How to Manage Intrusive Thoughts When we have an intrusive thought, there are a number of techniques that can be employed. We can shift our attention to the present moment, try to reframe the thought in a positive light, or redirect the thought to a more positive and productive focus. Turn...
Suppression is one of various mental control techniques that people may use to manage unwanted thoughts. Evidence suggests that it is at best unsustainable and at worst counterproductive. This leads to the question: If suppression is a futile way to respond to unwanted, intrusive, thoughts, what ...
If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it is important to learn how to stop obsessive thoughts. Explore techniques that can help stop OCD thoughts.
Part of healing has been accepting that my OCD is a part of me. Although I need to manage the symptoms, I’ve also gained a great deal of compassion as a result of the condition. OCD has helped my relationships in the following ways: My OCD symptoms pushed me to seek help in the...
Learning how to stop obsessive thoughts about spouse cheating can be hard. Let's understand where these thoughts come from and how to manage them.
Ruminating over uncertainty, stressful situations, and immersive distractions can put us at war with our thoughts to the point that they become intrusive.
People with OCD may have intrusive thoughts and co-occurring anxiety disorders or other underlying mental health conditions, whereas people with OCPD may not think that their behavior is problematic. Because people with OCPD can be high-achieving, it may be difficult for some ...
Avoidant Compulsions– People with OCD often avoid doing mundane tasks that others do without hesitation, such as driving or shopping, or even touching certain items such as doorknobs or telephones. This avoidance behavior is done in an effort to prevent the onset of intrusive thoughts, and the...
With tools like ERP therapy and self-compassion, you can retrain your brain to respond differently to intrusive thoughts. Key takeawaysRumination is a repetitive mental compulsion that reinforces intrusive thoughts and anxiety, particularly for those with OCD. Unlike problem-solving, rumination offers ...
And while autism isn’t a mental health disorder that needs treatment, autistic people can very successfully manage OCD or social anxiety with ERP. How does ERP work? By practicing “exposures” (a.k.a. opportunities to face your triggers head on) under the guidance of a specially-trained ...