What Are Intrusive Thoughts? Are They A Sign Of Bad Mental Health?

What Can You Do?

Many invasive thoughts are simply ideas at the end of the day. They aren’t a warning sign or an indication that you intend to conduct the frightening things you’re contemplating. You can take actions to reduce their occurrence and severity if they distress you.

 Do’s:

• Acknowledge and name them for what they are: unwanted, uncontrollable thoughts.
• Rather than attempting to force them away, just let them remain.
• Know the reality that they will vanish.
• Allow yourself time to forget about them.
• Brace yourself for the return of unwelcome thoughts.
• Carry on with whatever you were doing before the invasive ideas entered your mind.

Don’ts:

• Respond or connect with these recurring, odd thoughts.
• Examine why you are experiencing them in the first place.
• Seek for hidden meaning in them.
• Put a stop to it. You may become more fixated on them if you do this.

This cannot be easy. However, being less receptive to unwanted thoughts over time can help you cope with the emotional toll. It also makes you feel like you have greater control over them.