Obsession with Something No Longer There

7 Responses to "Obsession with Something No Longer There"

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1. My Version
   monica22
   Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 08:38 PM

   Hello Sue,

   Unfortunately for me I can relate to Cassie. In order to preserve my privacy I'll just refer generically to "my delusions" as my obsessions. Every time I became manic they would resurface and in my own way I believed the chipmunk was in the rain gutter. After I came back down and back to my senses, the notion seemed preposterous. This happened countless times. I finally got to the point where I recognized I was delusional or obsessing. I chose to use self talk. I then would try and be rational about the chipmunk. It had left the rain gutter years ago and I was the only one who needed convincing. My mind will occasionally want to toy with the fact maybe the chipmunk is still in there, it's  hiding. I just talk to myself sternly and refuse to play. I have always wondered about the relationship between bipolar and obsessive thinking. I guess they go hand in hand. Thank you for your example and your work with BDSA.

   Monica 

   
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2. Great Post
   TryingHard
   Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 10:03 PM
   This was a fantastic post and one that I can relate to on so many levels. I wish I knew the answer to completely letting go ... I'm working on it. I've found in some situations that truly looking at a situation under a realistic light has helped. I've managed to stop idealizing in some instances and stop putting so much importance in others. I really have to force myself to stop and think to do this. To truly think clearly is sometimes harder than it first appears.
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3. Very Interesting
   1whocares
   Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 10:37 PM

    

   That is intersesting to me that you posted that story.

   I have been aware very recently of where my " automatic thoughts " take me. And have done so for years.

   Comparitive thinking.

   Obviously a product of a minimal amount of esteem for ones self.

   I can see what I am doing on one hand but the issue is that these patterns have been around longer than i would prefer and it takes a concious effort to redirect those beliefs.

   There is the thing right there.

   What we believe.

    

    

   
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4. Obsession with Something No Longer There
   Pat7
   Friday, October 19, 2007 at 11:49 AM

   Sue-

   Lovely story/metaphor/poetry; the picture enables us to circumvent, I suppose, the noise in our intellects, forming a concrete handle with which to see.

   May I have permission to send it on without your name?

   Pat

   
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5. Obsession with something no longer there
   TJ ODell, Jr.
   Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 11:07 AM

   I agree with you, I too have the problem of negative self talk, and over generalizations does anyone have tips for not seetting these traps for ourselves,

    

   Thanks

   TJ ODell Jr

   
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6. Obsession
   Anonymous
   Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 09:54 PM
   Hi Sue!  I met you at the convention in Florida. I used to live in Il.and moved to Tennessee in June after getting a divorce (would have been married 29 years in Sept.)  This is my first time on your site. This  letter you wrote on obsession is terrific.It really hit home with me.I had a job experience over 15 years ago and just couldn't get over it. After reading your article I kind of realize why. Thanks for your insight.  DBSA has helped me so much with my BiPolar       Sue from Tennesse.
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7. Obsession
   Beth
   Friday, November 02, 2007 at 01:39 AM
   Thanks for your sharing your insight.  You see, the moving on, facing life forward instead of focusing on the mistakes is my biggest problem.  You'll never know how much good you did by sharing that you have been prone to do it too.  I face it daily.  Right now you could say my obsession is getting over the negative self-talk and the constant guilt.  It's about the hardest thing to do.  You know that shoulda and coulda and woulda are best friends....the kind that can really rip you apart.  Thanks for the encouragement.
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