Obsessive / Intrusive Thoughts

Have you ever had thoughts like "what if I punched this person in the face", or "this bridge could collapse any second", or "I could probably steal this doughnut and no one would know"? 

Most people these kind of random or disturbing thoughts that pop into our heads, but they don't cause much distress and we simply move on with our day. Others experience the same thoughts and seem to get stuck on them, or assume they are evidence that something is "wrong" with us. 

Obsessive thoughts can sometimes lead to compulsive behaviors (e.g. checking, counting, undoing, etc) that may lower stress in the moment, but can create disruptive or debilitating patterns. Compulsions can be disruptive, time consuming, and negatively impact relationships. 

If you are experiencing recurring obsessive/intrusive thoughts that cause intense stress, guilt, worry, or self-judgment, and/or compulsive behaviors, you may benefit from mental health treatment (i.e. talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both). 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you learn to recognize when thoughts need to be acted on versus ignored, tolerated, or observed. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is effective at reducing or eliminating compulsions and lowering the stress response associated with obsessive thoughts or triggers.

Some signs of obsessive thoughts and/or compulsions that could warrant seeking support may include:

• recurring intrusive thoughts that cause distress, self-judgment, or anxiety

• experiencing thoughts that are disturbing, repulsive, or scary 

• belief that your actions can control the future or keep people safe in ways that are not grounded in reality

• excessive time spent cleaning, checking, or engaging in "rituals" as a way to manage anxiety 

These are just a few examples and obsessive thoughts can show up differently for each of us. If you'd like to discuss whether working together to reduce distress and/or compulsions could help, reach out today to request a free 15-minute phone consultation!