You may have a compulsion that soothes the thoughts, like washing your hands a certain number of times to stop racing thoughts caused by worrying about germs. These obsessions can take the form of racing thoughts, where you can’t stop what feels like an avalanche of thoughts on a particular subject. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which you experience obsessions or compulsions that are difficult to shake. Learn more: What’s the difference between ADHD and ADD? » Obsessive-compulsive disorder Wandering thoughts, where you cannot seem to focus on a single train of thought, may be more common in ADHD. Some people will describe inattention as racing thoughts, especially when they’re overwhelmed with external stimuli. Keep reading: The best anxiety apps of the year » ADHDĪttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a pattern of inattention or hyperactivity. They may also precede or follow an anxiety attack. While racing thoughts are extremely common during an anxiety attack, they can occur anytime. AnxietyĪnxiety commonly causes racing thoughts. While it’s most common in anxiety, other conditions can cause racing thoughts, too. Racing thoughts are a possible symptom of several different conditions. Avoid all electronic screens and overly stimulating mental activity 2 hours before bed. You can meditate or practice gentle yoga, read a book or magazine, or take a bubble bath. Try to eliminate stress for at least 2 hours before sleep. If your racing thoughts typically occur at night while trying to sleep, make changes to your routine before bed so that you can relax and sleep peacefully. Mantras can help ease feelings of stress, fear, and depression. Even one like “Everything will be fine” can be effective. You can use a mantra, repeated when necessary, to take your mind off the racing thoughts. Keep reading: Learn more about breathwork » 2. Some calming breathing patterns can include: It can also have a calming effect on your central nervous system. This can force your mind to focus on something other than your racing thoughts. Take several deep, careful breaths and focus on counting while inhaling and exhaling. You can take several steps to manage or prevent racing thoughts if you’re having them right now: 1. Keep reading to learn about strategies to help you calm your mind, longer-term treatment options, and what may be causing your racing thoughts. This happens when you can’t fall asleep because you can’t slow down your thoughts. You start catastrophizing or thinking of worst-case scenarios.You keep thinking about a problem that has been blown out of proportion.It’s difficult to focus on anything else.Your mind isn’t able to “shut off,” and you can’t fully relax.You aren’t able to slow down your thoughts.When you have racing thoughts, you may feel like: Racing thoughts can increase your anxiety or feelings of unease and can disrupt your concentration.

You may have racing thoughts about a financial issue, an embarrassing moment, or a phobia. These thoughts may focus on a single topic or represent multiple different lines of thought. Racing thoughts are fast-moving, often repetitive thought patterns. Treatment can include practices you can try at home, such as breathing techniques, or longer-term solutions like medication and therapy. Racing thoughts can make it hard to relax and sleep.

Mind won t stop racing