Intrusive thoughts are ideas, images, or impulses that appear involuntarily and can be unpleasant, uncomfortable, or difficult to ignore.

We can all have this type of thought at some point. Their appearance does not necessarily mean they reflect what we think, want, or are. Often, precisely because they cause discomfort, we try to avoid them or find an explanation for their meaning.

Why do they appear?

Intrusive thoughts can appear at different times and be related to situations of stress, anxiety, or worry. Sometimes they are occasional and disappear without any further importance.

In other cases, they can repeat and generate concern. When we try to control them, avoid them, or constantly check what they mean, we may end up paying even more attention to them.

What kind of thoughts can we have?

They can take very different forms. For example, they may be related to the fear that something will happen, doubts about oneself, or situations that the person considers unpleasant or contrary to their values.

Thinking something does not mean wanting it

One of the most common difficulties is confusing having a thought with agreeing with it. But a thought is just a thought.

Trying to eliminate it constantly can make us pay even more attention to it and end up generating more discomfort.

What can we do when faced with an intrusive thought?

It is not always necessary to try to eliminate a thought for it to stop causing discomfort. Some strategies that can help are:

• Recognize it: identify that it is an intrusive thought, without automatically giving it a meaning.

• Do not try to push it away: constantly fighting against the thought can make us pay more attention to it.

• Avoid checking it: constantly looking for whether the thought means something or whether it will appear again can keep the worry going.

• Bring your attention back to the present: continuing with the activity we were doing can help us avoid focusing all our attention on the thought.

• Do not judge ourselves for what we think: having a thought does not define our personality, our values, or our intentions.

When should you ask for help?

Having intrusive thoughts occasionally is common. However, if they appear very frequently, cause significant discomfort, or interfere with daily life, it may be advisable to consult a psychology professional.