I just need to know if anyone else can't stop thinking about their parents dying, and death in general. I know I'm supposed to flip death in its head and live, cherish every moment etc. but it just hovers over everything like a black cloud and generally brings me right down every day.

Hi DrewsufA,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story with us here. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support, you also never know who will read this post and feel less alone in their own experiences. We are sorry to hear that you have been thinking about death a lot recently and that it brings you down every day. We understand that this must be confusing and scary for you right now. Please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgemental space to talk things through and our community is here to offer as much support, advice and conversation as you need.

If you would like to talk to someone we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals.

We also strongly urge that in overwhelming moments you get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

Please feel free to keep reaching out here on your thread whenever you feel up to it.

DrewsufA

thanks for writing your post. many people reading your words will relate to to you.

When I was much younger I too worried about life without my parents ,

I found by writing a letter to my parents telling them how much they me at tome and how much loved them.

I also would write in a journal myth ought so and worries and all the special memories.

Even though my parents have not been around for 13 and 20 years, I think of them most days and I tell my children and grandchildren about memories I have .

It is hard not to dwell on on something when people say not to, but if may help if you can be in the moment .

I wonder has something happened recently to make you worry Ore about your parents or have you always been concerned.

Hi DrewsufA,

Intrusive thoughts can be troubling. I am sorry you are experiencing ones about your parents!

I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. It is easy to say "think positive" but it is hard when your get intrusive thoughts.

Maybe therapy could help you with some strategies to deal with them?

Stay strong

Jaz

Hi DrewsufA,

Wellcome to our forums!

So sorry you are feeling this way…

I understand intrusive thoughts I was diagnosed with severe anxiety OCD….. this disorder consisted of intrusive thoughts that would repeat they would send my anxiety to severe levels….My intrusive thoughts terrified me… I felt like I was living in an internal hell….

I’d also perform compulsions to try to bring my anxiety down eg…. Checking things

I seeked professional help for what I was experiencing……I saw a gp we did a mental health together , I was also put on a antidepressant to help me to manage my anxiety,I then saw a clinical phycologist and a psychiatrist who diagnosed me this condition this then led me to a group therapy that specialised in OCD this is we’re I learned to master my OCD……… OCD is very treatable and you can recover with the correct help…..

I have written two threads you may be interested in reading….

from someone who had ocd and recovered

and

effective treatment for OCD metacognitive therapy

If your intrusive thoughts are distressing you I highly recommend you see your gp and let them know how you are feeling…

im here to chat… ask me any thing

Hi DrewsufA's

Good on you for reaching out! I think it's normal to be worried about death- most people are! However, if these thoughts are overwhelming and interrupting your day to day life, you might benefit from talking to someone you trust or somebody who is qualified to help! I have a friend who struggles with intrusive thoughts and she finds that meditation and focusing on the things that she can control really helps!

Additionally, she's used some anti-depressants before to deal with the anxious thoughts and they seem to work well! Just ensure that you ask a trusted doctor or psychologist about the steps which you need to take in order to figure out what action plan is right for you!

Take care :)