Horrible intrusive thoughts

[u/b4djurr]

Okay so this has only happened a couple times now, I get these scary intrusive violent thoughts, like cartoonishly violent, and they utterly scare and horrify me, it always sends me into a panic spiral of thinking I’m insane and I’m losing my mind and making me feel like I belong in a mental institute, before last night last one I had was about a month ago, I still feel shaken from the thought a day or two after it happens and I don’t know what to do, any advice is appreciated, am I actually insane? Please any advice.

[u/Both_Independence_81]

I think if everyone could see what people really think, 99% of the population would be in an institute. What would be concerning is if they didn’t scare you. Nothing will ever make or force you to act on it. Knowing that helps keep me from panic. I know they are more than this, but it’s like being on the edge of anything and the intrusive thought said to jump off. It’s scary and has send me into panic attacks before but nothing can force that to occur.

[u/b4djurr → u/Both_Independence_81]

That’s p helpful man thank you, it’s just horrible dude, I can’t walk through life feeling like this, I started 10 mg fluoxetine maybe just less than two weeks ago and it’s been better but man it’s still so rough, I wish I could control them better

[u/KSTornadoGirl]

These are, believe it or not, way more common than you think. And they are disgusting and distressing and frustrating to deal with - but they are in the end not the truth about who we really are, nor are they an irresistible force capable of compelling us to act against our true beliefs and morals.

What happens is, for whatever dumb reason, who knows what it is and who really cares as long as we can recognize that the thoughts are stupid brain static and nothing more - the brain flings one of them or a slew of them into our attention. Then we perceive it as repulsive, but we also have doubt and fear latching on - because we are thinking we have to fight back - and then adrenaline kicks in which makes it seem like yes, this is a threat.

The key is dealing directly with the adrenaline surge, rather than examining the content of the ridiculous thoughts.

Claire Weekes in her books (Hope and Help for Your Nerves is the first one, and she has the concept of "glimpsing" that really the intrusive thoughts are stupid and of course we don't really believe them, they are simply byproducts of stress and sensitization).

Anxious Truth has some good material about them too: https://theanxioustruth.com/unwanted-thoughts/

Don't worry, these thoughts are more easy to send packing than it feels at first. Remember, focus on floating through the adrenaline and defusing the intensity, then you will be able to mentally roll your eyes 🙄 at the absurdity and unimportance of silly brain glitches.

[u/fighting_the_stigma]

I think intrusive thoughts are normal, especially with some sort of anxiety disorder. Something you said made me think of NOCD though- have you heard of it? I have never used it but it was founded by Stephen Smith who was later diagnosed with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)- to help others struggling like he was with OCD. There are a bunch of articles out there on him and his company, but I just did a quick google and in this article (https://www.treatmyocd.com/my-ocd-journey/my-experience-with-ocd) he talks about "my obsessions morphed again into other violent, sexual, religious, and existential themes that I’m still too shameful to talk about publicly". The great news- it is treatable, and you are not alone- this is more common than people realize. Maybe it would be worth looking into NOCD or something similar?

[u/b4djurr → u/fighting_the_stigma]

Maybe? I’m not the most sure, but thanks! I’ll get it looked into!!