Cognitive Hypnotherapist, Laurie Harvey discusses intrusive thoughts and how to cope with them.
Intrusive thoughts. We all get them at some point, and they can feel really overwhelming, even scary. You might think you’re alone in this experience, but I want to reassure you that you’re absolutely not alone and, most importantly, there’s no need to fear these thoughts.
In this article, we’ll talk about what intrusive thoughts are, why they pop up, and most importantly,how you can start to reduce their impact on your life.
Let’s take a deep breath together and explore how to navigate these thoughts with more peace and ease.
What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are those unwelcome, involuntary ideas, images, or impulses that suddenly pop into your mind. They can be upsetting, strange, or even disturbing, and they often come out of
nowhere, leaving you feeling like something is terribly wrong.
But here’s the important part: these thoughts are just thoughts. They don’t define who you are or reflect your true wishes or intentions. They’re simply a part of how our minds work – especially when we’re feeling stressed, anxious, or even when we’re just distracted. Our brains are constantly processing information, and sometimes, those thoughts can take a weird or uncomfortable turn.
It’s key to remember that these thoughts are temporary and, most importantly, harmless. They don’t have any power unless we let them.
Why You Don’t Need to Be Scared of Intrusive Thoughts
It’s so easy to fall into a spiral of fear when an intrusive thought pops up. You might start worrying that something is wrong with you or even that you might act on these thoughts. It’s common to feel this way, but trust me, these thoughts do not have any control over you.
Thoughts that you may hurt someone in some way are so overwhelmingly scary because they’re the polar opposite of who you really are.
Our brains are always at work, processing things in ways that might feel strange or irrational, especially when we’re under stress. But the truth is, thoughts are just thoughts – they don’t hold power over you unless you give them that power. The more you try to resist them, the more they can stick around. It’s kind of like a Chinese finger puzzle: the more you pull, the tighter it gets. But when you stop resisting, the pressure eases up.
The secret is to stop fighting them. If you simply let them pass through without fear or judgment, they lose their hold on you. And you’ll start to feel a lot lighter.
5 Simple Tips to Help You Be Less Afraid of Intrusive Thoughts
1.Recognise That Thoughts Are Not Facts
One of the first things to remember is that just because a thought pops into your head doesn’t mean it’s true or reflects what you really want. Thoughts are fleeting and don’t define you. When you acknowledge that they’re just your brain doing its thing, it can take the pressure off. They may feel intense, but they don’t control you.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful tool when it comes to managing intrusive thoughts. It’s all about staying present in the moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. By doing so, you create space between you and the thought, giving it less power. Try some deep breathing exercises or grounding techniques to help you return to the present and let go of any tension the thought may have caused.
3. Don’t Engage with the Thought
When an intrusive thought shows up, it can be tempting to figure out why it’s happening or to push it away with all your might. But here’s the thing: both of these approaches often make things worse. Instead, try to let the thought float by, like a cloud in the sky. Don’t engage with it. The more you resist, the more power it can have. Simply let it be, and it will lose its grip on you.
4. Reframe the Thought
Sometimes, intrusive thoughts can feel intense because they tap into irrational fears. If you’re experiencing a thought that feels scary, try reframing it. For example, if you have a thought about harming yourself or someone else (which many people do), remind yourself, “This is just a thought. It doesn’t mean I want to do this. I am not my thoughts.” Reframing like this helps take the emotional weight out of the thought.
5. Seek Support When You Need It
Sometimes, intrusive thoughts can feel like too much to handle on your own. And that’s okay! If you feel overwhelmed, reaching out for support can make a big difference. Speaking with a cognitive hypnotherapist can be especially helpful. Hypnotherapy can help you uncover the underlying causes of these thoughts and replace them with more calming and empowering beliefs. You don’t have to do this alone—there are people who can help guide you through it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts, please remember that you are not alone. These thoughts don’t have to take over your life. You are not defined by what you think. By understanding that these thoughts are temporary, using tools like mindfulness, reframing, and reaching out for support, you can start to feel more in control and at peace.It’s okay to have moments of discomfort with intrusive thoughts. Just remember: they are not permanent. With time, patience, and practice, you can learn to let them pass by without fear or judgment. Be gentle with yourself. You are always in control of how you respond to your thoughts, and you’ve got this.
If you would like to get in touch with Laurie you can email her directly at laurie@laurieharvey.co.uk
Photo by Alex Green
