addicted to it for years. it only held me back from living up to my potential. it slowed me down mentally and physically. it made it harder for me to focus, process information, it really hurt my short term memory, and physically i just felt like crap. i broke that addiction by meditaiton and keeping track of my usage with an excel sheet and i've just felt a hundred thousand times better without it, and i don't want it back, ever.

[@PPPP9100]

Same right here!! 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@ThomwoththeWeather]

it used to work great for me when I was single, but a relationship, not the best one, with a 5 year old now, well, meditation is not easy...

[@Skoopyghost]

I have finished the 12 steps. I do meditation and prayers everyday. I feel like a zen master.

[@smoothlyrough512]

As an introvert, my mind is where I live. I don't think there's anything wrong with that if your a functioning member of society.

[@sectr4081]

Same

[@bavidlynx3409]

Unless you want yourself to do the opposite but can’t

[@lucycipher]

you're*

[@borkvelasquez8157]

Agreed, as long as you're not constantly putting yourself down

[@PeninatorSS]

She specifically mentioned unintentional thoughts though

[@krowkovtuber]

i LOVE her straightforward and informative way of making content. just straight up knowledge, no unnecessary intros, no annoying background music. the world needs more Dr. Tracey Marks!

[@mollofistraye5164]

i'd recommend HealthyGamerGG! Dr.K (the channel owner) is a Harvard Psychiatrist who talks about similar stuff, with a similar style. The only difference is that most of the time, he's interacting with other people as well like guests, or chat (most of his content is streamed on twitch, then edited into videos on youtube). He's really good at what he does and gives a lot of insight into very interesting topics

[@nikaf4298]

Literally she’s doing God’s work

[@PraveenSriram]

Like 👍🏿 337 on the comment

[@Jennifer_150]

Yes!!!

[@frankiemartin3333]

Yeah her intro is so short that it’s kind of funny.

[@ballerina2rockerchik]

My mind never shuts off, there isn’t a single waking second that isn’t filled with active thoughts relevant or not to the present. They’re not all negative though, I’d actually wager most are positive or neutral. What I don’t like thinking about is my body which is almost always in pain which I actively ignore so the mindfulness exercise sounds like literal torture. Is there a way to think less without losing it all together? I get a lot of enjoyment from my wandering mind and I would be heartbroken if it went away forever.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

There are escapism based meditations... where (basically) you sit back and visualize the place you want to go... get into an over-simplified "first blush" and then tighten in as you can and figure out the details... I do this fairly often, and it lets me intentionally "put the world away" when I'm in need of respite from my life... whether it's over stress or something horrible happened or whatever... AND it's still a fine exercise for continuing control of my mental space... allowing in only the thoughts I want, while gently ushering away the instrusive "useless monkey chatter" that I don't want... I've created whole worlds in my mind... and a "mental vacation" can take a few minutes to go and enjoy... to clear my head... sometimes even to settle in and do some more serious thinking as if I'd just opened a book and stepped into a completely different reality... BUT admittedly, I've had years of practice... Let's say (exemplar)... you think of a beach... maybe at sunset... SO you know what a beach is like, and the ocean lapping up the sand and pebbles... Think of the particular arrays of color streaking through the clouds and sky overhead. Contemplate the sensual warmth of the sand against your feet. Think about smelling the very slightly salty sea-breezes and feeling them against your skin... ruffling your clothes. What are you wearing? What colors?? Is your hair short or long... up or down??? Can you hear any sea gulls? Other birds? Can you hear the water wash and splash? Does it reach your feet? Is it warm or cool? Are you going to watch the whole sunset... OR are you just aware of it happening while the darker crimson and violet streaks take over the sky only to give way to stars and darkness??? Is there occasionally seaweed washed up on your beach? Does it smell? Is it very pungent? Are you looking for interesting shells or drift wood??? Is anyone else nearby? What are they doing... and how do you know? Are they in view or are you just listening to the excited shouts and the rhythm of their play or activity??? Keep filling in details and exploring your beach... If you've set an alarm, it can help remind you when it's time to "come back"... If not, it should be at a time that it's okay to wander for a while... AND you just keep fleshing the place out as you go, enjoying what you can conjure in your mind... It's okay (completely normal, in fact) to fall asleep in the process, at least from time to time... When a place (even fictional) helps you find peace, sometimes it's almost inescapable. I've never minded much that my mind could wander when it was bored... BUT I've found it SO much more powerful and useful when I could "instigate" the process. It takes a bit of practice, but I've managed from this exercise to be able to lucid dream almost entirely at will. I don't seize so much control every night, but it's a delight when I do... Sometimes, though... It can be fun just to "let it ride" and see what's sifting about in my head-space or "dreamscape" as it were... ...AND there's ongoing debate about how dreaming can be integrated with how we process memory, so maybe sometimes it should be allowed to "run its natural course" at least some of the time, too... I just don't know. In any case, I can only speak to my own experiences... I can certainly understand wanting to be able to escape a chronic pain syndrome. I hope this helps... ;o)

[@szasremmurd8002]

Omg me too! My legs are throbbing as we speak and I intentionally try to focus elsewhere to distract and comfort me. I love the guy above 👆🏾 explanation and I will incorporate it.

[@steveleeart]

Have you ever tried free writing journaling? A way to release your thoughts without judgment. Morning pages journaling can be good too, as advocated for by Julia Cameron in THE ARTISTS WAY.

[@ananananabop]

Hey, as someone who also suffers from chronic pain: mantra meditation works for me. Not focused on your own body, but on a positive idea or phrase. A (very gentle) high five to you.

[@aniyawhitley9118]

In addition to these excellent ideas, I might add simultaneous writing as you think, to assist you in directing and organizing your thoughts for an objective assessment .

[@breakingbombast4439]

Mind-wandering is the time I feel my most self-aware, but that is when I feel most capable of learning, most happy, and able to tap into a cognitive understanding of past & present data - useful for self-improvement.

[@brianrosado7211]

I have ADHD and I'm not 100% sure this video applies to me. Yes, my mind wonders allot but it's like if I was daydreaming and not remembering psychological trauma. I'm am glad to say that I don't suffer from anxiety and or depression (that I know of), I just have a somewhat stable life with my parents and loved ones. I loved the information though and I think I'll keep an eye out to see if one of my friends needs this video.

[@Sean-ec7ov]

Maybe you are just creative?

[@ElChicoBush]

Yeah, the same happens to me. I relate a lot with all the mind wandering she describes, except that my thoughts aren't negative in any way. They're just fun memories, intern dialogue and fictional scenarios. And I don't know if I have ADHD (I relate a lot with some characteristics, but I don't know for sure). But I have social anxiety for sure.

[@SangHendrix]

Same. I daydream frequently but none of them are negativty.

[@smoothlyrough512]

Are you an introvert? If so, daydreaming is what you do. It's normal.

[@brianrosado7211]

@@smoothlyrough512 no, I'm an extrovert.

[@pharoah125]

I love the way this doctor can give scientific advice and then effortlessly transition into humor. Most doctors are either smart but dull or entertaining but sketchy. She’s the real deal.

[@kylecloutier2885]

Yo I love the ketamine she recommended for me bro. I never done ketamine before it but now I don't think I'm ever going to stop. Thanks for the recommendation doc!

[@MonsieurDrobot]

It’s funny because she’s teaching people how to become NPCs. “Don’t think too far outside the box, you might go CRAZY!!!”🤤🤤🤤

[@MonsieurDrobot]

@@kylecloutier2885 Dude K Holes are amazing, ask Joseph Gordon Levitt’s Brother. I’m surprised she hasn’t caught on to the new new: fentanyl.

[@jtscifi]

Most brain scientists whether researchers or clinicians are a bit quirky, that's how we found our way here lol

[@Ashley-cr4ow]

@@kylecloutier2885 you taking it for anxiety? I keep getting long periods of panic attacks. Then they go away for awhile. Then they come back in full force it’s ruining my life. If I have to take some drugs idc

[@3bitner325]

This explains one of the reasons I had to quit my job. I was so used to the repetitive movements of my work and basically go on auto pilot and my mind would wander to negative thoughts, how life would be easier if I killed myself or found a way to go to prison and not have to work so hard anymore going from day to day. It was horrible and unhealthy, and I was confused why I felt that way while I was at work because as soon as I clocked out or was off for the weekend, I felt perfectly fine. This video made a lot of sense. Thank you.

[@BabbeHaxFax]

Uh, maybe youre just tired of your job? The mind wandering is what happens when youre bored. If something is not stimulating enough (your job) the brain is gonna find something else to put its energy on, it wanders. And the things it wanders to can be negative or positive. Of course if youve grown up in a negative setting your brain is defaulted to go in the negative direction. Dont repress your thoughts, figure out why you have them instead.

[@G.of.J.]

Lowkey ive thought “if i ended up in the hospital, i wouldnt have to deal with this homework assignment” like whaaat bro why would you think something like that💀 i could at least say “if i could be better with time management...” or “if i had $10 mil…”

[@atlasgfx5061]

Mind wondering is great for generating new ideas. The problem comes when you can't stop wondering. The ideas you get will get overwritten with new ones and then forgotten, never been able to ACT and go forward with one of them.

[@CavemanBearPig]

Honestly, I was never aware this was a defined issue. I work a long 10 hour shift, and quite often I try to put my mind off of the daily grind just to try and pass time. I’d drift into idle thought, and eventually I did precisely what she mentioned regarding bad thoughts. It would then put me in such a dark mood while on the job, and it only ever broke when break time was called. There came a point where I got tired of falling into those bad thoughts, and so I tried to focus on other, more creative inclined things. I tried to think of my hobby as a writer-what things I could imaging writing about my characters, what they would do in one fantasy setting or another and other stuff like that. If I felt myself slipping back into *Default Mode*, I’d take a deep breath and refocus on my personal interests again.

[@noeyes6151]

I wrote stories as a teen and in my 20s, got nowhere but it filled time at uni and just in the deadspces, 30-40 got more into model painting, found a job i was born to do, became obsessed with work output, 11 years later i still love my job more than any hobby ive ever had except bass guitar, i have negative thoughts but they are mostly based around "keep working hard, when you slack they will replace you with one of the useless" and "so what if you don't know notes, you can play that without looking now, so your good with that one" the smaller your world i guess you can focus your anxieties more

[@marcovandermerwe3026]

As always thanks you for the great video. With ADHD the wondering thoughts are a real pain. For example I think a girl is cute and my mind goes: "oh what if we dated? What if we got married? What if we had kids? But what if she didn't think I was good enough anymore? What if she cheated on me? What if we got divorced and she took all my stuff?!" And I'm genuinely upset about this fictional situation🤦 ridiculous.

[@killerpussy84]

What's the saying? "The characters are fictional - but my anger is real"... I often experience this with my hyperfixations (mostly tv shows or books), and I then can't stop making up stories about them. Fortunately, those thoughts are more likely to be positive, but it keeps me at a distance from real humans, because I'm too occupied with those characters. 😕

[@cynzix]

Mi ADHD brain is always wandering, but instead of worries, it thinks on any random thoughts, usually stupid irrelevant facts, bits of a song, "OMG I'm procrastinating again", a stupid brilliant idea, and (of course) "Squirrel!"

[@risa8834]

@@killerpussy84 omg same

[@bdrronaldo8512]

@@cynzix so u saying i have adhd?

[@amante2443]

@Marco van der Merwe you had me but then lost me at ADHD. I think I hyperfocused, my attention went into a deficit, and then my mind wandered. Is this bad? I think it's my default mode. What can I do? How do you network? I'm sure I saw a video on these things somewhere.

[@AyanaSioux]

I have ADHD so it's like i experience a combo of intentional thoughts with default wander. I've done mushrooms and LSA and that improved my overall outlook on life, and now I'm doing a daily practice of mindful meditation. It's made it easier for me to catch my negative thoughts and to stay more focused. Thank you for this video because it's reminding me that i need to stick to my practices.

[@misskurry]

I have ADHD and can’t take my meds so the mind wandering has been awful. My mind wanders so much I have to fight to stop it sometimes.

[@NightBazaar]

LSA? Or LSD?

[@summera4019]

lucky you. I've had a couple of bad trips that led me into psychosis. I hope to find the solution for my adhd.

[@AyanaSioux]

@@misskurry get into mindful meditation. I have the same issue too. Do a different meditation everyday so you won't get bored. Look them up on KZbin.

[@AyanaSioux]

@@NightBazaar LSA. The source from mine were Hawaiian baby woodrose seeds.

[@shaggybreeks]

Psychedelics cause someone's internal negativity to be "purged". Indeed, "purged" is the correct word in one incident I had involving peyote. It hit me 2 days after ingesting, and I thought I was sober, and then a huge wave of guilt washed over me, and again, "washed" is the correct word. It was absolutely NOT a pleasant experience, but dang, did it ever settle in my own mind, something that had been eating away at me for years. Purging is not necessarily pleasant to experience, but what a relief.

[@MarvinRichard12]

YOU ARE BRILLIANT !!!!!! you have just explained my entire life and the source of all my mental suffering

[@bravestarr8857]

"Your brother STOLE from you! What you gonna do?!" 🤣 Thanks for brightening my day with that line. Very informative video. Kudos to you for not being afraid to talk about potentially beneficial drugs, just because they were tarred as 'bad ones' by legislators with other agendas. Psilocybin literally saved my life 20 years ago - Felt I had nothing left to lose. The effect was incredibly profound, and I found a job again soon after. All the best, and thanks for your hard work.

[@-uda2672]

The yassification of Dr Tracey Marks??!! Loved that moment lmao

[@jeanetteq6024]

That part made me laugh and I 100% agreed with how I personally catch myself talking to myself that way.

[@simplymarkiem4931]

LOOOOL

[@sxyteesa0890]

Lmfao 😂 I laughed hard 😂😂

[@nedcramdon1306]

Great but do you depend on any substances? I'm just wondering if any negative memories return.

[@jiyan2000]

Whenever I think about something, I create a scene with other people (from real life). Instead of normally thinking about it, I think in dialogues. The people in the scene are related to the topic, or people who could comment on it. I actually like doing that because I can think about things thoroughly as my thinking process is enriched with different points of views represented by others in the scene. The problem is that I do that even for insignificant things. Creating a whole scene makes me think about that thing a lot more than I actually should, because I lose control of the dream and my intentional thinking turns into a mind wandering. Sometimes it makes it harder to get things done.

[@aaronkirkland5211]

I do that at times myself...sometimes it's ok but yea it usually leads me to completely over think the most basic of situations.

[@StagedWorld-eb5ro]

Paralysis Analysis

[@ophirneymour7474]

Omg....I do the same thing....like I act out different scenarios

[@robertloerwald3]

This is something I’ve always done and I think I’ve realized it’s due to my people-pleaserness and giving more thought to what other people think about something than my own feelings - often spending a ton of time dwelling on something I don’t really even care about, at least certainly not enough to repeatedly go over and over it. It’s helped me a lot to give thought to what I really care about and what I want out of life and to recognize when I’m spinning my wheels, and spending time on something that doesn’t really matter. I don’t know if this is relevant to you at all, but it’s helped me curb my maladaptive daydreaming

[@Akaki1999]

I do same thing too, especially when I get new information or read something, I just start explaining it way you described lol. It's called Maladaptive Daydreaming and honestly if we learn how to control it, it can be super productive. It's just so hard to control it and only use it productively (like discussing future plans with yourself, rehearsing important information, preparing presentation and so on) Also doesn't this mean that we are purposefully thinking about stuff, if we engage in those day dreams and talk, hence using the default mode less ?

[@jppaludetto16]

Hi, Dr Tracey. I'm a young physician in Brazil, still in the early years of my carrer. I've been watching your videos for a while and it has been helping me understand in a very simple manner the intricate concepts involved and used in psychiatry and mental health practice. It's been more useful than the classes I had in grduate school, and also they have helped me explain things better to my pacients. Thank you for everything. And keep up the good work. Lots of kind regards from Brazil

[@CPUGaming]

"Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that mind-wandering is an important cognitive process. In other words, it is good for us and can lead us to new ideas or innovations."

[@Sigma.Infinity]

@BtomBRAND I looked up this quote. It comes from a Forbes description of research done at University of California, Berkley.

[@kadlifal]

Wtf is mind wandering I am not Native English speaker Can you describe whats it like For example you are doing school homework the next moment you start to think about your next day in School and will your bad handwriting be accept by the teacher?

[@kadlifal]

Also there are time when I have like out of no where started day dreaming about cubing when I am not doing anything ,my mind making a virtual cube and cycling algorithm and moves (when I was learning cube ) so is that normal?

[@theAutumnalAnomaly]

@@kadlifal it means thinking about anything that pops in ur mind basically, at least it does for me

[@kadlifal]

@@theAutumnalAnomaly oh damn Thanks lol

[@DrJustininJapan]

SUCH A POWERFUL VIDEO!! What mind-wandering is and how it can increase anxiety in one's life is rarely discussed. Dr. Tracey Marks YOU ONCE AGAIN bring up a mental health topic that can be life-changing but is sadly often overlooked. Thank you for another powerful video 🙏 💕

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks so much Dr. Justin! And thanks for always chiming in. I hope you have a good evening since it should be around 9 PM your time 🛌

[@DrJustininJapan]

@@DrTraceyMarks yeah, it's 11pm Wednesday night and just got in bed lol. have a good day/night or whatever;) happy new year from Okinawa!!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

@@DrJustininJapan Thanks for staying up late for this. Sleep tight. 😊

[@cristenk7230]

Right! Totally agree, since I'm always distracted in thought, my anxiety outside my head is higher bc I'm not paying attention to real life

[@captainkirk265]

I know it's bad for me I just can't stop so let's hope this video helps me.

[@wblk]

This is exactly what i needed to hear. Its good to know there is hope and that I am not the only one that's going through this mental challenge

[@iamvoicelessmusic]

You're certainly not alone. When I was 16 I was having intrusive thoughts and got "stuck in a loop" for 5 months straight. The thoughts got so bad that I contemplated suicide. Fortunately I had a loving family who didn't give up on me. I went to therapy, continued to go to church and the good news is that I got through it. I still have intrusive thoughts occasionally, but I know how to combat them now. I am also working on a cartoon that talks about how to deal with these mind battles.

[@KobingH]

@@iamvoicelessmusic Link to your cartoon works?

[@A_Aron421]

amen

[@shyaaammeneen63]

@@iamvoicelessmusic How are you now ? Be careful what you feed your mind. To feel better reduce negative thoughts and overthinking. Avoid comparing, reduce negative social media and avoid constipation as it affects the mind. Your breathing is closely related to the brain [mind] and gives relief from stress-anxiety. To relax sit on a chair or lie down, neck straight, eyes closed, avoid moving too much and observe the sensations of your incoming--outgoing breath at the entrance of the nostrils for 5-10-15 minutes or more. Never meditate with expectations but with awareness. Don’t fight your thoughts. With daily practice the mind will relax. No deep breathing needed. Observe your breath sensations before sleep, when reading, in the kitchen, when taking a walk etc -----anytime-anywhere. Like me, make this a lifetime daily habit to have a better life. Best wishes--Counsellor.

[@NickShawnFX]

Tracy, this is one of the best, most concise videos I’ve ever seen on this topic. You explained everything clearly, how it works, and the treatment options. Solid video.

[@aliceandersson2065]

I absolutly fell in love with you and your channel the last few weeks, I'm a second year psychology student but I'm also someone who has struggled my whole life with mental health. This summer I have been trying to get back into meditating and my creativity and your videos has really been both intressting and educational, thank you!

[@jeanyean5468]

People with ADHD tends to have this default mode - that's my experience. Not sure about other ADHDers. I find that being MINDFUL is helpful

[@PercivalBlakeney]

@Jean Yean Dr. Russell Barkley talks about this very thing. If you could fix it with will power, your brain would work well enough to not be susceptible to this kind of thing in the first place. 😶

[@StephanieLuff]

Yeah there’s research showing the DMN is overactive in us with ADHD, and is the reason we struggle with focus, rumination, etc.

[@PercivalBlakeney]

@@StephanieLuff What we ADHDers don't struggle with, we just give up on. Sadly. 😔 I'm trying Indian Brahmi combined with Gingko Biloba... it seems to be making some improvement. It's not NZT-48, sad to say, but a small boost. Better'n none. 🌹❤️🐾

[@ZombiePanda501]

@@PercivalBlakeney I still believe some form of meditation or concentration practice is helpful for ADHD, at least helpful for getting us to accomplish specific tasks. But with that being said, thank god for stimulant medication.

[@LeonorFiniCat]

I have ADHD and agreed. I get quite frustrated with a lot of conventional thought management advice, because for us it’s like we have an extra barrier in applying it. With ADHD it’s so hard to even notice you’re doing it!

[@trollingisasport]

This. I discovered this about 7 or 8 years ago and it COMPLETELY change my life. I messed with mind hacking for years in an attempt to manage my social anxiety, through that, I started to notice that when acting out a monologue I could disassociate my sense of self from my autonomous brain. I eventually became able to access a mode of consciousness where I was completely anxiety free and my mind was clear. The only way to describe the sensation is like I had become the passenger in the car that is my mind while I let it drive itself. This also led to a huge career boost, me getting married, among other things. If you struggle with anxiety, I believe you need to kick your addiction to thinking. Your intuition is FAR stronger than you realize and your brain learns autonomously if you are focused on the right things.

[@princessbabe1313]

I think you're describing depersonalization which is an extreme symptom of anxiety

[@trollingisasport]

@@princessbabe1313 No. That is not what I am describing. That is people disassociating as a result of anxiety or trauma. This is not a depressive state. It's a highly focused state and requires effort to engage.

[@princessbabe1313]

@@trollingisasport oh it sounds like my depersonalization. I'm being extremely productive because it's like I'm playing the Sims lol. I've been changing my life it's dope

[@Akaki1999]

What techniques, from mind hacking, were most helpful to achieve that ? what advices would you give, sort of "blue print" of how to do it or sources from which to learn? sounds interesting af lol

[@trollingisasport]

@@Akaki1999 I didn't have any resources as it was more a or less a mistakeat first and I played with it until it had the impact that it had, but oddly it was when I was thinking about the concept of acting and how actors lose themselves in characters. I started by monologuing which led to the sensation of letting go as I describe.

[@TastySurrealBowl]

Dr. Marks - THANK YOU for taking the time to provide such a concise video describing emerging thinking on new ways to treat this specific category of mental health concerns. Our system in the U.S. has defaulted to the SSRI’s, SNRI’s and tricyclics for so long that it can feel like a dead end when those prove ineffective or carry too many side effects for many patients. Knowing that there is more on the horizon for promising treatment options provides some much needed optimism for those who’ve not been given any from their own medical providers. Please keep the videos coming!

[@TektoniusPrime]

My mind has been wandering ever since I was young. Every now and then, bad memories just get in my head and because of that, I usually go with it and I'm stuck there for a while getting upset and angry. I always thought this so-called mind wandering would go away at some point, but over the years it has been getting more severe and it never goes away. I hope this actually helps me with the intrusive thoughts and such

[@ashleym3349]

Shout out to everyone who had to watch back again cause their mind wondered 😂 We’re a step in the right direction!

[@IdiotBoxProductionsTV]

Fr

[@hellohsaytin6813]

Trying to silence my intrusive thoughts is exactly why i am hooked on youtube videos and podcasts. If i dont have something that i am forcing myself to focus on and think about, im thinking about how much i hate everyone who has ever done anything to me ever. It is truly terrible.

[@kimjinjuantonio9648]

Me too. I get too sad if I have nothing to focus on, at the same time, I also felt terrible when I'm drowning myself to social media and games. Seeing this is 5 months ago, I hope you're doing better now. And hopefully, me too soon.

[@thankunext5602]

same

[@stephanieedwards9854]

Dr. Marks thank you so much for bringing psychedelics into this conversation. I've been struggling with anxiety and depression for almost 20 years (I'm 37 now) I recently got into psilocybin mushrooms and have had about 4 journeys altogether over the last 2 years. It has ignited something in my brain that cannot be explained. Well, you actually did explain it but you know what I mean 😊 the healing powers of these substances can no longer be ignored. I truly hope changes are made for the betterment of society without corporate interests ruining it. I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL and like so many others I'm glad I found you!

[@WhitePhoenix22]

This is interesting as of recent I’ve been so angry and unhappy and I wondered why? It’s because my mind just drifts off about scenarios and I get worked up, my mind races to useless traumatic events that happened as well. I didn’t really know what to do other than think optimistic and tell myself to fight off those thoughts and encourage myself I could do it. With this video it makes sense, I used to really involve myself with my surroundings and actually appreciate the air, the sun, even smell. I haven’t don’t that in a bit and it ties in with so much of what she’s saying in this video. Thank you! So much just clicked and im very much appreciative 💗

[@Kingkilam999]

I recently discovered that I have really sensitive and impressionable hearing. I used to listen to a lot of negative and aggressive music and when I’m not listening to it, it’s on repeat in my mind for days. I’ve been listening to only Mozart and Vivaldi for the last few weeks and its also been nonstop in my head especially when I’m not focused on anything. I deal with hypersensitivity and some PTSD, I grew up super sheltered with barely any social life. Meaning my mom kept me away from just about everything mainstream and having only listened to classical music since I was a baby, when I got older, and saw what the world was actually like, I didn’t want to be a part of it, like shell shock I’ve held that depression from my childhood to now along with everything else. And Im understanding how powerful my mind is. How beautiful our imagination is, you just gotta feed it good and feed it right. Treat your mind as you would a child, watch your tongue, tune your ears, choose and welcome only the things you need, to make this life feel like home. Pair goodness with every sense, and it will redefine your world right before your eyes.💙

[@sapphic384]

I cannot resonate and relate any more to this comment than I do right now. Loll. Almost everything you said here, I relate to. I also been sheltered most of my life and am highly sensitive and I was terrified of the world and barely wanted to be out, but I craved social interaction cuz I was always alone. I'm introverted cuz I do like and prefer being alone. But I do still like social interaction, I'm just selective and don't like to be alone ALL of the time. And I've noticed I do kinda think like a child a lot and have a big imagination. For a long time I felt like that was a bad thing cuz most people around me thought much differently. It's hard to accept yourself as you are when so many people in the world don't want to and think low of you, even strangers. Like why?? You don't even know me. Lol 🤦🏻‍♀

[@aleksandry.7213]

Mozart has been an incredibly powerful tool for me, his music is like pure love, I can only imagine the kind of person he was. These people don’t exist in the world nowadays, and a lot of music is focused on aggression and sadness and heartbreak instead of the peak beauty. Not trying to bash on any kind of music but I just wanted to say that Mozart and other composers have been profoundly effective in changing my mental state. It’s almost like it taught me to love the world again as a child might.

[@sapphic384]

@@aleksandry.7213 I liked classical type music for a while too when I was a kid. But kids kept saying how weird it was or I was for listening to music like that so young, so I got insecure and eventually forgot all about it, but it was soo calming and soothing and put me right to sleep 😭 Thanks for the reminder guys. Ima get back into it! 😌

[@Kingkilam999]

@@aleksandry.7213 and @Evelyn every one of us has the potential to be something amazing. Even the saddest of music has its beauty it’s all about your perspective, we feel the pain of someone through the music they create and the natural reaction when someone is in pain is to comfort them. These days we see so much pain and hate, people are angry and music is painful. Yet there’s no one for us to comfort and we are left unsettled with other peoples emotions, trying to find away to comfort that disorder within ourselves. And i relate to feeling childlike, i will never let go of my inner child. Sometimes when I talk to new people I try to see that child in their faces and it makes me love them even if I don’t know them

[@Hellenicheavymetal]

@@Kingkilam999 "we feel the pain of someone through the music they create" ive never looked at it that way. Many metal musicians are happy & nice people (Mikael Stanne, Chuck Shuldiner..) its just part of the genre to be negative or angry etc I personally always felt like there was a connection when listening. Wheras happy upbeat music turned me off because it just doesnt feel relateable.

[@RichLikeNeneLeaks]

I believe this is the most informative thing ive heard so far this year. I’ve never thought about anything like this in my life. Maybe I’ve been spending too much time thinking about how the world sees me as oppose to how I should be seeing the world.

[@NN-wu8fw]

This is the best video and response!

[@schnitzelberry]

It's about time

[@LDiamondz]

Wow. Very well put. I think I'm going to spend more time thinking of how I should be seeing the world, too.

[@vanesasteves6922]

I love how you can explain complex topics in such a simple way, making it easy to understand, thank you!

[@free2express08]

It's comforting to hear the terminology to what I do naturally. Everything described here is exactly how my brain works. Great video!

[@akacosmetic]

Psylocybin changed my life from extreme depression and PTSD it rewired me from going to a very very dark place. Thank you for talking about this!

[@welcmasher2471]

do you microdose?

[@akacosmetic]

@@welcmasher2471 yes

[@Carlos-yh2mb]

@@akacosmetic I want to start doing it, could you explain me how did you started? How much do I have to eat, and should I do it dailY?

[@KelsiPiper]

Yesss

[@Oddie99000]

@@Carlos-yh2mb with something like similar to magic mushrooms, I think a dose every few months is substantial!!

[@makeupchicax3]

I feel seen.. for some reason I thought I was the only person who was torturing themselves in this way! It is so exhausting and makes me anxious and sad. I think I have OCD. I’m also highly sensitive so I think that’s why the rushing thoughts affect my emotions so much. Thanks for this video!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're welcome😊 Layla. You're not alone.

[@natanna437]

I think I have this too

[@NunayoBisnez]

Go to a doctor for a personalized evaluation instead of self-diagnosing.

[@natanna437]

@@NunayoBisnez because the doctor can’t help me if I can’t help myself.

[@moooobkityy]

You just discribed me 🙏

[@nugget3982]

I normally dont comment on youtube videos, but thank you so much for this. it is genuinely life changing for me learning that i can control my unwanted, negative, and intrusive thoughts as i am extremely paranoid and constantly stuck on past memories

[@TheClassicalKids]

Fantastic video - this information is exactly what I needed to begin putting what I’ve been thinking/feeling into a proper perspective. Thank you Dr. Marks!

[@jmannii]

This video and your other video on ruminating were very helpful. To decrease my ruminating, I came up with a list of things to think about instead. Now when I find myself ruminating, I think about hobbies, projects that I'm working on, or recent KZbin videos that I enjoyed. Now that I'm not ruminating so much, it really does make me a happier person.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

That's aweseome jmannii. Thanks for sharing. That's a great tip others can use.

[@natanna437]

What if in ur mind u can’t just think about a new topic because u feel like to have to think the thing?

[@jmannii]

@@natanna437 Call somebody and talk about a topic other than the one your mind wants to ruminate about. If you can't do that, try writing. For example, I would either lesson plan (I'm a teacher) or meal plan on paper. It's hard to write about one thing and think about another at the same time.

[@sewcraftymarigold5556]

Recently I've been noticing that I am negative and then I'm living in the moment and then when I stop to take a break and I'm negative again. Knowing what and why negative thoughts come to mind is helpful to know. I will try meditation again and the mind exercises I was given. Holidays can knock you down. I'm more aware now of my triggers. Thanks for the video.

[@xSwordLilyx]

Holidays are my biggest trigger also, especially since everybody seems to be so happy and rubbing it in our faces! My happiest time is when I am over with my boyfriends' family, I wish I could spend the month with them, but I work a lot at holiday time! And on christmas when I stayed into early evening, because we were postponed from christmas eve, my dad was texting me angrily that I didn't want to do christmas with him.

[@MsMoneyonMyMind]

Idk how this came across my feed but I'm ever so grateful... I am just so impressed by ppl who can take complex ideas and break them down so a lay person can understand immediate sub 💛

[@elizabetha.1171]

I have OCD and this had really been bothering me, I spend so much time everyday feeling like my mind can't focus and I get so little accomplished 😩 thank you for this video

[@anatolylavrenty4405]

ADHD, generalized anxiety, the best combo. never felt so identified by a video and i cant wait to try and stop them. i dream big and i need to function properly so i must get rid of these issues and specially intrussive thoughts and imposter syndrome. i have been on antidepressants for a year and a half now, on ADHD meds for around three months, things slowly getting better but this is my weak spot so i must fix it. thank you for the information!!

[@crystalcobbs375]

How did you get diagnosed& how old were you? What pushed you to go seek a diagnosis?

[@g.h.7661]

@@crystalcobbs375 the literal majority of adults with ADHD who have not received a diagnosis & have subsequently gone untreated for 20+ years have ended up in bad situations like being homeless, or as addicts, or in jail, or have dropped out of school, or suffered teen pregnancies, or been institutionalized, the list goes on. Anyway my point is it’s not even about wanting to go “seek out” a diagnosis. It’s not a choice. It’s absolute desperation experienced by people who have been 100% medically neglected their entire lives. It’s about someone dying or drowning & they’re literally not gonna survive in this world until they get the correct help. For those of us who’ve fallen thru the cracks & been failed by society, a diagnosis usually comes unexpectedly, most often when we go in to get some kind of unrelated mental health treatment or addiction treatment. Many mental illnesses have the same symptoms as ADHD so we find out we’ve been misdiagnosed, and co-morbidities are extremely common. Sometimes we are actually forced into seeing doctors. Whatever the reason, it is never too late, but it’s not going to work unless we are treated properly with medication. Sadly I hear about all these people who have managed to work, aren’t on disability, have successful relationships etc… going in and “seeking treatment” when they don’t actually require it, and these drug seekers are the reason people who are actually suffering won’t end up getting treated.

[@macabreromance]

Same!

[@Deeznuts12309]

@@g.h.7661 bro wrote a whole essay

[@Truthster772]

I’m so glad you posted this. I wander consistently! If often have wandered about this very topic! It’s true! And it’s never positive! It’s always what I call “fear-based” thinking. For me, it’s ongoing trauma that I can’t escape. When it first started, I remember switching off my brain and being functional the first year, never thinking about the issue and dealing with it when I needed too. Now, I like can barely function. Doing the bare minimum. Too much anxiety and I can’t stop thinking about everything that is wrong and everything that may go wrong and everything that will go wrong and how wrong I am! I haven’t been able to switch it back off again. I wonder if that interferes with limb circulation. I wondered half way through this video so now I got to watch it again. I was prescribed Adderall for years and years and in 2014 when I decided to stop, I often wonder if that messed up my brain. I used Adderall to “focus,” but the problem is I would super focus on smaller tasks, then get overwhelmed. I also couldn’t eat or sleep. So I got officially tested for ADHD, and it was discovered that that is not what I have so I was able to stop taking Adderall.

[@Jadedgems]

Do you have generalized anxiety)

[@elysianfields8461]

@classical chameleon Very true! I've been using an app on my phone for mindfulness practice. Started last March and this has been so beneficial improving my ptsd symptoms! I didn't think such things would help, but out of desperation I stuck with it. Very glad I did!!

[@cristenk7230]

Adderall probably made you have these racing thoughts to begin with, maybe. imo only

[@Tewtieee]

@@elysianfields8461 what’s the app called?

[@kali7906]

I have ADHD and Adderall has really helped me. I also have PTSD and bad anxiety. I take antidepressants but I want to try micro-dosing!

[@thatguitarguy99]

This is the best mental health video I’ve seen. Thank you

[@jibsayherp]

What a great video Dr. Tracey

[@jatinsharma1552]

I cured my anxiety attacks and depression by this exercise of body scan and other exercise like pointing 10 objects and then name them and then saying their colors and then focus on 5 sounds you are listening. These exercises stops overthinking and bring you in present moment and you starts breathing deep and long naturally and feel relaxed. Mam you explains things very good...

[@TheKnellBelle]

How often would you do these exercises?

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Those are some great exercises Jatin. I'm glad they work for you👍🏽

[@jatinsharma1552]

@@TheKnellBelle several times in a day. It is not like that you have to take out time in a day to do that. Just try to behave in this way. Whenever some thoughts comes in mind just try to distract yourself by looking at few objects and things and name them and focus on sounds and noises you are hearing...in a few minutes you will come to present moment and your breath changes.. I promise

[@jatinsharma1552]

@@DrTraceyMarks thanks mam. 🙏🏻 You are doing a wonderful job and helping people..

[@TheKnellBelle]

@@jatinsharma1552 Thanks!

[@thedesigner1435]

Being a creative, my mind is constantly going through like millions of thoughts every micro second. This is by far the most helpful video put in the most funniest of ways😂. Now understanding whats happening, and I am able to empathize with myself more and look at my thoughts rather than through them as I have been doing. Thank you Dr Tracey😊

[@justacrusader3199]

Glad to see I'm not the only one being like this. Actually I don't think this is "bad" but this forbids you from being productive,especially when you're working on something you don't actually enjoy

[@mohamedabdulla4190]

You are so gifted at making this all so simple to understand and most importantly, remember. I love that you act out the negative behaviors, it really makes it stick for me!

[@johnterpack3940]

I just wanted to thank you. I'm closing in on 53 and this simple 7-minute video just fundamentally altered my life. Over the years I've heard countless crystal junkies talk about mindfulness and living in the present. But not one of them ever mentioned that the negative voice screaming over everything wasn't in the present. Finding out that voice was a separate part of my brain made it trivial to deal with. I shut it down and things are better already. I'm still broken by normal standards. But I like my other demons.

[@thefellowshipreforged8901]

its refreshing seeing a video that is informative and gets to the point instead of meandering and not providing clear answers like most self help videos. the occasional goofy bits were great and its still got good pacing

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks a lot!

[@MM-KunstUndWahrheit]

I was struggling with this issue for years and it really stresses me when I try to concentrate on a book or a lecture and suddenly, I would probably lose consciousness with the main subject I am interested into, and it really left minor side effects...and now out of nowhere this video pops up and in the first minute it explained the whole problem, thanks for such a video kind woman🙏🏾

[@n.jenkins726]

Dr. Tracy, I need you to keep doing good work. I have benefited so much from your vids. You have helped me to better understand what is going on with me and others. Thank you. Truly.

[@samanthakim5035]

I'm so thankful that I watched this video. I cried helplessly last night because I can't stop my mind to think thoughts that are “helping” me. I really need to take it seriously in my life now.

[@JulesKM]

I have 'bad' days when this happens constantly. I'll go into a state where it's almost like I'm trapped in my mind. I won't know where the time goes. Each time it happens, I'm more distressed than the last. It's nice to know it's not just me, but it's very hard to stop it from happening.

[@paulinakotchani7742]

This makes so much sense! I started smoking weed my second year into college , I thought it would help me focus because i have ADHD, which it did but only for a semester. It did help tremendously though with my self confidence and personal image. Ive had body dismophia for a long as I can remember, it started with my mum bullying me about my weight and it got worst over the years and followed me even in public. I had to put up a front all the time because according to my mum "I wasn't allowed to feel or display discomfort in my body". But weed helped me actually see the positive, id look at myself in the mirror when high and it'd take me a little minute not to cringe but , the more i did it the less uncomfortable it was, which was not something i had experienced before with myself unless i looked skinny. This is getting long but the bottom line is that, weed slowed down all the hateful comments my mind would throw at or at least not focus on them giving me enough time to actually take it in , give myself emphaty before the hate would hit. I don't know if I'm making much sense but , i truly started to believe that i was unique and beautiful because id smoke around people who made me feel valid, and it took some time but i got slowly comfortable with taking and receiving compliments because i was high and in a totally different state of mind.

[@tamiajackson]

Looking at your profile picture...you're a very beautiful young lady.. don't let your mother psychologically fuck you up for life.. Live yuh own life hon..you're beautiful inside and out.. forget her. And start to love yourself for ALL that you are.. she's probably just jealous of you.. do like me and doh take it on

[@srusse1086]

My mother did the same to me and her mother to her. She thought 100lbs was a beautiful weight for a lady, so when I hit 115# at age 16; I was "fat". Their inner dialog carried over to badgering their daughters. Keep up the good work rewiring your mind. Your mom's work is over.

[@edgarallenhoe4656]

I thought weed was really good for me at first , but over the past 2 months I’ve been going through hell with derealization and intense depressive thoughts. I legitimately feel like I’m high all the time or like I’m not all here or like I’m losing a grip on reality . Needless to say, I don’t think weed is for me anymore like I used to think it was . Just be careful

[@mr.4096]

I heard ecstasy and PCP can do that too. I wonder if psilocybin can too. Better for you to avoid them all then, and perhaps any medications derived from psilocybin. Does your mind wonder a lot? Derealization sounds like the mind thinking it’s in a state of sleep. Perhaps intense focused effort on a task could help you like playing real time strategy games, or frequent conversations with people in person.

[@LexAladar]

I don’t like inhaling any types of smoke, but I have found that weed helps my thinking slow down and let’s me focus on one thing at time. I’ve been at a point where I been on high productivity schedules while sober with the ability to focus on one thing at time, but lately life has gotten a bit rough and it leads me to doing some not so good habits. No one knows this about me, but I’m self aware enough to understand my addictive tendencies and decisions. I have not been on my meditation train as before sooo I’m assuming any recent bad decisions have led me off my path temporarily. I would say continue to strive for a great health mentally and spiritually. Don’t Let the mentality of others affects yours. You are your own and in this life, caskets don’t come in pairs.

[@pollyannacowgurl]

I am diagnosed adhd and ocd (among other things 🙃), so this information was mind blowing! My mind constantly wanders, but I decided to take matters into my own hands and micro dose psilocybin for a short period a year ago and wasn't sure if anything had really happened...but this confirmed it did because the negative self-talk and intrusive thoughts, although they aren't gone completely I most definitely have a new perspective and have like new programing that helps me work through things better and my depression really is just gone. For the 1st time since childhood I experience more life satisfaction in the quiet moment when nothing is happening whereas before my default mode was always melancholic. It's incredibly cool how the brain works! Great video! It was incredibly helpful!!

[@Ryan-mw9pm]

Thank you for this! Concise and insightful.

[@potapotapotapotapotapota]

Intrusive thoughts can also be the cause of actual physical pain. That's why when you take the pain away, the depressing thoughts go too. Our bodies are signal machines that compel us to do many things we wouldn't actually choose to do.

[@Pobcast1]

I may be misunderstanding her, but I’ve gained a lot from my mind wandering. Negative and positive. I have fits of psychosis occasionally, anxiety daily, depression. But also the wandering mind has led me to some of my favorite jokes I’ve ever came up with (I rarely write them, I think of them and do them on stage and so far I’ve never forgotten a joke).

[@ray-hv9qt]

i think it has good and bad, good because you can think of other things in time of distress and bad because it decreases your attention span and your ability to focus

[@jillianwolf3846]

agreed, I think mind wandering is good sometimes, as long as its not excessive

[@raymeester7883]

How do describe what you have gained?

[@JazzyCast]

Its more bad than good, like compare getting the negatives which turbulate life so much ie anxiety, depression and psychosis to a few jokes :| I get what u mean as an artist myself

[@lollylula6399]

Some people can't absorb B12 orally. B12 injections put a stop to me having psychotic episodes. I've been topped up on B12 for years now so don't even get a whiff of the psychotic symptoms, but previously when I noticed my thoughts getting 'sticky' or I was getting paranoid I would have another B12 injection and it nipped it straight in the bud. If you don't access to a medical practitioner that is happy to support you in this then you can also get B12 supplements you put under your tongue, so they absorb sublingually without having to go through the digestive system, I think they are also effective. There is scientific evidence to back this.

[@craigory5649]

This woman is a life saver. Literally

[@ursulageorgeson7086]

After a heartbreak, I've definitely been struggling. This video helped, I haven't known whether denying these thoughts was bad or good for me, repressing things my mind is trying to process. It's good to know that's its OK to suppress them.

[@phantasmagorial]

Just try not to beat yourself up if it's hard to suppress the negative thoughts; sometimes actively trying to suppress them can make them more persistent (at least in my experience). With some meditation I've tried, when you get a negative thought you can try acknowledging its existence instead of getting angry at it, then let it wash away. Or distract yourself with physical motions. Or try interrupting intrusive thoughts with a vocal phrase. Easier said than done of course! But as Dr Marks said, it's all about practice. ^^

[@sofiasallehi353]

@@phantasmagorial totally agree with this !

[@cycling-around]

I just gotta say how much your channel helped me recover from acute depression and anxiety and still does every single day. It's sooooo great to be able to understand the science behind psychiatric diseases and how to recover or at least have more control of yourself. This video is a gem (one of many from your channel) and I'm really glad I found your channel last year. Thank you so much

[@l.cuttzx3523]

Good to know it helped you! Wish you well and good luck 🤙🏼

[@Gigimz]

I am so absolutely insanely grateful you make these videos. I’ve been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since I was 12 and recently at 18 I got diagnosed with adhd. You’re videos have done more for me than years of therapy. The information you share is truly life changing, each video changes my mentality for the better and gives me an educated perspective. You and your channel is exactly what people need, thank you!

[@heatherrogers548]

Got the same three diagnosis. These videos are helping me more than wayyyy more than three years in therapy. Good luck to you. :)

[@DrTraceyMarks]

@giselle and @Heather Hearing this gives me so much pleasure because that is exactly why I make the videos. I want people to have deeper understanding of their mental health. I also want to help normalize the discussion around mental health so we can talk about it just like we'd talk about any other aspect of our health. ❤️

[@eelronconi]

@@DrTraceyMarks Dr

[@neogaines2418]

I just came out of the mind forest, opened up KZbin and this video was in my recommended. Great timing and great video.

[@judyporco3366]

You are wonderful, a real Dr to answer and explain what I have spent thousands of dollars to understand through my life , several stress related ups and downs , medications , will continue watching your videos for information. Thank u

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

I’m waiting patiently on those psychedelics. Ever since I was a kid I would spend half of my time daydreaming & not being present. I’ve never had anxiety until a few months ago & now I’m always on edge. I can’t even sit still getting blood drawn or even getting a haircut. I feel really disconnected from other people, every interaction is like an out of body experience. Managing Manic-Depression is hard enough, but anxiety that has come from out of nowhere sucks. Thanks for another great video Dr. Tracey.

[@sushih3302]

Good luck with dealing with struggles in life! I hope you’re doing better now, have you gotten the psychedelics yet?

[@rahen101]

What a concise explanation of a problem that affects millions. I’ve heard how beneficial it is to live in the present, listened to Alan Watts, and know first hand the dangers. It’s also been a topic of discussion with my sister, an M.D. and psychiatrist who has studied neural plasticity. This video really puts it all in place and will be immensely helpful to refer back to. Thank you very much, Dr. Marks. Richard Allen.

[@zeezas1241]

Thank you for this! I love love love a more scientific and research based explanation and you made this engaging and interesting and only as long as it had to be! I sent this to my friend with severe anxiety whos also a neuroscience major, I hope she'll like it!

[@badandboujeee]

I have never liked and subscribed so promptly in my life. Great content.

[@Jiggelmeister]

I realize prayer filled the role of meditation for me when I was a child. And my parents pushed me to pray at morning, night, and before every meal. When I drifted from my faith I began experiencing the destabilizing mental consequences.

[@pqt112]

Me too

[@devonjohnson9268]

I've grown up agnostic but I've always seen prayer as a way to be mindful, create affirmations, and focus the mind on what you want. I really dislike when people hate on it. I've never prayed personally, but I feel like there's a lot of secular life advice that can be extracted from religion if it's looked at properly

[@HannahCrier]

I feel like I finally found a channel that nailed how I've been feeling almost 24/7- thank you Dr. Marks for the helpful information!

[@Opeyemi.sanusi]

This is amazing. I have dealt with a lot and because of this I can’t get over something cause I constantly am forced to remember them and live through it again and again. I get anxiety a lot and depressed a lot.

[@TimoteoJuan89]

I don't think I've ever found a Psychiatrist as collectively professional, informative, AND cool all at the same time as her. Keep up the great work, Doc! Thanks for all you do. ❤

[@bz7901]

This is one of the most helpful and straightforward talks I've ever heard. Thank you.

[@trucker132]

I honestly started to tear up watching this video. I have had to explain this feeling to so many people, and nobody understands it. I'm so happy to have come across this video, and to know that this never ending hell, might just have light at the end of the tunnel.

[@mythoughtsexactly2145]

I think I have a strong default mode network. However, my thoughts usually range from random ideas to writing a story, so mostly positive. I used to be very anxious too. I mean I'm kinda like that now, but it has significantly decreased since childhood and I only really get negative when I get too frustrated. Still, my default mode network is kinda a blessing and a curse though. I like the things that I subconsciouly think about, but it usually gets in the way of my attention span

[@ThomasThough]

Absolutely fascinating. What a useful video, thanks for making such!

[@christenbass380]

I really needed to see this video. Being 25 now and really struggling with healing from childhood and some forms of adult relationship abuse. I have all these thoughts and experience so much in my mind all of the time. I have been meditating more and more but I really enjoyed the video and validation that there is hope to like get better and change.

[@matthewdavis3014]

*Great* topic, it’s a real struggle for me and definitely feeds my anxiety and depression

[@MissyRoselle]

This is so relevant to me. Thank you so much for sharing this, Doc!

[@jobaute3984]

This is an eye opener. Thank you!

[@halley3825]

I hava huge problem with allowing my mind to wonder. When I was a child I started doing things In patterns so I would get things done instead of standing around doing nothing, lost in my thoughts. When I was 13 my mind wondering got so bad that it made it nearly impossible to get anything done without losing train of thought and what I was doing. So I started counting, it was the only way to stop getting lost inside my mind. Now I've been struggling every day with compulsive counting disorder for last 7 years. I want to gain more control over how I live my life and uninvited thoughts that enter my mind. I'm finally taking baby steps to overcome the struggle of my ocd and what caused it.

[@noonynoonynoony]

I absolutely love your videos. Your demeanor is awesome and the quick cuts in your videos make it easier for my (adhd) brain to stay with you. Thanks so much for making educational videos that are frank and non-condescending. Your eyeshadow in this video is fantastic. Your style in general is pretty rockin. Thank you also for being a champion of psychedelics. Ibogaine saved a family member (and our family) from heroin addiction, and other psychedelics helped deliver me from the worst parts of PTSD. You’re so awesome for being so candid.

[@al.g9534]

i love your videos the little humorous moments you’ve added we love you!

[@ChickentNug]

I've never heard this explanation, and it's exactly accurate, even the intrusive thoughts thing. Thanks for the video!

[@christal9440]

This has been one of my biggest issues for a long time. I feel I often use it as a way to escape from all of the duties I know I DO need to focus on. During the semester break, I've trying to space out as much as possible to stop stressing and get my mind off of school until this coming Monday. LOL before this video, I was even planning to get drunk just to fully space out for a while. I'm not a lazy person, just one trying to cope and fill the void. I greatly appreciate this video. I've been trying to become better at focusing on the present by journaling everyday and doing mood check-ins, but there's still plenty work to be done. I know the next step is my diet. Thank you for making this video, seems like it was right on time for me.

[@crisram7612]

This video is gold, it really helps me to understand a lot of things from what I'm passing through right now

[@EMAngel2718]

I'm skeptical of the idea that the default mode needs to be generally suppressed by everyone but I can definitely see it being helpful for some people to do so. I've personally had a lot of success engaging with and redirecting it

[@BorisG13]

So well explained. Excellent.