Home | Mental Health | Depression | 20 Common Intrusive Thoughts We Might Experience

20 Common Intrusive Thoughts We Might Experience

Author's Opinion

The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.

Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.
The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.

- Written by:

Living with OCD, depression, or anxiety can feel like traversing a labyrinth of the mind, where intrusive thoughts lurk around every corner, ready to pounce on our vulnerabilities. These thoughts, unwelcome and distressing, often grip us with an ironclad hold, leaving us feeling trapped and alone.

However, it’s essential to recognize that these intrusive thoughts are not unique to you. They are shared by many others who grapple with similar mental health challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 common intrusive thoughts experienced by individuals with OCD, depression, and anxiety, shedding light on the shared struggles and offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

20 Common Intrusive Thoughts For Those Who Are Struggling

Common intrusive thoughts
But it’s important to know that we’re not alone. Photo: Team Design
  1. “I constantly worry that I left the stove on, even though I checked it multiple times.”
  2. “Every time I make a mistake, I feel like a complete failure and can’t shake the feeling.”
  3. “I’m terrified of germs, so I wash my hands until they’re raw, but I still feel contaminated.”
  4. “Whenever I’m in a crowded place, I’m convinced someone is going to harm me.”
  5. “I have intrusive thoughts about harming myself or others, even though I would never act on them.”
  6. “I obsess over whether I locked the door or turned off the lights, even though I know I did.”
  7. “I feel like I’m constantly being judged by others, no matter what I do or say.”
  8. “I worry that I’ll never be good enough, no matter how hard I try.”
  9. “Every time I experience a physical symptom, I’m convinced it’s a sign of a serious illness.”
  10. “I can’t stop thinking about past mistakes and replaying them in my mind.”
  11. “I feel like I’m living in a constant state of dread, like something terrible is about to happen.”
  12. “I obsess over the smallest details and can’t move on until everything is perfect.”
  13. “I’m terrified of being alone, so I avoid social situations whenever possible.”
  14. “I have intrusive thoughts about death and dying, even though I’m not suicidal.”
  15. “I feel like I’m suffocating under the weight of my own thoughts and emotions.”
  16. “I worry that I’ll never find true happiness or fulfillment in life.”
  17. “I’m consumed by guilt and shame over things that happened in the past.”
  18. “I have intrusive thoughts about losing control and doing something harmful or dangerous.”
  19. “I constantly doubt myself and second-guess every decision I make.”
  20. “I feel like I’m trapped in a never-ending cycle of anxiety and despair, with no way out.”

These intrusive thoughts can be incredibly distressing and disruptive to daily life, but it’s important for individuals experiencing them to know that they’re not alone and that help is available. Seeking support from mental health professionals, practicing self-care techniques, and learning coping strategies can all be helpful in managing intrusive thoughts and reclaiming a sense of control and well-being.

Please help us to help others and share this post, you never know who might need it.

About The Author

Candice is a writer, artist, teacher and multilingual translator, blending journalism, history and design to craft cross-cultural narratives. She's committed to travel, mental health, and fitness, which inform and inspire her holistic approach to wellbeing.

Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement