Intrusive Thoughts: Can they be stopped?

“Can I stop my unwanted thoughts?” It’s something many people with OCD wonder. The short answer is no, but the full explanation is worth sticking around for, because it might provide a helpful shift in perspective.

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. NOCD Therapists specialize in OCD, deeply understand all of its subtypes, and receive specialized training in ERP therapy, the gold-standard treatment for OCD.

[CrownedDiaries]

Jesus has done so much for me in this department. I really don't care what arguments people have.... but the spiritual warfare is real and I personally am so grateful to Jesus for peace. This video was also very good <3

[krystilkaroshka]

When I get awful intrusive thoughts that alarm or upset me I start saying a list of affirmations and it helps..even if somehow the intrusive thought continues in the background, I just go on repeating " I am loved and I am worthy, I am safe and I am free, I am powerfully protected, I am master of my body and ruler of my mind!"

[RedHearts]

this was so unbelievable helpful! i grew up in a religion where they placed a lot of power on thoughts and would constantly emphasise us having "pure thoughts" and i'm now trying to recover and function like a normal human being

[annabellemoore]

I used to have intrusive thoughts and OCD, but God completely healed me, give your life to him today and he can break of every lie
Edit: I am really sorry I made this comment. While religion has helped me, it may not work for everyone. If you need help with your OCD you should talk to a therapist. As someone who has recovered from OCD I would recommend that you fight the thoughts. If they tell you that something bad will happen if you do a certain thing, do it anyway. I know it is not easy, but once you start fighting these lies, it gets easier to go against them.

[redonyx]

I'll leave this i accept all my evil annoying disqusting intrusive thought 🥰 thats just a part of me and my mind. They can stay as long as they need too and go when there time comes. I will no longer fight but accept them ❤

[RockStock]

"No thought is unacceptable"

I think this is the breakthru i needed

[MegaSaanch]

This is one of the few therapists who really understands the disorder in-depth very well and the nature of it.

[SEVENFULLCIRCLE]

I KEEP HAVING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND I HATE THEM THEY ARE NOTHING I NEVER EVER HAD BEFORE ..., THEY ARE SO VILE AND NEGATIVE THAT INCLUDES PEOPLE I TRULY LOVE

[mmahoney]

Wow, this guy is good! Very helpful thanks!

[hplsqyd]

Going low carb makes all the difference. Sugar and caffeine cause these weird thoughts.

[MrJimmy]

You were explaining this very well. And I might be working with you again sometime. But here’s my question: over and over again Therapist reject the notion of any kind of reassurance. I mean they are adamant about not reassuring you in anyway during ERP, after ERP, during CBT, anytime. Now with all respect, you tell me what you just said about intrusive thoughts having no meaning whatsoever and thoughts not being actions is not reassuring. It is my experience and belief that we need to give some level of reassurance to the patient. The trick is to limit the amount of reassurance and how the reassurance is presented. In this video you presented it in an educational way. I believe and have experienced it educating – reassurance, if you will, is absolutely essential you know OCD recovery.

[strawberry_lemonade]

People tell me to just stop and I'm iNstAnTLy cUrEd

[josefreitas]

Bom Dia, é sem dúvida um excelente conselho, mas para quem tem POC/TOC não é assim tão simples como nos parece para nós, é ai que reside o grande problema é ai qua ciência deveria intervir e estudar a sério o nosso cérebro e por causa tanta dor com duvidas, pensamentos, prisões, aflições
translate:
Good morning, it is undoubtedly an excellent advice, but for those who have POC/OCD it is not as simple as it seems to us, that is where the big problem lies, and that is where science should intervene and seriously study our brain and therefore causes so much pain with doubts, thoughts, prisons, anguish
...

[kungfumcgee]

“Recognize the thoughts and let them pass” -Rex from Green Mountain Rehab

[anatino]

The most tortured disabling is when you have them about your kids. Bad thoughts about what you love the most.
I’m disabled since stopping the medication.

[BLaCkKsHeEp]

what if i causes severe anxiety? mine is about my grandparents someday passing. they're still alive but when i get those thoughts, it shakes me to the core. and i do understand that death is a natural part of life and that we all have to go someday... but idk, it seriously bothers me to the point that i sometimes end up crying. reminds of Yoda's "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose" but it proving to be immensely difficult

[justmadeit]

If you have depression and insomnia it’s difficult to think clearly and stay calm if you have strange thoughts

[justmadeit]

If you are very depressed and anxious and then develop intrusive thoughts then it really is difficult to get over as you feel tired and unable to think clearly

[kungfumcgee]

A great New England saying that is relevant to this is “what are ya gonna do?”

[stellaancimer]

But ocd can disable you, even if you know that this thoughts doesnt have meaning.., like you cant work, focus..going out..all depend on severity..i couldnt function without medication 😊