Millions of people struggle with mental health symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. In some cases, these symptoms may be a sign of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions may require comprehensive treatment and support.
Intrusive thoughts are a common mental health symptom that can impact a person’s daily life. Many people experience unwanted thoughts from time to time. Some struggle with frequent, intrusive thoughts that are the signs of a mental health condition.
Mental health treatment can help people experiencing intrusive thoughts understand their roots and reduce their frequency. This article will explore how to identify and manage intrusive thoughts. You will learn:
- What intrusive thoughts are
- Examples of common intrusive thoughts
- What causes unwanted thoughts
- How to stop unwanted thoughts
If you or a loved one experiences intrusive thoughts, you are not alone. Mental health treatment and support are available at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about your treatment options or to schedule your first appointment.
What are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are repetitive ideas, images, or urges that appear in a person’s mind without intention. People may experience unwanted thoughts and ideas at any time, without warning. These thoughts can cause distress and impair daily functioning.
As the name suggests, individuals may struggle to control intrusive, unwanted thoughts. These thought patterns can cause anxiety or cause someone to fear for their mental health.
Most people experience unwanted thoughts from time to time. However, some people experience frequent, intense, or distressing thoughts that are the symptoms of a mental health condition.
If you or a loved one experiences intrusive thoughts, you may benefit from seeing a mental health professional. Find support and mental health treatment at Agape Behavioral Health.
Examples of Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts can be distressing. People may experience a wide range of intrusive ideas, urges, or images. Here are some of the most common types of intrusive thoughts.
Violent thoughts
People may have thoughts or images that involve violence or aggression. For example, people may imagine harming someone else. Or, people may imagine being harmed or witnessing someone else get hurt.
Sexual thoughts
People may have intrusive sexual thoughts. In many cases, these thoughts may feel inappropriate or “wrong.”
Fears
People may have repetitive, unwanted thoughts about things that frighten them. They may imagine scary scenarios or worry about being embarrassed in public.
Images
Some intrusive thoughts take the form of vivid, disturbing images. People may imagine doing something violent or socially unacceptable.
Intrusive thoughts can be distressing and may signify that someone needs mental health treatment. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about managing unwanted thoughts. You may also ask questions or explore any of our mental health support programs.
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What Causes Intrusive Thoughts?
Most people experience unwanted thoughts from time to time. However, frequent, distressing, or uncontrollable thoughts can be a symptom of a mental health condition.
Here are some of the mental health conditions that may cause intrusive thoughts.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition. OCD causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. OCD and other anxiety disorders can respond to comprehensive treatment, including medications and behavioral therapies.
Some mental health experts also believe there may be a connection between eating disorders and OCD. People may experience intrusive urges or thoughts as a symptom of an eating disorder. Comprehensive mental health treatment may help people with eating disorders overcome symptoms, including unwanted thoughts.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop after someone experiences a traumatic event. PTSD may cause unwanted thoughts, fears, and behaviors. Like other mental health conditions, PTSD may respond to comprehensive treatment that includes medications and behavioral therapies.
Anxiety disorders and stress
Mental health experts believe that stress can trigger intrusive and unwanted thoughts. Major stressors, like a breakup, a move, or a job loss, may lead people to have unwanted thoughts. People who live with chronic stress or anxiety may require treatment to address intrusive thoughts and other symptoms.
Biological causes
Medical experts believe that hormonal changes may lead to intrusive thoughts. Women are most likely to experience unwanted thoughts related to hormonal shifts. This is most common during menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
If you or someone in your life struggles with intrusive thoughts, you are not alone. Make an appointment to meet with a mental health professional at Agape Behavioral Health. We offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs that address the roots of mental health challenges.
How to Stop Intrusive Thoughts
There are several things you can do to manage unwanted thoughts. You may try to:
- Distract yourself when an unwanted thought pops up
- Accept the thought instead of fighting it
- Be gentle with yourself
- Write down your thoughts and feelings when thoughts arise
However, intrusive thoughts may be a sign of a mental health condition that requires treatment. Several types of therapy may help to reduce the intensity or frequency of intrusive thoughts, including:
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
In some cases, mental health experts may prescribe medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications may reduce this mental health symptom.
If you are concerned about acting on your intrusive thoughts to harm yourself or someone else, seek emergency help.
Find Mental Health Treatment
If you or someone you love lives with mental health symptoms, help is available at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn more about our comprehensive mental health programs or to schedule your initial appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The neural representation of intrusive thoughts
- Science Direct: Managing unwanted intrusive thoughts in obsessive–compulsive disorder: Relative effectiveness of suppression, focused distraction, and acceptance
