Hi - sorry to hear that you're experiencing this. First, "negative thoughts" is a pretty broad term, so I'd be curious about what type of negative thoughts you are experiencing. Are these negative thoughts about yourself, your situation, the world, or others? Regardless, you've got a few options.

1. Distraction/ Healthy Avoidance

As Loud-Distance-1456 says, keeping busy can help calm the "flood." Try and find some positive activities to engage with that can distract you. Bonus points if you can do so in a social setting with friends or family.

[Here is a helpful list of distractions.] (https://hopefulpanda.com/distraction/).

2. Confront the Negative Thoughts

Are these rational negative thoughts, aka are they in proportion to the issue you're having or are these irrational negative thoughts, out of proportion, things we call "cognitive distortions."

Pretend you're a detective and you need to find evidence about whether or not these thoughts are rational or irrational.

Take a look at this website about [Cognitive Distortions] (https://positivepsychology.com/cognitive-distortions/) and see if your thinking patterns match up with some of those described. Once you have identified the type of negative thoughts you have, use the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to confront these negative thoughts and see if you can poke holes in them or make them more neutral.

3. Detach from the Negative Thoughts

If the "flood" is too powerful or you feel confronting the thoughts isn't helpful, try to "detach" from the thought. Read through this exercise [Leaves on a Stream] (https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/leaves-on-a-stream-worksheet) and practice it to help create some distance between you and these negative thoughts. [Here is a guided "Leaves on a Stream" exercise.] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exLaebgFO_8).

These are three basic tools you can use to help with these thoughts. There are definitely other techniques but try to start here before you work your ways to others. If the negative thoughts persist or begin to turn towards suicide or self-harm, get in touch with a mental health professional. Sorry that you're having this and hopefully this gets better.