How to regain control and let thoughts go?
Hi everyone - I hope you're all doing well! Last night, out of nowhere, I got hit with this really horrible "what if" thought about a past event that, honestly, had no impact on my life at all, and still doesn't impact me in any way. I wrote it down, I prayed, I engaged with it, I tried to distract myself. I had hoped I'd feel better today after I got some sleep, but I still feel like it has power over me. There's no evidence at all that this thought is true, and strong arguments that it's false, and logically, I know this. But emotionally, it's different. I guess I'm still reeling or something? I just want to let it go and move on.
Does anyone else experience stuff like this? Is this an intrusive thought, rumination, or something like that? How do I let it go and regain control over my mind? How do I explain to myself that there's no evidence that this is true, and that I can leave it behind?
Hey there! It sounds like you’re overwhelmed by this thought! I would love to talk with you more about how to take your power back from this thought! Have you ever tried visual imagery? Please don’t hesitate to message me anytime!
@calmWishes2119
Hi! Thank you for your response! 
I have not tried visual imagery before, what is it?
I'm hoping that with time this thought will lose it's power and fade away. So far, I've had things to keep me busy and distract my mind, and by not focusing on it, it feels easier to stay calm and repeat "This thought is worrying, but not true, and this is not what happened." Whenever I think about it.
Visual imagery is where you visualize letting the thought go in your head then allowing to leave just the same! I like to personally use the visual of placing my thoughts that are distressing on a leaf and watching go down the river out of sight! I think you are doing an amazing job keeping calm! Just keep your head up! This won’t last forever!
@calmWishes2119
Thank you so much! I will be sure to try this. I love the mental image of placing your thoughts on a leaf and allowing them to blow away, that sounds so peaceful. I hope you are doing well and that you have a great week!
