[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/02\/what-are-intrusive-thoughts\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/02\/what-are-intrusive-thoughts\/","headline":"What Are Intrusive Thoughts?","name":"What Are Intrusive Thoughts?","description":"Unpleasant or disturbing thoughts can be an unsettling experience. These are known as intrusive thoughts, and they can leave you feeling scared and ashamed. It\u2019s why people who experience intrusive thoughts often want to keep them a secret. Know that everyone experiences times when they think about upsetting ideas and images. It is a completely […]","datePublished":"2022-02-21","dateModified":"2024-07-25","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/what-are-intrusive-thoughts.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/what-are-intrusive-thoughts.jpg","height":867,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/02\/what-are-intrusive-thoughts\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Mental Health"],"wordCount":1121,"keywords":["New Here - Mental Health"],"articleBody":"Unpleasant or disturbing thoughts can be an unsettling experience. These are known as intrusive thoughts, and they can leave you feeling scared and ashamed. It\u2019s why people who experience intrusive thoughts often want to keep them a secret.Know that everyone experiences times when they think about upsetting ideas and images. It is a completely normal part of life. You may be tempted to try to prevent intrusive thoughts, ignore them, or suppress them. But this can actually cause them to become an even bigger problem. It can lead to a greater focus on the thoughts rather than getting rid of them.Acknowledging these thoughts is the first step to managing them. And there are resources and tips to help you cope with intrusive thoughts. Here\u2019s what you should know so you don\u2019t feel alone.What Are Intrusive Thoughts?Intrusive thoughts are unwanted images or ideas that often pop into your mind suddenly and spontaneously. Intrusive thoughts can also be repetitive. No matter how hard you try not to think about them, they keep coming back.Our brains are creative and complex. Types of intrusive thoughts can include:Concerns about safety, risk, or death.Doubts about relationships.Off-putting or strange thoughts that don\u2019t make sense.Questioning your self-worth.Questioning your sexual orientation or identity.Religious content and images, especially blasphemous thoughts.Ruminating over questions that don\u2019t have an easy answer.Sexual content and images.Socially unacceptable content and images.Violent content and images, such as harming or killing others.Worrying over decisions both large and small.Are Intrusive Thoughts Normal?Intrusive thoughts can make you feel like there\u2019s something wrong with you, but having these thoughts is completely normal. An estimated six million people experience intrusive thoughts, according to the\u00a0Anxiety & Depression Association of America\u00a0(ADAA).There are a variety of reasons you may be experiencing intrusive thoughts. Sometimes, it can indicate an underlying issue or mental health disorder. But not necessarily. Other times, it is simply a natural part of life.Intrusive thoughts will never go away entirely, but knowing about them can help you understand and manage them.What causes intrusive thoughts?No one is in total control of their thoughts \u2014 and not every intrusive thought has a direct cause. These can just be automatic and random. However, some factors can make you more likely to experience intrusive thoughts, such as:Anxiety.Brain injury or another health issue.Giving the thoughts meaning.Hormonal changes, such as after childbirth.Imbalance in brain chemistry.Stress or stressful events.Trauma.Underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Are Intrusive Thoughts Harmful?On their own, intrusive thoughts are not harmful to your mental health. Although distressing, these thoughts are natural, common, and not a red flag for a deeper issue. Attaching meaning to these thoughts and having them affect how you see yourself can cause distress.If you attach too much meaning to intrusive thoughts and these worries affect your everyday life, that is called\u00a0obsessive-compulsive disorder.People more likely to have intrusive thoughts and attach meaning to them include those who:Are pregnant, and up to a year after giving birth.Have anxiety.Have experienced trauma. Those with post-traumatic stress disorder can have intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event.Have major depressive disorder.Anxiety About Intrusive ThoughtsBecause intrusive thoughts are often disturbing or out of the norm, it\u2019s understandable to want to figure out why they pop into your mind. There often is no specific reason or meaning for why you have these thoughts. Intrusive thoughts can frighten or disturb you but, on their own, are not red flags for a bigger issue.People who have intrusive thoughts often feel ashamed or guilty. They worry that having these thoughts means they are a bad person. They may also fear that they\u2019ll act out the thoughts and images in real life. Intrusive thoughts don\u2019t mean you\u2019re a bad person, and most people never act on their intrusive thoughts.Many new mothers experience\u00a0intrusive thoughts after giving birth. They may worry that they or someone else will harm their baby. Having postpartum intrusive thoughts does not increase the risk that you will hurt yourself or your child.Although you\u2019re not alone in having postpartum intrusive thoughts, it\u2019s important to let your doctor or ob-gyn know right away if you are having thoughts of harming your baby or yourself. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get the help you need for both of you.How Can I Manage and Cope with Intrusive Thoughts?Intrusive thoughts can impact your mental health and well-being. If you are having intrusive thoughts, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional. To prevent intrusive thoughts from causing anxiety or distress, follow these dos and don\u2019ts from the ADAA:Accept and allow the thoughts into your mind. Don\u2019t try to push them away.Consciously label them as \u201cintrusive thoughts.\u201dContinue whatever you were doing before the intrusive thought arose. Allow yourself to feel any anxiety it may have caused.Don\u2019t engage with intrusive thoughts.Don\u2019t try to prevent the thoughts from happening. This can cause you to focus on them even more.Don\u2019t worry about or try to attach a meaning to the thoughts.Expect the thoughts to come back again.Recognize that these are thoughts, not facts. They do not define you. Rather than thinking \u201cI am dangerous,\u201d reflect that \u201cI had the\u00a0thought\u00a0that I am dangerous.\u201dRemind yourself that it\u2019s normal to have thoughts that seem weird, taboo, or socially unacceptable.Remind yourself that it is your brain\u2019s job to generate thoughts and that these thoughts are automatic.Where Can I Get Help for Intrusive Thoughts?When intrusive thoughts impact your daily life, it is time to see a professional. Outside help can sometimes change your reaction to \u2014 and perception of \u2014 intrusive thoughts.If intrusive thoughts cause distress or anxiety, reach out to a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on thoughts and emotions, which can help you cope with and manage intrusive thoughts.For more information, call\u00a0UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital\u00a0at\u00a0412-624-1000\u00a0or\u00a01-877-624-4100\u00a0(toll-free).If you live in Allegheny County and need immediate help or mental health counseling, call the 24\/7\u00a0resolve Crisis Services\u00a0hotline at\u00a01-888-796-8226\u00a0or visit the walk-in center at 333 North Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 21, 2022, and was last reviewed on July 25, 2024.SourcesUnwanted Intrusive Thoughts. Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Link.Intrusive Thoughts. APA Dictionary of Pscyhology. American Psychological Association. Link. 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