Intrusive thoughts are ideas, images, impulses, or memories that appear suddenly and involuntarily in the mind and are usually disturbing. They slip into our minds without being invited.
Main characteristics:
- Involuntary: They appear without us seeking or wanting them
- Repetitive: They tend to come back again and again
- Disturbing: They cause anxiety, guilt, or distress
- Persistent: They are difficult to eliminate voluntarily
Related to doubts:
- «Did I lock the door/turn off the stove/lock the car properly?»
- «What if I hit someone and didn’t realize it?»
- «Did I say something offensive without realizing it?»
Related to contamination:
- «What if I touched something dirty and got sick?»
- «What if I didn’t wash my hands properly?»
- «What if there are germs on this surface?»
Violence or harm:
- «What if I accidentally push someone down the stairs?»
- «What if I lose control and hurt my pet or a loved one?»
- «What if I grab that knife and do something terrible with it?»
Fear of losing control:
- «What if I scream something offensive in a church or meeting?»
- «What if I suddenly go crazy?»
- «What if I accidentally undress in public?»
Intrusive thoughts become a problem when they are interpreted as dangerous or when attempts are made to control them compulsively, as in some disorders. It’s important to remember that they are normal, don’t define who you are, don’t predict the future, and resistance tends to strengthen them.
What to do?
- Don’t fight against them. The more you try to block them, the more intense they can become.
- Recognize that they are just thoughts, not facts or real desires.
