The way we think colors our view of the world
We have millions of thoughts a day, but we don’t notice every coming thought. In fact mostly we just go through them like fish swims through water yet the other times we do notice them. NORMAL thoughts help us thinking, planning and keep humans going. But there are some thoughts which come out of nowhere, like a whoosh, these stuck in our minds, indulge us in an endless loop of overthinking hence causing a great deal of anxiety – these are intrusive thoughts.
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted images, sounds or statements which pop into our heads anytime. These can cause distress, since the nature of the thought might be violent or disturbing. These are often repetitive – with the same kind of thought cropping up again and again.
Some unwanted intrusive thoughts consist of repetitive doubts about relationships, small and big decisions, sexual orientation or identity, intrusions of thoughts about safety, death or worries about questions that cannot be answered with certainty. Some are just weird thoughts that make no apparent sense. Unwanted Intrusive thoughts can be very explicit, and many people are ashamed and worried about them, like one of the most common types of intrusive thought relates to concerns about safety or risk. These types of thoughts are frequently expressed as visions, such as driving a car through a crowd of people, injuring or killing another person, or envisioning a loved one terribly injured or dead. New mothers frequently worry about their baby being harmed. Equally common are blasphemous thoughts. Milder forms of intrusive thoughts come in the form of our own critical voice: the one in our heads that tells us things like ‘You’ll never get that job, you’re not good enough’, ‘you’re going to look stupid if you do that’, or ‘They don’t like you and they’re talking about you behind your back’. Religious intrusive thoughts include “Allah is not happy with me” or “going to hell”. Due to unemployment in country intrusive thoughts also emerge as scenarios of getting dismissed from job. If someone has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) they can have intrusive thoughts about the event that caused it – which could be observing or being in an accident or natural disaster. Following a traumatic incident, the brain can be hardwired to remind you of it. These reminders, also called flashbacks, might come in the form of sounds or images, and you’ll experience the same physical symptoms you did back then – for example, an elevated heart rate.
When Intrusive thoughts are harmful
As long as you recognize that these are only thoughts and you have no desire to act on them, intrusive thoughts aren’t harmful. We need to understand that they’re not warning messages or red flags, they’re simply thoughts. But if you get entangled with them and obsessed about them so much that it interrupts your day-to-day life, this can be a sign of an underlying mental health problem.
CAUSES
According to the medical research, some common reasons for Intrusive thoughts include:
- belief that by ruminating, you’ll gain insight into your life or a problem
- having a history of emotional or physical trauma
- facing ongoing stressors that can’t be controlled
These thoughts could also be a symptom of another health issue like a brain injury or dementia. It is also common in people who possess certain personality characteristics, which include perfectionism, neuroticism, and an excessive focus on one’s relationships with others.
EFFECTS
It can prolong or intensify depression as well as impair your ability to think and process emotions. It may also cause you to feel isolated and can, in reality, push people away.
Diseases developed by Intrusive Thoughts: People that are more sensitive to anxiety in general are more likely to have these thoughts
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
When intrusive thoughts are acted upon, these convert into OCD, which involves excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions).
- Major depressive disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
HOW TO STOP INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
Suppression is wrong
Unwanted intrusive thoughts feel so threatening that people desperately try to get rid of them, which, paradoxically, fuels their intensity. The harder they try to suppress or substitute thoughts, the stickier the thought becomes. These are also made stronger by trying to avoid them. Therefore, leave the thoughts alone, treat them as if these are not even interesting, and will eventually fade into the background. Furthermore;
- Distract yourself
- Plan to take action
- Question your thoughts
- Readjust your life’s goals
- Work on enhancing your self-esteem
- Meditation
- Talk to a friend
- Be proactive in trying to solve your problems.
- Create a support system
Intrusive thoughts are often what we call ‘ego dystonic’: these are the opposite of what we actually want and intend to do. These can be shocking and appalling. The most important thing to remember is that thinking something doesn’t mean you’re capable of doing it. People often feel guilt and shame about what they’re thinking – but intrusive thoughts do not make you a bad person, or a criminal.
- Acknowledge it: ‘I’ve had this thought – and that’s all it is, a thought.’ Step back, examine it, and challenge it. Being self-aware and mindful will make it possible to identify what’s really going on, and cope with it better.
- Remind yourself that these thoughts are automatic and not up to you. Accept and allow the thoughts into your mind. Expect the thoughts to come back again. Continue whatever you were doing prior to the intrusive thought.
- During these upsetting thoughts, say nothing like this will happen Inshallah have a strong belief on Allah that He has a better plan for you. Also forgive yourself and assure yourself that Allah is the most forgiving.
- There is also one therapy called “cognitive diffusion therapy” which separates you from your thoughts. It gives you the power over them instead of letting them run the show.
Our brains sometimes create junk thoughts, and these thoughts are just part of the flotsam of our stream of consciousness. These are meaningless. If you don’t pay attention or get involved with them, they dissipate and get washed away in the flow of consciousness. Separate the thought from any judgment you’re making about it – and about yourself. Getting treatment can help you reduce your sensitivity to the thoughts and react in a better manner if they occur.
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