what is the best way to stop obsessing about something, i.e. an argument, a bad day, a anxious thought?
455380
Hard repetitive work does the trick. \n\nWhen programs teaching patients how to sew, paint or some other repetitive activity was introduced in psychiatric hospitals, psychiatrists noticed an increased improvement among their patients.
1030344
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder .. Start with a good psychiatrist who can properly diagnose it and prescribe meds if necessary. You might want to see a psychotherapist who can do ongoing therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) that might work. Which city?
138759
take your mind off the craving by finding something else/better to do
957806
I know exactly what you're going through, i have ocd too. im not going to a psycologist or anything though. its like i cant stop thinking. i think the thing that usually helps me is to go out with friends, they help me feel better and keep my mind off things.
1042778
Stop worrying about whatever you're thinking about.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:6-7)\n\nI like to read, which helps me to fall asleep.  Nothing heavy, just some light fiction to help me take my mind off whatever problems I've been working on that day.\n\n\nWarm milk before bed also helps.  My son really likes that.
153840
I had suffer from anxiety attacks a while ago, the best thing to do is not to think of them, if before u go on the plane or the cruise u are already thinking that u are gonna have an anxiety attack, u are programming yourself.....just be optimistic about it, dont think about them...if u have one..the best thing to do, that works with me...think that it will soon pass....just dont loose ur head....it will pass it will pass....and if u have a partner, couple....try to talk about anything....anything at all...the worts thing is to be left alone with yourself and your nervous mind. Talk to the guy next to you..sing a song...anything...to distract for a moment your mind.
431041
if you are bothered or tormented by a constant inner dialogue and restless thoughts, try meditation. It helps still the mind and can also improve concentration when you are not meditating.
912328
I know it sounds silly but find something you really love and do it to get your mind off of whatever is getting you anxious. I suffer the same thing and find that certain comedies do the trick.
53384
try simply sitting down closing your eyes and pondering your problems.
226073
Sit in a comfortable quiet place.\nClose your eyes.\nClear your mind of all thoughts.\nThoughts will keep coming back into your mind.  When they do, simply stop thinking them and clear your mind again.\nKeep repeating the last step.
349031
if you are in a position to discuss this with someone you feel happy talking about it to (whether a medical person or not) it might help you to rationalise what to you seems like an irrational thought....\n\nThere are times when I think I am being followed, usually in a part of town when i would not like to be... this is driven by fear of attack rather than any psychiatric issues as we were once attacked in a bad part of another town and I got a broken nose and arm.... \n\nDon't worry about worrying... I don't know where you are in the world but a search for a group to discuss your problem at may help as there will be people there who you know will listen whether they do it for a job or they do it to share with others their own life experiences\n\nI don't like wasps and earwigs BUT I also don't like tuna in olive oil ;0\n\nBe happy .... have a google around for local groups with professionals in attendance\n\nNext time you think you are being followed turn around ... no one there? turn around the next time BUT before you do think .. "hey there was no one there last time" ..then take a look... the third time you might not have to turn around ;)
274485
turn off tv and radio. stay away from noisy environment. keep temperature at a comfortable cool. give in to distracting thoughts for fifteen minutes (as in write down everything that comes to your mind--as in anything!). then mentally tell yourself, i will go back on all these as soon as i finish my homework. it works! try it!
471857
The key will be diversion.  When we focus on the problem or the issue, we amplify it and actually it cane become worse.  So the best advice is to do something different, each day.  The best thing anyone can do for any emotional concern is something physical.  It is as simple as walking.  Go for a walk.  Gradually make it a longer walk or walk for a longer time, but keep it fun and enjoyable, something you look forward to doing and want to do.\n\nIf you are physically able, begin a simply program of running.  I am 65 now and run regularly.  I can easily say, I work at staying nice and staying happy.  And it works.
863787
You can stop when you stop checking up on him. As long as you dig around to see if he is okay or listen to stories about him, you are feeding your fantasy/dreams/neurosis.\nStop all check/sightings/following. Then when you start to think of him, repeat the mantra "I distinctly remember forgetting about him." This will help reprogram your mind.
766525
I have been like this for a while now ,someone told me the worst thing you can do is worry about it so I don't.Keep writing things down and being organised and enjoy your life and have a laugh at yourself when you do something silly.There's worse things could be wrong with you.
523678
The first thing to do is try distracting yourself from the depressing moment. Play a game, go out, see a movie, put some music on and chill, take a hot shower, listen to music, burn some incense with candle light, or do what makes you happy in a healthy manner. If this does not work then you will have to challenge your thinking. \n\nFor every main negative thought you have you will have to come up with a stronger balanced thought. To get to the balanced thought you will have to find evidence for the negative thought and evidence against the negative thought. This will lead to better clearer thinking. You will need to write this stuff out so you can visually see what your thinking. Hope this helps. Get a workbook like Mind over Mood and do the exercises because that helps too.
546246
Day by day.\nHour by hour.\nMinute by minute.\nChill, and stop worrying about what other people think.  Just live your life the way that you want, and that makes you happy.