Breaking the wall of ruminative anxious thought

Mladen Sormaz argues that we can disrupt the faulty neural networks involved in anxiety disorders using a smart phone app to interrupt and distract people, restoring mental order.

[irn]

I guess this is why people get addicted to games, and play them for hours a day. it's to constantly break them out of the cycle of ruminative thought.

[rowenabisschoff]

Found this in the middle of the night while ruminating. I use immersive games and worried that I was trying to escape from my problems. 🤣 Thanks for a lot of validation!!

[katieduffy]

I ruminate a lot and it ruins my life. I’m very interested in this, thank you for studying it snd sharing your findings. ❤️

[PaddyIrishman]

I have been ruminating incessantly since I got involved in drugs in my twenties. That combined with a violent household and having almost gone to prison, seemed to set something off in my brain. I could ruminate for every single hour of every day while awake, for the best part of a decade. Less so now, but it's still there and ruins my days. In the past, I did find the only time I did not ruminate was when I was deep in a task, physical work or video gaming. it's ruined most of my relationships and had me in and out of a few psychologists and CBT nurses.

[pan]

Tetris is fantastic for breaking negative ruminations.

[BlueFlyer]

VERY intriguing. I've been having regular issues with rumination and the only thing I could find that helps is a distraction of some sort. Problem is I can't find one distraction that works regularly. Guess I'll have to try Tetris.

[chrispeers]

I’ve been ruminating severely for the past 2 years now. It’s taken everything from me, I don’t know what I’m ruminating about though that’s the thing…I think im ruminating about ruminating. But I’m constantly negative and I can’t enjoy anything as I feel as though I have to focus on this thing. I’m never fully present

[shyaaammeneen]

Very useful video. For overthinking problem be careful what you feed your mind. Avoid comparing yourself with others, reduce watching negative social media and avoid constipation as it affects the mind instantly. Your breathing is related to the brain [mind] and gives relief from stress-anxiety. For a relaxed mind observe the sensations of your incoming--outgoing breath sensations at the entrance of the nostrils for 5-10-15 minutes or more. You can sit or lay down on the bed--eyes closed--No deep breathing. Don’t fight your thoughts. With practice the mind will relax. Never meditate with expectations but with self-awareness. Observe your breath anywhere –anytime-- before sleep, at work, when travelling, taking a walk, etc with eyes open or closed. Like me make breath observing a lifetime habit to have a better life. Best wishes--Counsellor.

[zurizoraya]

This is awesome. . I can really try this method to keep me from obsessing about the negative things that have happen in my life and reprogram my brain in a way :) Its crazy that I came across this video because I just decided the other day I need to refocus my thoughts.

[townbythetown]

I’m 34 and I just realized that I have add. Thought loops, anxiety, focus issues, but also something I can’t describe well. I’d be interested in hearing if anyone feels the same- it’s almost like a very intense claustrophobia feeling but in regards to the place I am. I’ve been moving around my entire adult life. I’ll fell fine for a few weeks then I’ll get the claustrophobia anxiety feeling and only feel alright when I’m in transition again. I can’t describe it too well but it’s honestly a worse feeling than any depression or sadness I’ve ever had. Because the feeling is so frantic and pressing like it’s an emergency that I have to leave. My worst fear is being a wanderer for life but I struggle so badly with this. Any insights would be greatly appreciated

[makaylabratz]

My ruminating has gotten worse in the last 2 years. This sounds like a great idea, except my ruminating is at its worst when I'm driving. I'm open to learning more.

[randomnessanimation]

I been ruminating my whole life, I always end up crying and blaming myself for all the bad memories I’ve had. Any suggestions?

[veryconfused]

that clock thingy giving me massive panic attack. my worrry is not having enough time and lord this thing scared me

[amandaconnell]

I play chess or draughts on my phone & it breaks the anxiety loop. I also say to myself, " it's just a thought, it's not real, doesn't mean that the anxiety predictions will happen. Have to practice daily.

[rhoxttt]

So once your ruminating thoughts get distracted by playing the game and then when you stop what happens? How can the effect be continuously effective even after stopping playing? Wonder how it works. If the impacts of it are too short the person is gonna be addicted to the game I reckon. Then it’s like hiding the problem behind another problem.

[nimimerkillinen]

Thanks, been doing blitz or bullet chess instead

[jaybenjamin]

Anyone know what app it is as I would love to get back tomy

[hsedo]

I'm finding myself becoming anxious and down a bit lately and just being in my head most of the time. How do I break from this?

[MrSzoSs]

I’d argue against this as im now ruminating and it’s very crippling to be constantly overanalyzing everything that has just happened. Im basically a gaming addict and play games much more immersive and stimulating than Tetris and it might work to help escape these thoughts for sometime but they come back even when im gaming. Compulsive escapism will only bring much larger consequences.

[musicandpoetry_]

Why do I have this and barely anyone else does :(( ughhh