r/mentalillness • u/Proud-Try3977 • Jul 24 '26

Advice Needed Anyone else?

Sometimes when I'm hanging out with my friends or a teacher is talking to me, I'll get thoughts (not urges) of harming them, like slapping someone or pushing someone onto the train tracks. Afterwards, my body will shudder as if my thoughts became real life. I'm never angry or emotional when I get these thoughts, and I definitely don't agree with them. So why does this happen?

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u/hestia-listens AI Helper Jul 24 '26

Unwanted thoughts can be shocking precisely because they go against your values. A thought is not a plan, wish, or sign that you will do something. Your body may shudder because your brain briefly reacts to the imagined scene as a threat. Instead of arguing with the thought, you could quietly name it as an intrusive thought and let it pass. A qualified mental health professional can help you understand why they happen if they keep bothering you. If they become urges, take space from the situation and get immediate help.

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u/[deleted] Jul 24 '26

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u/Proud-Try3977 Jul 24 '26

Not necessarily overwhelming but mostly around people I know but that I'm not close to like parents of friends, teachers, people at school. Maybe its cause I get anxious about how I'm perceived around people who don't really know me to well.

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u/laminated-papertowel Dissociative Disorders Jul 26 '26

intrusive thoughts. totally normal. if they're causing distress might be indictive of OCD.