08/30/2026
“Why would I even THINK that?”
Have you ever had a thought pop into your mind that was upsetting, strange, scary, or completely out of character?
That may be an intrusive thought.
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that seem to appear out of nowhere. They might sound like:
• “What if something terrible happens to my child?”
• “What if I lose control?”
• “What if I accidentally hurt someone?”
• “What if I said something inappropriate?”
• “What if I made the wrong decision?”
• “Why did I think that? Does that mean something is wrong with me?”
Here’s something important to remember:
🧠 A thought is not an intention.
🧠 A thought is not an action.
🧠 Having a thought does not mean you want it to happen.
In fact, intrusive thoughts often feel so disturbing because they conflict with what you actually value.
Trying desperately to push the thought away, analyze why you had it, or repeatedly seek reassurance can sometimes make it feel even more powerful.
Instead, practice noticing it:
“That’s an intrusive thought. I don’t have to solve it, prove it wrong, or give it meaning.”
Then gently bring your attention back to what you were doing.
If intrusive thoughts are causing significant anxiety, taking up a lot of your day, or leading to checking, reassurance-seeking, avoidance, or repetitive behaviors, talking with a mental health professional can help.
🌿 You don’t have to believe everything your brain says.
Grace Therapy, LLC
Supporting children, teens, and adults through anxiety, ADHD, emotional challenges, and life’s difficult seasons.