Be Kind to Your Mind

UNWANTED INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS  

Normalizing the Conversation 

The idea that it is abnormal to have unwanted, inappropriate thoughts can harm people’s mental health. How we think about our thinking affect our mental health. If you think you should have perfect control over what comes into your head, you are going to think poorly of yourself when an unwanted intrusive thought comes along.  

For example: If a bag of drugs falls in front of you. You are not responsible for things that fall in front of you.               

What can you be responsible for? What you do with them. Response to thought is what matters. 

Biological, Genetic and Anthropological: Murderous, sexual, or discriminatory thoughts pop into our minds. You’re not responsible for automatic thoughts contrary to your values. 

All Humans Experience Unwanted and Distressing Thoughts 

Normalize Respond with reframing and identifying the emotion. Reinforcing the distress experience through this belief that unwanted thoughts are abnormal can harm mental health. 

Myth Perfect control over thoughts is unrealistic. When the next thought is to judge yourself, be critical and self blaming we are unconsciously shifting focus away from the thought that is causing distress. 

Evidence and Research Our desire to suppress thoughts and our non-action prove they’re just thoughts. Thoughts about violence and sex are common and unrelated to personal values. 

Impact: Negative effects arise when we feel responsible for these thoughts. Be gentle with your self and mindful of your nervous system creating thoughts you are not participating in. 

Thoughts don’t define character; it’s how we respond that matters.