What does the term "flight of ideas" mean?

Posted by knothead 168 days ago (Question)

I think I experience this at times but I'm not sure. I've always referred to what I experience as "chatter" or I'll complain to someone that I can't quit thinking, or I wish I could put my mind on pause. It feels sort of like a radio rapidly scanning frequencies. I'll have snippets of a song bouncing in and out, talk out in my head conversations I want to have with someone, things that I need to do, bills I have to pay, more music(sometimes it's like a soundtrack for my thoughts), things I want to buy or wish I had. Just a constant stream of crap.

Can anyone give me any examples of their chatter, or is what I experience not the same thing at all??

7 Answers

Answers

Written by fallenangel337 168 days ago Rating: 1 | Rate Answer: + -

I would like to say that I experience the same thing. It can be extremely frustrating, because I know in my experience, my mind always keeps going, even when I wish it would stop. Not to mention, it seems that the deeper I think, the deeper I seem to sink. It's a vicious cycle, really. But seriously, you are definitely not the only person dealing with this.

What I've found that helps me is to get a notebook, paper, computer, etc. and write. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, sentence structure or anything. Just keep writing everything that comes to mind until you feel like you can't write any more. Be honest, and don't censor yourself. If you don't want anyone to find it, destroy it after you are finished. I hope this helps you!

eXp

Written by saph27 168 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I also occasionally have issues like this. It usually happens when im bored and not doing anything. My thoughts start to race and i start thinking about totally random crap... I feel like i cannot keep up with what I am thinking about and everything is hitting me all at once. Its hard to explain and most of the time.

Written by zanzivar 168 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

knothead, I'm the exact same too! This mind of mine drives me demented at times as well. I wish the bloody thing would just shut up! Sometimes it feels that there are a million people all talking at the one time! You'd be saying where is it all coming from? I find two Neurofen tablets works wonders at times and really calms the head down.

Zanzivar

Written by bellacutie 168 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi Knothead

like the name - appropriate for your problem LOL. Try meditation and deep breathing, if you get the hang of it, then it will calm you down. Have you ever thought about screening yourself for adult ADD - ask your doctor and click on quizzes here on psychecentral. Learn to censor your thoughts - ignore the garbage and listen to the relevent ones. GL :)

Written by Edahn 168 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Flight of ideas isn't just chattering in your head. It's like having so many ideas that you can't hold on to any of them or control them. You can read about it here:

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/faqs/f/faq_racethought.htm

Written by Clyde 166 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

What Edahn says.

Best,

Clyde

Written by stillthesame7 159 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

same thing for years,our bi-polar minds need stimulation,fake or self induced is irelevent. also serevers as a defence against falling into thoughts that might trigger b/p deppressive episode. try using it as a plus.