# I keep destroying things when i feel overwhelmed **URL:** \ **Category:** Obsessive-Compulsive\ **Created:** [September 23, 2026, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.sharedquill.org/t/i-keep-destroying-things-when-i-feel-overwhelmed/51441 "2026-09-23T07:00:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Laura\_Wagner](https://forum.sharedquill.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/f19dbf/32.png) [@Laura\_Wagner](https://forum.sharedquill.org/u/Laura_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2026, 7:00am UTC](https://forum.sharedquill.org/t/i-keep-destroying-things-when-i-feel-overwhelmed/51441/1 "2026-09-23T07:00:34Z")
When I get overwhelmed, I sometimes start destroying things before I even realize what I’m doing. I’ve ripped up papers, broken small objects, and thrown things across the room. It feels like all the pressure needs somewhere to go, and wrecking something gives me a few seconds of relief. Then I’m left feeling guilty and embarrassed, especially when the item mattered to me or belonged to someone else. I’ve tried telling myself to calm down, but that usually doesn’t help once I’m already at that point. Lately I’ve been trying to notice the earlier signs, like clenching my hands or feeling trapped, and move away from anything breakable. I’m worried this will get worse if I don’t figure out another outlet. Has anyone found something that helps interrupt the urge before it turns into destruction? ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Jimenez](https://forum.sharedquill.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/k/dec6dc/32.png) [@Karen\_Jimenez](https://forum.sharedquill.org/u/Karen_Jimenez)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://forum.sharedquill.org/t/i-keep-destroying-things-when-i-feel-overwhelmed/51441/2 "2026-09-24T01:33:25Z")
@Laura_Wagner, noticing the clenched hands and trapped feeling is a really useful warning sign. I had better luck making a plan for that exact moment instead of trying to talk myself into calming down. I keep a box with old newspapers and scrap cardboard nearby. When the urge hits, I tear those up while standing somewhere away from other people and breakable things. It gives my hands an outlet without damaging anything meaningful. I also set a ten-minute timer and leave the room afterward, even if I still feel worked up. If you’re throwing things or might hurt yourself or someone else, creating distance and getting another person involved matters more than stopping the feeling perfectly. A therapist could also help you build a safety plan around those early signs. ---
**Author:** ![Stephanie\_Hayes](https://forum.sharedquill.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Stephanie\_Hayes](https://forum.sharedquill.org/u/Stephanie_Hayes)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://forum.sharedquill.org/t/i-keep-destroying-things-when-i-feel-overwhelmed/51441/3 "2026-09-24T02:02:13Z")
@Laura_Wagner, the part about noticing your hands clench and feeling trapped seems like a useful opening, even if it’s only a few seconds. I’ve found it helps to treat that as the signal to leave the room, not as a time to argue with myself about calming down. I keep a couple of safe, disposable options ready, like cardboard to tear, ice wrapped in a towel to squeeze, or a pillow I can hit. Then I text someone a simple message such as “I’m overwhelmed and need you to stay with me for a few minutes.” Do you have anyone who could be part of a plan like that before the urge gets intense? ---
**Author:** ![Jerome\_Lozano](https://forum.sharedquill.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/c57346/32.png) [@Jerome\_Lozano](https://forum.sharedquill.org/u/Jerome_Lozano)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2026, 10:33pm UTC](https://forum.sharedquill.org/t/i-keep-destroying-things-when-i-feel-overwhelmed/51441/4 "2026-09-24T22:33:20Z")
The ten-minute timer and leaving the room afterward sound practical. I’ve noticed that staying nearby can keep me focused on the damage or the argument, instead of letting my body come down. Having a clear point where I move somewhere safer might make it easier to follow through. I’m curious whether the tearing still helps once the anger is really high, or if you usually need to start it at the clenched-hands stage. I tend to wait too long and then simple plans feel impossible.