Intrusive thoughts can be very difficult to have. I know because I have OCD and a part of that means I deal with them, too. It’s like once they’re there, you can’t get rid of them and are stuck thinking about them over and over and over again. They can be very distressing and even make you feel like a bad person at times.
It’s been YEARS since I last didn’t have an intrusive thought. It’s absolutely beyond horrible. Sometimes words can’t even describe what they’re like. Over the past wee while, I have come across a couple of things that help and I’m going to share them with you!
One thing that helps is telling myself that intrusive thoughts are just thoughts and don’t mean I have to act on them. They can’t hurt me. They’re just in my head, floating around. No one can hear them, so no one has to know.
When I notice they’re there, I remember that they can’t hurt me so I try to acknowledge them and then try to think of something else. I like to use positive distractions, like listening to music, playing a game with someone, or doing something crafty. I know this is hard to do at first but it definitely does get easier with time!
Try and remind yourself that most people get intrusive thoughts. It’s a part of being human!
I really hope these help in some way.
Remember, you’re not a bad person for having intrusive thoughts. They are natural. Some people just have a harder time getting rid of them and that’s okay. I know it can be hard to believe that they don’t make you a bad person but trust me, it doesn’t. No intrusive thought makes you bad.
Keep fighting,
You’ve got this!
All my love,
-Zara
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