Invasive or intrusive thoughts are completely normal. Studies have shown that almost all of us experience unwanted thoughts on a daily basis. However, we can usually find ways to distract ourselves – they don’t interfere with our lives. Sometimes however, intrusive thoughts can start to take over someone’s life – they become more than fleeting – they are powerful and at times, ever present. We call these types of thoughts obsessive.

Some common examples are fears about the future, fears about our safety or our physical or mental health or fears about the safety, health and well-being of people we love

What’s happening in our brains?

Neuroscience is starting to give us some clue about what exactly is going on in our brains when we are having these thoughts. It appears that they are activated by very primitive parts of our brains, parts responsible for our survival and thus not easily dismissed.  This article gives an excellent description of new research:

https://www.mindfulnessmd.com/2014/09/06/the-neuroscience-of-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/

Myths about intrusive and obsessive thoughts

• I’m a bad person or I might actually carry out the thoughts

The greatest myth is that having thoughts of a sexual or violent nature mean that you want to do the things that come into your mind. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. You do not want to do the things that enter your mind when you have intrusive obsessive thoughts. In fact, generally speaking the opposite is true. People with intrusive obsessive thoughts are generally gentle and non-violent.

• Obsessive thoughts always go hand in hand with compulsive behaviours

Obsessive thoughts do not always go hand in hand with full blown Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD. (They are just the “obsessive” part of OCD). In fact simply having obsessive thoughts is more common than full blown OCD. OCD is when a person carries out certain repetitive behaviours with the intention of neutralising, counteracting, or making their obsessive thoughts go away. They realise (on a rational level) that this is only a temporary solution but without a better way to cope, they rely on the compulsion as a temporary escape. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions. Compulsions are time consuming and get in the way of important activities the person values. In some cases they can make life extremely narrow and miserable. I will look at OCD in a future blog.

The link between intrusive thoughts and depression, anxiety and addiction

Not surprisingly when our brains are hijacked by obsessive thoughts, it can lead to our feeling both anxious and depressed. It is also not at all surprising that some of us try to manage intrusive thoughts with alcohol or drugs or other behaviours which may be destructive.  In fact studies have found that over 25% of patients with OCD also meet the criteria for a substance abuse disorder.

Next few blogs will look at strategies that can help us to cope with obsessive thoughts.

Need some advice and support?

If you are struggling with any of the issues raised in this article, or indeed any other emotional issues or life challenges and would like to talk things over in complete confidentiality, call Alison Winfield, Mindfully Well Counselling Cork on 087 9934541.

See also: Anxiety Symptoms, Intrusive Thoughts