Dear Tony,
There was an article recently in The New York Times asking if it is worthwhile to try to find meaning in a person's delusions and hallilucinations. Most doctors say no. But some people who are successfully living with mental illness are saying yes. Here is the link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/health/man-uses-his-schizophrenia-to-gather-clues-for-daily-living.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=living%20with%20mental%20illness&st=cse
I say yes. These thoughts are coming from your brain; they are coming from things you have previously thought or experienced. They are not coming out in a form which is logical or culturally appropriate or easily understandable. But they are coming from you and your past experiences. They mean something.
That does not mean that every thought is worth analyzing. Our thoughts become mixed with each other; you may have appropriate reactions to past experiences at inappropriate times. But overall, I have seen a general pattern with myself. I have recurring memories of being exploited during times when I feel I am being exploited. I have flashbacks of episodes when I could not assert myself during present-day situations when I am unable to assert myself. They do not always come out neatly. Sometimes I am just annoyed for some other reason (e.g., I'm hungry or too tired). But over time I have seen a general pattern.
I would suggest focusing on the thoughts you keep having. Memories you can't rid yourself of, especially if the incident was trivial. It means something. There is something behind it.
