[ladyrevan21]

Let's say that I first started having them really manifest in 2013-2014, when I was going through certain upheavals. They're really unsettling, can get really disturbing, and sometimes I wonder if I'm a bad person for having them -- and trying to fight them makes it worse. What do I do? Are there any strategies on dealing with intrusive thoughts?

I didn't find any way to stop them so I just let them pass. I rarely have them anymore. Would it help to talk about them? Sometimes getting something out in the open can make you feel a little better.

[ladyrevan21]

I guess letting them pass is kind of hard for me. But I could try it. And well...they're pretty awful intrusive thoughts. They can get morbid, violent, they can be sort of like little fragments from stuff that happened a while ago. And I guess that's where the

Possible trigger:

suicidal thoughts

come in as well. Hearing I had OCD explained some things but not others. It doesn't help that I feel like (and just a fair warning -- I may lose you here) other people's behaviors kind of leak into those thoughts. Usually behaviors that have made me angry. I guess in a way these thoughts are kind of unresolved issues trying to get my attention?

I'm sorry but all I can offer is my experience with them. We may not even be thinking of the same thing. A doctor long ago attributed them to "a touch" of OCD. I'm not sure if there is any way to actually prevent them. I don't know if the meds I take help but I don't have any reason to think they have an effect one way or the other. I know how unsettling (nice word huh?) they can be. I can recall a couple in particular. Once I was in a reception room and it was very nice... the was a shelf with nice little figurines and such. I had a sudden urge or picture in my mind of just sweeping my hand across them and destroying them. Another one was talking to someone and having this thought of punching them in the face. There was no anger, no provocation, and it came during a normal, pleasant conversation. Just out of nowhere having a thought of punching someone for no reason was very disturbing. I'm not a violent or angry person. I thought I must be going insane. There were other types of intrusive or what I think of as unwanted and uncharacteristic thoughts. I'd have to really reach to recall any specifics. I was really stressed out and anxiety was at about 10 when most of it happened. Does any of that sound similar?

[ladyrevan21]

Very similar. Definitely.

Sorry to hear that. You aren't a bad person so try not to be hard on yourself. If you were a bad person then thoughts like that would bother you. As far as I know it's a part of OCD. I had my first one a long time ago. I haven't ever acted on any of them and I definitely don't think you will either. I can't imagine that therapy would prevent them... how do you teach someone to prevent unbidden thoughts right? I'm not sure meds would help either. I know what meds are used for OCD or if they are effective. Maybe someone who is being treated for this will chime in. Meantime just try not to beat yourself up over it.

[ladyrevan21]

Thank you. I definitely needed to hear that. And no, honestly, I'd never act on any of them. Ever ever. Again, thank you.

[MusicLover82]

When my brain chemistry (serotonin) is balanced with an SSRI (such as Zoloft, Paxil, etc.) the intrusive thoughts go away. Are you on an antidepressant? Maybe you could talk to your doctor about trying something different?