Intrusive thoughts is a term for unwanted thoughts that come from nowhere. A person is usually unable to control these thoughts, so they sometimes interfere with daily life because they make them uncomfortable and distract them from work. These thoughts arise unintentionally and have nothing to do with reality or one's desires.
These intrusive thoughts are sometimes explicit or even embarrassing. Even so, this thought will never be carried out; someone will fight it because it is always against their will or belief. These thoughts also don't always have meaning, so they shouldn't be taken as omens or warnings of something.
Types of Intrusive Thoughts
Having intrusive thoughts is very common and normal. The intrusive thoughts were mostly task or work-related, while those of a religious or sexual nature were less common. This intrusive thought consists of several kinds; examples are as follows.
1. Relationships
Intrusive thoughts related to relationships can cause a person to feel burdened, for example, trying to analyze the strength of feelings towards a partner as obsessive and ending up finding a problem, constantly asking for reassurance, fear of being abandoned, and doubting fidelity.
Doubting the loyalty of a partner is an example of intrusive thoughts related to relationships
2. Religion
Intrusive thoughts related to religion include when someone has negative thoughts in a religious building, repeats certain prayers, is afraid of being cut off by their faith or belief in their God, and constantly analyzes their own faith.
3. Sex and Sexuality
These intrusive thoughts are related to sexuality or sexually hurtful acts. Examples include fear of being sexually attracted to babies, nuclear or extended family members, and fear of one's own sexual orientation.
4. Violence
Intrusive thoughts related to violence can be towards oneself or others, including hurting loved ones, thoughts of killing others, and thoughts of using a knife or other object to hurt, to poison the food of loved ones. Those who have these thoughts avoid places for or contact with other people.
5. Eating Disorder
Disturbing thoughts about eating disorders are common in people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Examples include the notion that someone will not be loved when their body is not perfect, being overly afraid of gaining weight, having inaccurate thoughts regarding appearance, and being too preoccupied with eating or avoiding it too much.
People with anorexia and bulimia tend to have intrusive thoughts
Causes
Not everyone will have intrusive thoughts, and there may be no cause for their occurrence. A thought sometimes appears randomly and then disappears. However, it is better to be examined when it occurs more frequently or for a longer duration. In rare cases, these thoughts usually arise due to temporary anxiety, anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD, or eating disorders.
How to Deal with Intrusive Thoughts
It might be quite difficult to get rid of intrusive thoughts. Still, there are other ways you can do to make them less overwhelming and prevent them from interfering with your daily activities, namely by trying to control them. The following are things that can be done to overcome them.
Carrying out cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Do meditation
- Remember that “these thoughts will eventually go away”
- Play with pets
- Get the thought out by saying it out loud or writing it down
- Focus on life at the moment
- Spend time traveling nature
- Jogging in the morning
So, intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts that come suddenly. Its occurrence is quite normal and often meaningless. Therefore, you don't need to worry about it because it will interfere with your daily life if you only focus on that. Ladies, have you ever experienced this? How do you deal with it? Let's share in the comments!
Ladies, have you ever suddenly had a strange and unreasonable thought? For example, are you afraid of falling in love with your cousin? These thoughts are included in intrusive thoughts. Have you heard yet? Is this normal? Let's see the explanation in this article!