Join a Community That Understands You

Get answers from those who share your health journey

Left Image 1Middle Image 1Right Image 1

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

avatar

lilyyy

Updated 10mo ago

Strategies for Reducing Intrusive Thoughts

Has anyone found any strategies or have any suggestions on lessening frequency of intrusive thoughts?

Can you help? connect today

avatar

Ory

2y

Researching cognitive distortions, meditation, and writing down my intrusive thoughts to just get them out has been helpful. I think once you find something that feels at all helpful, stick with it. Time and practice are really what it has taken for me. Also, being realistic with myself. It'll never be perfect, but that just makes me appreciate my good days even more.
avatar

eviemad

2y

it’s so so important to remember that intrusive thoughts are egodystonic- meaning they go against what you truly believe. the best method for dealing with intrusive thoughts is to not try to argue with them. instead, as scary as this sounds, agree with them. for instance if you’re having intrusive thoughts that you’re going to do something bad to someone else, tell your thoughts “maybe it’s true. maybe you’re right. but i’m still going to continue living my life.” intrusive thoughts FUEL off argument. if you don’t give them any fuel, they eventually quiet down. it really worked for me. it’s so difficult but so possible to feel better.
avatar

Red49

2y

If it helps, when I have them I try to repeat words I’m hearing if there are any. Like if someone is talking or you’re watching tv, just repeat everything in your head after they say it. Because it’s difficult to think about two things at once. And for me I usually forget eventually

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

feed-footer-0

Free unlimited access

to all community content

feed-footer-1

Find others who are

medically similar to you

feed-footer-2

Pose questions and join

meaningful discussions

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc