Have you ever just been going about your day, minding your own business and doing everything as you would normally, when all of a sudden you’re struck with an unexpected image or thought that just flashes into your mind with no apparent stimulus or reason for it?
These are what are known as intrusive thoughts and, while they can be very upsetting, strange and distressing, it’s important to remember that they’re very common, very normal and they happen to most people from time to time.
Where do intrusive thoughts come from?
Intrusive thoughts don’t necessarily have a cause and they can just happen completely randomly, entering your brain regardless of what you’re doing.
They can flit in and out of your mind very quickly, leaving no long-term impression, but they can also linger and leave you feeling confused, distressed and upset, depending on the nature of the thought in question.
The content of these thoughts can be aggressive or sexual, or they could be to do with something you’re worried about or a mistake that you may have made in the past.
Most of the time, these thoughts don’t have any particular meaning associated with them and it can be helpful to recognise them for what they are… just thoughts. As such, there’s no need to ruminate too heavily on them or act on them in any way.
Common types of intrusive thoughts include violent acts and aggression, causing harm to others, sexual acts or situations, saying the wrong thing in public, performing tasks incorrectly or germs, infections and contamination.
Are intrusive thoughts normal?
In short, yes! Intrusive thoughts are entirely normal and it’s very common for people to experience them every now and again.
However, if your thoughts are starting to have an impact on your daily life and if they’re starting to take their toll on your mental and emotional health and wellbeing, it may be a good idea to consider seeking medical advice to stop the issue from spiralling.
If you feel as though you need to control your thoughts or if you’re experiencing feelings of guilt or fear, talking to a doctor or a therapist could prove beneficial and give you some coping strategies to help.
How to manage intrusive thoughts
If you are struggling to keep your intrusive thoughts under control, there are various ways in which you can keep on top of them and reduce your sensitivity to whatever passes through your mind.
First of all, labelling these thoughts as intrusive can help you be more dismissive of them, as can reminding yourself that they’re automatic and meaningless, with nothing of particular relevance to who you are as a person.
Addressing any particular root causes can also prove useful, which is where counselling can come in especially handy. If you’d like to find a professional who can provide cognitive therapy in London to help you get a handle on your intrusive thoughts, get in touch with the West London Therapy Hub today.