Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts that pop into our heads and can cause distress when our brains get stuck in loops trying to make sense of them.

• Intrusive thoughts are normal but can become problematic when we can't let them go
• Our brains create these thoughts as warning systems when we feel anxious or threatened
• Childhood experiences and parenting styles can influence what intrusive thoughts we develop
• Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism, OCD) can make it harder to inhibit thought loops
• Assigning meaning or morality to intrusive thoughts only strengthens their grip
• "You are not the author of your thoughts—you are the reader who gets to decide what to keep and what to delete"
• Techniques like cognitive defusion, visualization, and humor can help manage intrusive thoughts
• Treating intrusive thoughts like "brain spam" helps create distance from them
• Trying to suppress thoughts makes them stronger—what we resist persists
• Improving sleep, reducing stress, and seeking therapy can reduce intrusive thoughts
• Supplements like inositol may help reduce intrusive thoughts in some cases

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This show is sponsored by:

Core Self

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Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
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Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com