We all experience random, unwanted thoughts from time to time. But these thoughts can be particularly distressing if they contain themes or ideas that involve harm to self, others, or doing something unforgivable. We can feel anxious if and when we experience them – what does it mean that I had this particular thought? Do I really want to do this horrible thing? Am I a horrible person?
While these thoughts feel distressing and scary, they don’t necessarily mean anything about us, or that we’re going to act on them. So, what are intrusive thoughts and why do they occur?
According to Cody Abramson at NOCD, intrusive thoughts are:
- Involuntary and unwanted
- Distressing or uncomfortable
- Often violent, sexual, or taboo in nature
- Common among the general population
He goes on to say that intrusive thoughts are not “evidence that you want to act on them, a sign that you’re dangerous or immoral,” or “predictive of future behavior.”
So, why do we experience intrusive thoughts?
We all experience intrusive thoughts. While some of us may be able to say, “Huh, that was a weird thought,” for others—especially those with OCD—these thoughts can feel more distressing and more meaningful. We may notice or latch on to intrusive thoughts more than someone who does not live with OCD. A common belief among those with OCD is that having a thought is the same as acting on the thought. If I think about hitting a biker when passing him with my car, then the fact that I’m having the thought is morally equivalent to actually hitting the biker. Or the fact that I’m thinking about it means I will in fact do it.
In OCD treatment, we talk about the concepts of ego syntonic and ego dystonic. Ego syntonic means behaviors, values, and feelings that are in line with a person’s ideal sense of self. Ego dystonic refers to thoughts or behaviors that are not in line with one’s sense of self or values, which cause distress, guilt, and/or shame. So, the fact that I experience distress, guilt, and shame when I have the thought of hitting the biker means that hitting a biker directly conflicts with my values and ideals. While the thought of hitting the biker brings up strong negative emotions, those emotions do not necessarily mean anything about me or that I’m going to hit him. Thinking of it this way can help me separate myself and my actions from my thoughts. I can acknowledge the frightening and panicky feelings that come up when this thought enters my brain, and then I can notice the thought as just a thought, maybe even say, “oh, I see you there OCD!” and move on with my day.
To read more about intrusive thoughts from Cody Abramson, check out the link to his article below. And for more information on how I treat OCD and intrusive thoughts, feel free to reach out for a free, 15 minute phone consultation at (314) 392-2895.
