I Googled. But This Is What I Know About <Intrusive> thoughts.
The first thing is to remember ALL thoughts are just thoughts. That other than the fact that you don’t like them, they are the brain doing what the brain does. And with that it’s important to tell yourself intrusive thoughts are just thoughts. Most importantly, they’re not a red flag, or a signal something is wrong with you. They doesn’t mean you are destine to act the thought out. If they bother you, you can take steps to cut down on their frequency and intensity.
You can:
Recognize and designate them as what they are — thoughts that are outside of your control.
Let them be. Resolve to notice them and, instead of trying to push them away practice letting them be without judgement, blame, or anger.
Remember and accept they will pass along as all other thoughts do.
Give yourself time and space.
Prepare yourself for these unwanted thoughts to come back. This is the simple truth, no matter what, you really don’t have much control of when they come-just for a three seconds don’t think about the word “green”. Try it right now.
Continue to do whatever you were doing when the intrusive thoughts flooded your head.
Most importantly, don’t:
Act or engage with these random, repetitive thoughts, remember where focus goes possibility grows.
Try to question why you’re experiencing them-remember they are simply thoughts just like every other thought you like.
Look for meaning behind them.
Suppress them. If you do this, you may fixate more on them.
This can be hard to do. But over time, being less sensitive to intrusive thoughts can reduce the emotional effect they may have on you. It also helps you feel more in control of them.
