Intrusive Thoughts

How do you deal with them? The only technique I am using is positive self talk - "this is just an intrusive thought and it will pass" but its a pain when they dont pass for a really long time! I want to be able to do something to stop them but I have no idea where to start. I cannot identify any triggers besides stress, but even when I am not stressed they will pop up, they just pass more quickly. I'd like to figure out a way for them to stop happening full stop. Anyone have any tips?

Stop trying to actively stop all these thoughts. We think things; it sadly happens. What you should be doing is learning to ignore those dodgy thoughts, and that's helped by distraction and relaxation techniques. I have a considerable problem with intrusive thoughts, and have done for most of my life, but having recently started researching and getting help via therapy, I've learned a lot more about myself and OCD. Are you getting any help for your intrusions? I'm currently in CBT, and it seems to be helping, even though it's only early days. I keep myself busy, remind myself it's just an intrusive thought, and do my best not to block it out, but to simply ignore it, and not react. Think of your thoughts like an annoying child, constantly trying to get your attention; the more attention you give the child, the more they'll harass you senseless.

For distraction, take advantage of your senses: light a scented candle or josstick, listen to some distracting music that totally opposes your thought(s), feel for things with a texture you like or find calming/intriguing, and/or watching something relaxing/interesting. The biggest two mistakes I think people with OCD do, is to give our thoughts so much meaning, and to focus on it so much, that it all blows up in our heads, to be something extremely mental.

I get a ton of intrusive thoughts but I try my best to keep myself distracted the best I can, that really can help a lot with helping you keep your mind on track somewhat, especially when you are doing something that you really can't help but pay attention to. Video games really help me with my intrusive thoughts and obsessions a lot. Mostly team oriented games where others rely on you simply being there, or games that have high levels of immersion in them or where there is a lot of things to do. Those kind of games really help me a lot because even if the intrusive thoughts come, it is hard for me to just simply step away from the game. There is no pause button and you have a team relying on you usually.

I have also learned how to deal with intrusive thoughts when I do get them. I get them fairly often while doing simple things like driving or even just sitting here but I try my best to just ignore them, but I don't try to pretend like they aren't there. I recognize them and that they are there and I let go of them. I guess that's something good that I got from when I tried to get into meditation to help my issues. Meditation may help too, if you can keep up with doing it regularly and create a routine of it. It really can help. In meditation, you don't delete all thoughts from your head, you simply acknowledge them and release it. I know it can be really hard, but try your best to not dwell on it, even if it keeps on popping up (which it likely will).

Anyway, sorry for the long post and I hope I helped in some way.

Edit: This post is not as long as I felt it was...

Thanks Your posts were really helpful - especially the bit about the thoughts being an annoying child, I think I will be able to look at them like that now.

I practice mindfulness and cbt daily. I have just discovered a mindful yoga tape which was fantastic and I think something I will add to my daily routine. I try to practice mindfulness frequently. Distraction is my favourite technique, I am very very good at that.

My main issue with the thoughts at the moment is with my horses. I cannot touch them without "seeing" them turn and kick me. Its constant. I try to ignore the thoughts, let them go, say they will pass and enjoy living in the moment with little success. I cant enjoy being around my horses because I worry that my thoughts will project on to them and they will react in a bad way. When I get anxious the horses get anxious and it is a vicious circle. I havent ridden in over a month and the guilt is unbearable.

Supanova, it sounds like a perfectly natural survival instinct. I take it you have been kicked before, and it brought on this fear? Just guessing. Do you know the story behind your fear? Oh, and you're welcoming - I'm just glad to have helped at all.

Yes, I've been kicked before, plenty of near misses too. I've been around horses for over 15 years and never had this problem A few weeks back I went though a bit of depression and one day 4 horses at work tried to kick me one afternoon, none got me but it wasnt long after that the thoughts got that bad. I assume thats whats brought this on but it frustrates me. I havent really been near the horse this weekend, I'll try again tomorrow. I procrastinate so much over it now.

It might be worth getting some help, before this fear cripples you too much, if it hasn't already.

Thats the thing, I am getting help... My docs only advice is to repeat that "this will pass" surely there is something more I could be doing? They have suggested putting meds up but that is not something I am keen on and I would like to handle this without medication. I dont actually feel scared of getting kicked (its just part of being as involved with horses as I am), but the thoughts just keep on coming.

Thanks for the support

My pdoc giggled at my intrusive thoughts today. I told him about wanting to throw my keys down the street drain and he laughed. He had no further advice for me, but he thought seeing them as an annoying child was a good one.

I am indifferent to your doctor. (my way of saying I think he sounds useless)

The best way I've found of stopping them is with positive visualisation. I picture the thought itself as turning to dust and simply dissipitating, blowing away in the wind, out of my control. Basically just letting them pass by. I know firsthand that it's easier calm down enough with some thoughts than others but it definitely helps.