Why can't I get bad thoughts out of my head?

I’m kind of like you, I think of the worst possible events happening to people I care for. What I do is write in my journal, treat myself to a juicy burger or chocolate. It’s little stuff, but as long as you try…Dancing to Jai-ho is fun :) I do that when I’m not in a good mood.

Our thoughts are not reality. Your reality is what is happening right now in this very moment. Your imagination is not real. My suggestion is that you live in reality.Live in the now.

The Buddhists say “life is pain.” What they mean isn’t that everything is bad; what they mean is that pain comes along with life and to deny pain is to deny life itself. Everyone faces danger, stress, pain, and eventually death; it is just part of the deal. If we lived forever life would have no value; it is its briefness that makes life precious. Dwelling on pain and death sucks all the joy and happiness out of life. If you have uncontrollable morbid thoughts than you really should talk to someone about it. Everyone has bad thoughts but if you feel tormented by them than you should seek help. You may just need to talk things out with someone or you may need more help but it is something you shouldn’t have to live with.

I think many of us go through these phases especially when we’re teens. Maybe it’s more common with girls than guys, I don’t know. But the whole idea of people dying, when I was 13, was very intense and worrisome. I remember my mother getting pneumonia and I was convinced she was going to die, and almost worried myself sick. My world was very safe and I was protected from “bad” things. As you get older you live more, and see more. I wouldn’t worry that something is wrong with you.

And along the lines of what fillet says, above, if you worry about everything, you won’t have time to live. Life is precious. We’re not here for long - make the best of it.

You’re probably focusing on them too much. Maybe just go play a game or watch tv as a distraction. Typically when I start having negative thoughts, I have to go do something I really enjoy; i.e hanging out with friends, going to the park with my dog…etc.