Obsessive intrusive thoughts are unwanted and distressing thoughts, images, or impulses that repeatedly enter a person’s mind. These thoughts are typically disturbing, irrational, and go against the person’s values and desires. They can be very distressing and lead to anxiety, guilt, and shame.
It’s important to remember that having occasional intrusive thoughts is a normal human experience, but when they become persistent, intense, and interfere with daily functioning and create debilitating fear and anxiety is a potential sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
1. Repetition: The thoughts tend to recur frequently, often causing significant distress.
2. Intrusiveness: Individuals with these thoughts often feel like they have no control over them and find them difficult to dismiss.
3. Disturbing content: Intrusive thoughts often involve violent, sexual, or socially unacceptable themes. These thoughts are contrary to the individual’s values and may lead to feelings of guilt, disgust, fear and shame.
4. Anxiety: These thoughts are accompanied by high levels of anxiety and emotional distress.
5. Compulsions: Individuals with obsessive intrusive thoughts may develop rituals, reassurance seeking and checks as a way to cope with their distress or prevent their feared outcomes. These compulsions can be both physical and/or mental.
It’s important to understand that having intrusive thoughts does not mean a person is dangerous or will act on these thoughts. People with Obsessive intrusive thoughts find them distressing precisely because they are so contrary to their values and desires.
As someone who has personally experienced OCD, specifically Obsessive Intrusive thoughts of Harm, I truly understand the pain and suffering that one experiences with OCD.
If you would like to hear more about my own personal journey with OCD, I recommend listening to this episode of my podcast.
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD and Obsessive Intrusive Thoughts, it is so important to seek help. I understand it can be daunting to speak with someone but understand I too was in that place and now thankfully I am in a place to offer you support and guidance on how you can heal OCD.