![]() Developing any kind of coping strategy for intrusive thinking can improve a person’s quality of life and when practiced frequently, coping becomes more automatic, much like the intrusive thoughts themselves. For others, allowing a space to let the thoughts in can help them to leave sooner and prevent their return. For some, paying more attention to the thoughts can worsen them, and so distraction techniques may be the best remedy. Much like its causation and contents, the best way to deal with intrusive thoughts varies from person to person. ![]() The cause of intrusive thoughts varies between individuals Stress from school or work, past trauma, loss and change are just a few factors to consider, however there may also be no reason or factor for their intrusive thinking as it is such a common human phenomenon. It is important to remember that intrusive thoughts are outside our conscious control, if we could choose not to experience them, we wouldn’t. The content of these thoughts can carry a lot of shame, embarrassment and secrecy which makes it a very difficult matter to talk about and for such a reason, intrusive thoughts can be seen as taboo and isolate an individual from their peers, especially when it is hard to admit such thoughts. Intrusive thoughts of this nature can however feel very scary and disturbing and in extreme cases, consume a person’s mind making it very difficult to live their day-to-day life. Some intrusive thoughts may contain illegal or immoral themes however this does not reflect the thinker’s inner most desires or behaviours in reality. The theme of such intrusions varies from person to person but can be characterised by phobias, anxieties, or paranoia as well as acts of aggression, sexual/inappropriate behaviour or self-narration. They can come in the form of mental images, scenarios, words or sounds. Intrusive thoughts can appear without warning and can be repetitive. Luckily, these junk thoughts pass quickly as they are deemed unnecessary and are emptied out in the rubbish bin of the mind. These junk thoughts are rather useless remnants of our thinking that the brain creates for our benefit, letting us know what is and isn’t socially unacceptable in certain instances. ![]() Intrusive thinking usually contains wildly inappropriate content because the brain is reminding us what not to do in certain situations and many people describe these as ‘junk thoughts’. This fear can stem from the nature of such thoughts. Whilst most people experience intrusive thoughts, acting on them is a rare occurrence, but the fear of acting on them can cause a great deal of psychological pain for some. However for some people, no matter how hard they try they can’t seem to get that ‘song’ out of their head. Much like a song stuck in your head, intrusive thinking is usually fleeting, easily distracted away from and most of the time hardly noticeable. This blog aims to explain the nature of intrusive thoughts and touch lightly on their origins, explore ways in which someone can ease the psychological distress caused by intrusive thoughts and advise when further action should be taken. ![]() Intrusive thoughts are experienced by most of the population, many people don’t even realise they have them whilst others consciously battle with intrusive thoughts on a daily basis.
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