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Tidbits of Care

Lifestyle blog for self care, mental health and personal growth

Mental Health  /  April 2, 2020

Find Out What Causes a Racing Mind

I used to wonder why I couldn’t stop thinking about things that didn’t really matter. I dwelled on what I should have said to the bully at work, or turned over and over in my mind a disagreement I’d had with my mother. And I couldn’t seem to think about anything else, even if I was trying to distract myself. And since that experience, I have often asked myself, what causes a racing mind?

Can you relate to the above story? This is what a racing mind is, swirling thoughts that are repetitive but that you just can’t seem to get away from. What causes a racing mind? Why can’t you escape from a racing mind? I wish I knew. But I do know that what is happening when your mind races is that stress levels are higher than usual. For me, this is was a symptom of anxiety. It got so bad I was replaying events from a year before over and over in my mind while I was trying to mediate, causing the idea of meditation to heighten feelings of anxiety. Yeah, that was intense. As was my anxiety.

what causes of a racing mind photo quote

Anxiety and The Racing Mind

If you have anxiety, and know you have anxiety, then you probably already know this. However, you might also be wondering if you have anxiety if your mind races. The answer is maybe. A racing mind does not automatically mean that you have an anxiety disorder. It could simply be the result of stress levels that are higher than normal. Possibly a loved one is ill and your boss won’t let you take time off from work. Or, you have an important exam coming up and you haven’t been doing well in the course so far. Your mind races on and on about the exam or sick relative, you imagine worst case scenarios, you feel badly about yourself, trapped, and the thoughts go round and round. However, while this uncomfortable, in these situations it might be expected. If you are experiencing racing thoughts most of the time about events that aren’t really worth dwelling on, such as what your co-worker really meant when they said you are good pet mom, then you may have some anxiety. You should analyze whether you have other symptoms of anxiety such as:

  • feeling nervous or restless

  • digestive upset or gastro upset

  • insomnia

  • feelings of danger, panic or dread

  • brain fog

  • feeling weak or fatigued

  • desire to avoid things that trigger anxiety

  • rapid breathing/hyperventilation

  • rapid heart rate

  • heavy or increased sweating

Looking back now, I had so many of these symptoms. I can’t see how I didn’t recognize my own anxiety. But it took me a long time to come to terms with the idea that I had anxiety. Likely because a lot of the time, I felt fine and happy. I believed that once X stressful situation was over, I would feel better. Less tired. I told myself I just needed a break. Some R and R and extra sleep. I was fine. But really, I wasn’t. And the more I lived with anxiety, the more I became anxious. Until I finally had nothing left to attribute the anxiety to but anxiety.

Related Article: How to Cope with Anxiety

My Anxiety Story

I reached a point of such desperation that I went to my doctor wondering what on earth was wrong with me. I didn’t want to leave the house, but I was restless. I didn’t enjoy anything I was doing, and I would cry while pouring a cup of tea without knowing why. I just felt…wrong. And, nearly three years later, I have to say, I have no idea what I expected from the doctor. She suggested Cipralex (an SSRI) which caused me to burst into tears. It took me taking the medication to really come to terms with the reality that I suffer from anxiety. Because once I was taking the meds, I began to feel more like me. A me I knew was in there but just could never really be.

Taking anti-depressants is something no one really wants to do although we claim not to pass judgement on those who do need the medication. There is a certain level of resistance in society in taking medications for conditions such as depression, ADHD, or bi-polar disorder. Is it because we are ashamed? It is because these conditions are invisible? Yet, you could argue many conditions are invisible but there is no hesitation to treat them.

Why? I think it’s because these conditions are related to the mind that we resist the idea of treating them with medication. When the conditions are related to organs or hormones, such as diabetes, or hypothyroidism, no one hesitates to treat using medicine. We know we have no control over a pancreas that won’t produce insulin correctly, but we believe we have control over our minds. Do we? Don’t we? How much control do we have? I have no answers to these questions, but this is what I think is at work in the minds of people when it comes to mental health and medication. We seem to think as a society that we ourselves can “beat” the anxiety, or treat it with rest, proper diet and vitamins. I have come to believe that this is all part of treating anxiety, but you also need an understanding of what is happening to your mind and emotions. Some of which I gained through therapy. However, in my case I do believe I also needed to take the anti-depressants to really treat my anxiety.

Starting any medication is a decision you must make on the advice of your doctor. It is personal and there are many factors to consider. However, I am here to say not to be afraid of taking anti-depressants. I have found them freeing in that I am more myself now than I ever have been before. You are not weak, or wrong if you require anti-depressants. Anxiety may be one of the causes of what causes a racing mind, but you should also other consider other factors. This is why talking to your doctor is important.

what causes a racing mind photo

Please speak with your doctor/health care provider if you are suffering from anxiety, or believe you are suffering anxiety. I am not a medical expert and am only relating my own experience with anxiety, what causes a racing mind, and thoughts on the topic of anti-depressants.

Do you take medication for a mental health condition? Please share your thoughts below.

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Why I am Becoming More Minimal and You Should Too
The Dangers of Never De-Cluttering, a Reflection on Hoarding
Things You Learn by the Time You Hit 40

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I write a lifestyle blog that seeks to inspire others to begin to their own journey into self care, one tidbit at a time. I am passionate about sharing my own journey from the last decade, and what I've learned along the way. I love chips and dip and Tudor ficiton.

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    14 Comments

    • glowsteady says:
      April 24, 2020 at 7:31 pm

      It’s great that you were able to recognise that you needed the help! I definitely go through phases where my mind is racing like that, but it’s usually stress related/ when I’m worried about something else and calms down when that phase passes. I think there’s a lot less stigma about needing to take something these days which is amazing, I love that people are becoming more comfortable sharing their experiences like this too x

      Sophie

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        April 24, 2020 at 7:48 pm

        I was in denial a looooooong time believe me! But now that I am clear headed I want others to know how important it is to take care of your mental health.

        Reply
    • Katie | Life With Ktkinnes says:
      April 24, 2020 at 7:46 pm

      Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, that can’t have been easy to do! When I was at university, my sister got a diagnosis of anxiety however she chose not to medicate. As you said, it’s a very personal decision to make. I hope your post helps someone seek the help they need.

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        April 24, 2020 at 7:50 pm

        Yes, that’s the whole purpose my blog, to spread awareness and help others take care of themselves. Glad my story resonates with others xo

        Reply
    • Kev S says:
      April 24, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      I always thought it was ADD with me, but this also make sense

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        April 24, 2020 at 8:38 pm

        It would depend, and I’m no doctor. Hopefully you can find it out 🙂

        Reply
    • Jodie | That Happy Reader says:
      March 16, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      I have situational anxiety and completely understand what you’re saying when speaking of a racing mind. It’s a horrible feeling and i don’t wish it upon anyone. Thanks for sharing.
      Jodie | That Happy Reader recently posted…Are We There Yet? by Kathleen West – A Book ReviewMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        March 16, 2021 at 8:24 pm

        Yes, it’s impossible to destress or unwind when your mind is constantly racing around tormenting you.

        Reply
    • Jen says:
      March 16, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      It can be a real challenge to interupt the racing mind and take back control. I find mindfulness can help slow the mind down whilst asking key questions.
      Jen recently posted…River’s Gucci Dinosaur ParkMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        March 16, 2021 at 8:23 pm

        Mindfulness definitely helps!

        Reply
    • Savannah says:
      March 16, 2021 at 7:56 pm

      Great post! this has some very helpful information to facilitate getting help where needed. Thank you for sharing!
      Savannah recently posted…Ski trips: day 5My Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        March 16, 2021 at 8:23 pm

        So glad you found it helpful!

        Reply
    • Kayley shaver says:
      April 18, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      I used to feel the same Way all the time. I worried about things days or weeks in advance or about things that happened a year ago. Worried so much about things most people WOULDN’T think twice about eventually I learned to calm my mind down a little bit and not let the Small stuff bother me. It was a process of training my mind over time but eventually I was living the life I Wanted to. I no longer Feel a heavy weight sitting on my SHOULDERs every day. Thanks for The read, I love reading This kind of stuff
      Kayley shaver recently posted…Edgar Allan Poe Best & Weirdest WritingsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Giulia says:
        April 19, 2021 at 9:37 am

        Glad you enjoyed1

        Reply
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