Learn more about psychology with this collection
How to overcome unwanted thoughts
How to manage intrusive thoughts
How to change your attitude towards intrusive thoughts
When to seek help
See a mental health professional if unwanted thoughts are starting to disrupt your daily life, particularly if they’re impairing your ability to work or to do things you enjoy. However, even if intrusive thoughts aren’t affecting your life in a significant way, you can still see someone to get help.
Intrusive thoughts can also be managed by addressing the underlying problem, such as anxiety, stress, or a personal history of trauma. While it may be helpful to share the particular thoughts you are having, keep in mind that even if you aren’t comfortable talking about them in detail, a therapist c
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Intrusive thoughts
- It seems to come out of nowhere — a strange, disturbing thought or a troubling image that pops into your mind. It might be violent or sexual, or a recurring fear that you’ll do something inappropriate or embarrassing. Whatever the content, it’s often unsettling and may bring on feelings of w...
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What intrusive thoughts mean
While intrusive thoughts may be disturbing, they aren’t harmful or a sign that you have a secret desire to do the things that popped into your mind.
People are often too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it.
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Identifying intrusive thoughts
There are some signs to look for:
- The thought is unusual for you. An intrusive thought is usually very different from your typical thoughts.
- The thought is bothersome, something you want to push out of your mind.
- The thought f...
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How to identify and manage intrusive thoughts.
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Other curated ideas on this topic:
Catastrophic thinking: When to seek help
Working with a therapist can help to overcome your catastrophic thoughts.
Focusing on the worst-case scenario may mask a different problem. For example, a fear of flying might be a fear to take a job out of state.
Know when to seek help
Even people who are in treatment and have learned how to cope can still return to an acute phase of depression that leaves them totally withdrawn.
Whether they're mostly relying on medications or counseling, they may need a"therapeutic reset."
Productivity Management
Here's when you seeing a therapist is in order:
- when your mood is affecting your work. A therapist can help you get unstuck by assisting you process your emotions and practice new skills
- when your emotional state is impacting your appetite or sleep.
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