How to Deal With Intrusive Thoughts

Why your brain loves giving you intrusive thoughts and what you can do about it. AND if you're struggling with intrusive thoughts and traveling, checkout these posts on travel mental health: www.themindfulfieldguide.com/...
You can grab my book, YOU ARE NOT A ROCK, wherever books are sold, like here on Amazon: bit.ly/youarenotarock
(It's called THE MIND WORKOUT in the UK and Australia/New Zealand, DAS MIND-WORKOUT in Deutsch, ENTRENA TU MENTE en español)
Learn more about what I do here: www.markfreeman.ca
Connect on any of these:
Twitter: / thepathtochange
Instagram: / markwfreeman

[@everybodyhasabrain]

If you're struggling with challenges travel with intrusive thoughts (and panic attacks, checking compulsions, ruminating, etc), check out these travel mental health articles full of tips and exercises: www.themindfulfieldguide.com/travel-mental-health/

[@nymphicus404]

I know how to deal with intrusive thoughts, Do it

[@palemoonlight96]

"Thoughts are not facts, don't believe everything you think"

[@amitchaurasia9795]

@@mistergcreativezone talk to your elder about it. I am facing the same problem. They have much maturity about God.

[@amitchaurasia9795]

@@mistergcreativezone No problem brother but discuss here what your elders told about it. It will help lots of people having same issue

[@Cherry003_]

Thank you so much!

[@user-kt7li4le8s]

Yea well that can be an intrusive thought as well. "I'm dumb, don't know shit" and "I don't see things for what they are, I can't experience reality" popping up randomly is a bad sign I guess...

[@BOOGEYMAN650]

Thank you. Im repeating this over and over

[@BarracudaProd1234]

"If you stop chasing the stick, your mind will stop throwing them." Mind = Blown

[@destinedtobedifferent9921]

Fuck my brain, I'm doing what I want.

[@tommychappell6359]

It doesn't take away from the negativity of the thing... However it's not helpful either... It doesn't make the worse thing better. It makes the worse thing less worse... That's simply it.. besides if you wanted to carry something out you would have done it already...

[@okStevie]

@@tommychappell6359 but I clearly don't want to carry any of those stuff out so I will not let my brain put me in fear. I will control my brain and I will control my thoughts.

[@tommychappell6359]

@@okStevie if you ever find a solution let me know. I already have those stuff and it won't let go...I've tried thought stopping like a billion times...

[@carlenewagner8082]

BarracudaProd1234 bull shit

[@ROsy-ge7wf]

THOUGHTS 👏 DONT 👏 DEFINE 👏 YOU 👏

[@el1ana115]

Haha thanks!

[@alexmachines2444]

Past actions neither, if you're working on being better now.

[@Amogusrath]

Need this lol

[@SableSeraph17]

Okay, but the intrusive thoughts I have are really disgusting and wrong and I don't want to just let myself think about it because I don't want to end up *LIKING IT.* It's hell

[@everybodyhasabrain]

But there you can start to see what you're actually afraid of--not being yourself. If we're afraid of being somebody we're not, then our brains just try to think of all of the things we might do that wouldn't be ourselves. Our brains are just trying to help, but for us, it's very unpleasant. So it's useful to show your brain through your actions that you can be yourself, that you're in control of you, not the stuff in your head.

[@MarkyMatey]

Mark Freeman Same for me. I hate them and try to focus on other things, but it's keeps finding its way back to my head and I hate it. What do I do?

[@tommychappell6359]

@@everybodyhasabrain I guess its like a value/personality compass.. what was the term, ego dystonic?

[@liljerky9670]

I hope you are better.. Im going through dealing with awful awful thoughts

[@isabeau407]

That’s actually the same for me... i hate them so much but my mind worries that in the future i’ll like them and act on them. it’s horrible because it feels like i can’t control what happens in the future and i don’t want to become a horrible person like that

[@akashjacksonchannel9222]

Who is suffering from anxiety or any mental illness. I wish you from my ❤ you get well soon. God bless you.

[@ynrkenshi]

Praying for you and everyone who liked this and anyone else who related to this comment later tonight. God bless you all 🙏🏼

[@Destiny_rae]

Thank you! ❤God bless you

[@Lucia-kc2yr]

Thank you so much 😔🙏🏼

[@frecklesonfleek6239]

I hate having disturbing thoughts, I don’t think of them, they just pop out of no where. Sometimes the most horrible things you could ever think of, I’m not gonna share them but they are traumatizing

[@yan5200]

Me too

[@dcsvppq]

I feel so much better that someone else feels the same way

[@johnnymartinez2795]

And it’s okay too think of things we would never ever do. It’s just your mind messing with you if you get a disgusting thought which I do sometimes just say it’s never going to happen that isn’t reality. I suffer from repetitive thoughts and I tell myself that “this thought that I’m having currently isn’t going to matter in a couple days”

[@kashisharora9528]

@@akhitolife8953 same thing happened with me ...like same

[@suriyasuriya-bz9ev]

@@akhitolife8953 how you accept your thoughts

[@christopherperez6345]

who is watching this at 2:30 AM due to intrusive thoughts

[@jyt123HD1]

That One Reply OMG ITS 2:31 LOL

[@broojie8191]

That One Reply 3:31😂

[@weo1weo1weo1]

exactly 2:30am XD

[@keonisenpai3006]

That One Reply 1:42 AM FUCKIN HELP my fear is everything is a lie I have no parents or time passes to fast and everyone I love dies too fast it helps to say this out loud

[@MissesLily]

That One Reply 12:21AM

[@aluna_planet]

That feeling when you get rid of one intrusive thoughts and the next day it gets replaced with a brand spanken new even more intense one.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Yes, that's why it's useful to cut out the compulsions and approach all thoughts as the same.

[@okjeffy6581]

Especially like when I go up to a person, stranger, friend, or family member, the same thing. In my mind they always give me a toy. A stupid, dumb, weird, useless, toy that could break just by looking at it.

[@DDM_08]

@Merz how do I disregard them

[@DDM_08]

@Merz the thing is when I try to accept these thoughts as they are, i cant help but react to it and have anxiety. What do I do

[@cocoyaourt560]

@Merz can we get ride of ocd permanently? 😔

[@jonhoward4884]

Wish I had seen this 20 years ago. Was scared to death with HORRIBLE panic attacks I was schizophrenic but in reality had a bad case of intrusive thoughts.

[@helpehlep]

Jon Howard maybe even a form of OCD

[@jjbambam23299]

OMG!! SAME!!

[@Moony385]

Jon Howard shit same thing happening to me now but now I know

[@nataleedenlinger635]

Jon Howard Oh my gosh same here. I was scared to death i was a schizophrenic

[@mrbatista666]

Natalee Denlinger how did you drop this fear? i've been struggling with it for a year now. the obsessions just get more and more abstract and harder to handle

[@vibes_9011]

This is driving me insane and making me depressed. I have a big fear and obsession with whether I’m intentionally thinking about the thoughts or if it’s actually intrusive. I know deep down it’s intrusive but my mind is convincing me that I’m purposely coming up with these thoughts and I just want to cry.

[@itsh3099]

Saame

[@ilikeyourcutg1971]

O m g same, it’s like hell

[@aspenrajack4943]

I wish I could give you a hug, I’m having intrusive thoughts right now, I sometimes think I should listen to them because is it what I really want or is it what I am afraid of.. I have to remind myself that I am loved and that it’s just thought and it doesn’t define me as a person and it is so hard

[@zackbro4886]

try treatment of clozapine... after 6weeks , all intrusive thought will be gone..

[@LexieNicole24]

Exactly

[@pompomkitty306]

"You are not a dog. You don't have to chase every stick your brain throws at you." Thanks Mark!😊

[@mardino2267]

Thats a awesome answer !

[@thunderstrm9369]

I'm crying so fucking much. It was so fucking simple and I've been struggling for so many years. Thank you

[@MiMi-zf7gd]

Same omg

[@missChristina2209]

How are you doing now?

[@isaaca.5660]

Guys it feels so good to know that I'm not the only one struggling with these! Sometimes it feels awful and sometimes I laugh because the whole thing it is irrational. I do believe the more I leave these thoughts in my head and the less I react to them (because they don't represent who I am) the more I'll improve. I'm in a phase where I'm accepting my thoughts because is not up to me to control my mind 24/7, i feel guilt but I will get rid of them as soon as I accept their irrelevance.

[@tommychappell6359]

I come from the mindset that if I accept it then I'll become that thing. I guess like thought-action-fusion. Compulsion aren't all that bad. It's just frequency

[@isaaca.2146]

ISAAC A. I feel ya b

[@diet.mountain.dew.]

how ya doing now

[@ayoutubechannel1413]

same, my thoughts are irrational and make no sense, but the fact they are irrational in turn makes me fear im going insane lol

[@marioreyeszermeno5320]

@@diet.mountain.dew. way much better!! Now that I think I just don’t care !

[@KookyChums]

I need a new brain that would solve everything

[@Errica567]

Kooky Chums 😆

[@starboiklem8381]

Lol yeah I need a brain without an amygdala or even better a brain that can remove any memory or information i want it to

[@obi-wankenobi9743]

Maybe this won’t help, but in your head tell your brain to fuck off. Your not a bad person, you can’t help this thoughts

[@athulchandran2737]

Sometimes I feel the same way too

[@pavelalexandrovich166]

If only we could reset our brains

[@zackjones08]

What you need to fix bad thoughts: 1:This Video 2:Prayers

[@zackjones08]

Roberto Estevez well there’s not hurt In trying. And believe me once you do you will not regret and will be given a great gift.

[@zackjones08]

Roberto Estevez that’s a shame. I sure hope you will understand one day.

[@auroratea9872]

I’m really trying to pray since I’m catholic but I have these intrusive thoughts about God like “you don’t like God” or “God is ugly” BUT I DONT MEAN IT😭 idk why I have this I’m legit scared bc I know i love God and Virgin Mary and other saints but it’s these thoughts

[@zackjones08]

@@auroratea9872 they dont mean anything you gotta remember that. Take a moment to evaluate what is true about you and what isnt. Take a good look at ur intrusive thoughts are. And you'll realize they aren't true and then just keep ignoring them

[@auroratea9872]

@@zackjones08 Thanks u so much, I’ve been ignoring and distracting my mind and I’ve been feeling WAY better thanks may God bless you:)

[@sere5609]

It's like a mental prison that I just can't get out of. It feels like an unbreakable chain attached to my mind and day by day it gets harder to bare. I'm scared of losing my morals, I'm scared of losing my compassion and I'm scared of eventually ending up as some kind of monster. No matter how often I tell myself that those are just irrational fears, that none of this is real, that none of this is and ever will be me, it still feels terrifiyingly real. I've been to two seperate therapists but I never managed to get rid of it properly. Most of the time I'm not in control, so I feel the need to respond to this demon inside of my head. I end up repeating myself over and over and over again just so I can prove to myself that I haven't forgotten who I am, what I value and the reason for donig so. I'm running in circles and I just can't manage to move forward. It seems like such a simple solution yet I'm incapable of working it out. I wish I was able to just let them come and ignore them but I almost feel obligated to argue, because I fear that otherwise those thoughts will take over and turn me into something I despise. I'm simply scared of ignoring them. I'm way too scared to stop chasing the stick. No matter how hard I try I end up fueling the flame the Intrudor thrives on and it's ruining my life. I can't sleep, I can't focus, I can't motivate myself to do anything and I usually waste my energy fighting my brain anyway. Even typing this took way longer than it should have because it's just so hard to focus.

[@SharonVeeLee]

Hello friend! I hope you are doing better but in case you aren't, as much as you want to fight you should stop. Your fighting is the compulsion and that's what makes your brain work harder to give you more scary thoughts. You can accept those thoughts as just that:thoughts. Thoughts aren't actions and do not mean anything about you whatsoever. Sometimes the brain likes to spit things out and because it is your brain and knows you best, it knows exactly what you fear so the thoughts are tailor made for you. But that's still all they are.

[@leah4evah]

HOLY FUCKING SHIT THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN US DUDE

[@suraiyaaden5980]

How do you cope with them please help

[@leah4evah]

@@suraiyaaden5980 if you've done good things for other people, or you've done something good at all then you can confidently dismiss these thoughts. they aren't realistic. every time i get these thoughts i reflect on the positive things i've done, and it somewhat dismisses them. i'll be honest it's hard to cope with them but, if you understand that you aren't alone then you're good.

[@diet.mountain.dew.]

hope you’re doing better now man

[@nickp3949]

The scary thing is that I fear that if I don't get rid of them, then they will actually come true and that's the thought that terrifies me the most. My brain even tells me "let me stay and it will happen". Letting the thoughts stay is the ultimate trigger above all triggers.

[@tommychappell6359]

It's called a positive feedback loop.. i guess you mean as in manifest. Perhaps. But also look at the contrary.. if you wanted to do it you would have done it already. And also if you have done things according to your values well it's actually more likely you won't than will.

[@tommychappell6359]

The actual action of trying to control the thought is like an addiction. You get dopamine from doing compulsions and it makes the thoughts come back more.. a bit like gambling.. think of the thoughts like a slot machine (bar, bar, bar) only instead of that, it comes up with thought, thought, thought. The more you react the more it comes with more thoughts.. if you keep spinning the numbers.. some times the best thing is to cut your loss and let it go.. but sometimes not as well. I guess it's either compulsion or non compulsion. Those are your two options, that's it. However for me I would rather use CBT then accept the thought. Like find a healthy response to it. Then accept. A bit like when you hold the numbers on the machine and nudge certain numbers so it will bump up your chance of getting it right.. comes up as (blank, blank, blank)

[@tommychappell6359]

There's a name for that. Its called thought action fusion. I'm exactly the same mate.

[@liljerky9670]

Same here

[@Ace-ps8mw]

It’s not who YOU are. You will not become your thoughts, let the fear stay by tackling smaller fears and working your way up, all you have to do is not react it’s hard very, but you got this.

[@nagol5178]

The way I look at it is this: The brain is like a computer, it presents every situation possible. Things you would do, things you would never do, things you might do, etc. Then its calculating what you do want to do, do agree with, do enjoy, etc. OCD causes the person to see the information presented of what they don't want to do or disagree with and fear that because the thought is there, that they might secretly want to do it or agree with it, even though they don't. Every thought is not our own. We seem to be antennas for consciousness and so every thought goes through very quickly and we pick out which ones to cater to. One of the best ways to get rid of them, is not sit in the mind too much. Getting physical, lots of exercise, art projects, less stress, eating healthy cause it to go down. My OCD goes up really high if I take benadryl or if I drink coffee. I still drink coffee but I notice every time after I drink coffee I do the OCD rituals. When I don't drink it, I seem to be able to ignore it. We must not allow ourselves to feel bad about thinking a thought because the thought is not our own. We should feel bad if the thought is evil and it is our own and we enjoy the thought. But if the thought is evil and it is nothing we would do nor desire to do, it really isn't our thought, it's a wave of consciousness. We are conscious of it.

[@TheNails3]

Excellent comment - thanks for posting :)

[@jetset1123]

nagol5178 I am going to read this every time I have intrusive thoughts because it clears things up so clearly yet so complex. It relieves apart of my brain. I love you. And thank you for this information. You gave me comfort and I feel comfortable with you bro. Thanks. You gave me new hope

[@feirylilpotato]

This comment is 5 years ago but still applies to this horrible situation we're going through. Thank you for this

[@Random245]

Excellent way of describing it.

[@diet.mountain.dew.]

wise

[@elissasmukbangs2054]

i really needed this i thought i was alone 😭

[@shannamartinez9494]

Theonlyelissaa Toscano You're not alone.😘

[@jimmycrutsinger8358]

Theonlyelissaa Toscano your not alone if you need a person to vent to I am feeling with this shit every day

[@tommychappell6359]

@@jimmycrutsinger8358 just focus on each day as it comes... A lot of times it's because your overthinking.

[@chernobylresident7436]

Yur not

[@jamilpaden6340]

Your not!!

[@Ycomando]

I pray for everyone here to have the best life possible! If it was all in my control I would get rid of all those worries and fears from everyone! Don’t let anything put you down! We are here on earth to live the best lives we possibly can! Start taking control of yourself and stop letting your brain run you! Remember we are the ones in control! Our soul and body!!!!!

[@elysian8823]

Thank you, same to u

[@fleite34]

So it goes like this: Brain: "You are going to self harm yourself with that knife" and you see that image in your mind. (But the brain really means I'M AFRAID YOU ARE GOING TO CUT YOURSELF WITH THAT KNIFE, DON'T DO IT AND PLEASE SOLVE THE PROBLEM!" But as the thought is very distressful you try to push it away and you get anxious! And anxiety leeds to more ruminating and running thoughts The brain repeats the pattern and throws the image at you once again waiting for a solution. To break the pattern you just accept the tought and let it go, You are not your thoughts! With time, after your brain shows you that thought, over and over againm and you react with acceptance rather than anxiety your brain stop to see it as a threat and stop throwing the thought at you. And you get rid of the intrusive thought because it loses its power over you. Makes sense !

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Yes!

[@sudharsanh9073]

But in case of self harm OCD, accepting the thought is not easy as compared to other types of OCD. Of course, that may be the only way to come out of self harm OCD.

[@prophetgeorgepintu3055]

I like this

[@praaj4138]

Thank you

[@tjthebikemechanic6863]

F Leite I’ve been trying to accept the thought can you give any advice on how to “accept” the thoughts I used to fight the thought and it was mentally exhausting I’d feel drained by the end of every day i am trying to get better

[@izzpop123]

This made me feel so better and I feel like I understand myself so much more

[@wsfabi]

I feel guilty for my thoughts. Every time I have them I can't just ignore them. It's automatic, I feel scared and then I start to feel guilty. These thoughts make me believe that I am a bad person and that I would do bad things against other people.

[@abigailmarston1726]

feels so good to not be the only one, I can relate to so many people on here. I thought I was the only person and it made me feel like something was wrong with me. Keep fighting!! only YOU and GOD have the authority to win this battle! ❤️

[@tjthebikemechanic6863]

Abigail Marston yessss

[@Itz_deasia]

Amen yes 🙏🏾❤️ God will help me to overcome this

[@alancastro4676]

Reading everyone's comments makes me happy in a way where at least now I know I'm not alone in all of this. I've been experiencing anxiety attacks for the last month or so and now I'm dealing with these crazy, intrusive thoughts and it makes me feel like I'm going crazy or I start to feel like I'm a bad person or monster. I really hope and pray we can all get through this and thank God I've sought out help. Mental health is very important and it's nothing to be ashamed of

[@riley1733]

Agreed 100%. I started having bad intrusive thoughts in January and had panic attacks over them. Talked to a buddy of mine about it and he gave me a tip on how to handle them. Told me to imagine them knocking on your front door and politely tell them to leave and they’re not welcome. We’re going to get through this. I try to think positive thoughts as much as possible.

[@asmoove349]

I’m dealing with the same thing I hope your better now ❤️

[@komoriaimi]

So the key is to stop fighting my brain. There we go... As I as writing this I did it again. Had an ominous thought, did a check. I will certainly try it although it's hard.

[@HC100_]

You can do it

[@komoriaimi]

Covert Wolf​ It has gotten better

[@HC100_]

well done man, me too sorta

[@komoriaimi]

Covert Wolf Yeah, one never really gets a 100% over it but it gets better

[@HC100_]

komoriaimi Im sure you will one day, with hard work

[@jreyes6142]

I wish regular everyday people knew more about this. Why is this not on the news? It also kills. People make it broad as mental health - no, its intrusive thoughts. Why is it not verbalized more.

[@tenajagibson]

I agree .

[@marilennacorda7546]

Kills by wht

[@paulduffy2524]

Wow, this is spot on, struggle with intrusive thoughts for years, still do to a point, it took me about a year of torture trying to get past terrible thoughts. The real way to improve is not to obsess and torture yourself over the thought, and the most difficult thing to do is to pay less attention to them, that is really when you can start to move past them, they don't ever go away, but they can almost become nonsense and barely interfere with your life...to those struggling, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. May God bless you...now go to sleep!!! Lol.

[@joyrowell3171]

God bless you 💒also .I'm struggling at the moment 😭

[@Amir-us8ro]

@@joyrowell3171 struggling means, is it disturbing you??? Or putting you in stress meanwhile

[@aluna_planet]

The "sticking to your values" is what really blew my mind. It feels like when you have intrusive thoughts you are two different people; the one you are, and the one you aren't. You keep thinking "Why would I ever think / feel / be that way of this thing?" I just gotta go with the flow and do what makes me happy, instead of letting my intrusive thoughts control me.

[@anaseymour4556]

Exactly, my intrusive thoughts are all not true.. like idk why I couldn't just understad that earlier... I am better after watching these videos tho, but it took my a huge while

[@bahadurshah7692]

I have intrusive thoughts, intensely suffered for 6 years, almost suicidal, but recovered now. For the last 10 years, I did not have that thought. I have recovered from it. happy now.

[@silentsociopath9106]

How i need this

[@kayl9967]

good for you brother

[@certainuncertainty1923]

Teach me how

[@okjeffy6581]

Oh I have suffered since 2004 but I take it as a way of life

[@certainuncertainty1923]

@@okjeffy6581 how do you deal with it, don't you have panic attacks

[@havasa1517]

Guy: "Stop reacting" Me: Lol okay Me: *hears something* ITSAFUCKIGNMASSKILLERORADEMONORAMASSDEMONKILLER Me: Iwontcheckiwontcheckiwontcheck Me: *Checks because what is self control*

[@paulaparra37]

IKR-

[@a_square367]

my ocd gives me intrusive thoughts :/

[@shannamartinez9494]

A_square Ocd sucks.

[@carlchaovski8542]

2:02-2:10 :)

[@jimmycrutsinger8358]

A_square my anxiety and ptsd gives me intrusive thoughts

[@tommychappell6359]

Do yourself a favour. Don't develop OCD. Meditate and go into acceptance mode before it's too late.. don't go into denial

[@lauralauristan7677]

Tommy Chappell stupidest advice ever. Do you think anyone chooses this?

[@waqasmansoor7956]

damn this is so relaxing . i did it all . i break the pattern . the intrusive memory is still there but its not worrying me that much :) thank you

[@tommychappell6359]

What did you do to help the OCD?

[@tyrone8867]

@@tommychappell6359 I've noticed acceptance plays a big part in improving. At least, for me. I'm still going through the motions, but compared to weeks ago, wow, I have to admit myself, there is clear a difference. There has been an improvement overall, within me. Another thing is to just simply take it easy on yourself. Don't beat yourself up for having these repetitive thoughts that you don't want to have. Go with the flow. Focus on improving in the ways you ALREADY KNOW internally, will help you improve.

[@tyrone8867]

@@tommychappell6359 btw, I'm wondering, how are you now?

[@tommychappell6359]

@@tyrone8867 hey, hm difficult and not so/as difficult at same time. Done lot of journalling, and realized that actually what could be ocd is indication of something else. For me recent trauma and behaviours related with that. And.. lack of sleep. Can all compound. Coupled with autism and addiction and all of that. Sometimes one can go through trauma and not know it was even trauma or actually in fact detrimental to them in many ways. I find that, we live in invisible times. Where often these things go unnoticed even when it is highly prevalent to yourself (though your not 100% sure), and it has taken me years to know this. When I look back now it seems obvious. But went through lot of confusion and basically questioning reality, as to what was what. Things do go unnoticed/invisible/undetected. But that applies to subtle things as well. Subtle things which can in of themselves be dangerous due to how subtle they are, like they seem minute but it's that minute thing over course of time that builds up, until realize what it actually is. Also often to stop cycle, it's not about what you do but what in fact you stop doing. It was a Facebook post I think or one of Moto post type thing. But it's the ONE thing that stuck out to me. And has always stuck out. Picture of chair (idk why). You can do like infinite number of good positive things but you'll never stop a bad cycle/habits/decline in health/outcomes etc if you keep repeating that one thing that does it for you. For instance addiction or sleep deprivation so on. Stopping something in its tracks can be vital, basically destructive cycles. Dealt with head on, to the source. However life is constantly in flux and often/sometimes you can have that one experience that tips you in another direction etc. Mixture of knowledge but also experiences/change/lesser known/unknown/future. So simple but they all have impact as well. Key decisions. Could be a positive change like going to walk to seaside today etc. Starts small but end up huge.

[@tommychappell6359]

@@tyrone8867 for me I have found Meditation and Rituals (Surprisingly) are actually two things that have helped me the most. In fact it's helped me so much during difficult/dark times. It's caused miracles for me. According to university two people learnt that rituals can have reverse effect but I have used rituals for years now and I can say with clear confidence and strength that I disagree. Rituals Are actually one of best things I have found to combat these thoughts. It's the one thing that gave me strength. To keep on. I don't believe any of those things that rituals make things worse. I've used them and it's helped tremendously. And like if one is gonna feel detrimented by thoughts anyway. Well they might as well put two and two together. Only difference being that with relief you get relief/comfort. Which has helped me gain control/hand over thoughts. Their only detrimental if you believe them to be, or you believe they'll have the opposite effect, if you have paranoid personality/or your share paranoia. Talking about rituals like their detrimental is like a needle in haystack, cause you left like 95% of the picture out of it. All pluses it has. And lot of what they tell you in books. Tells you to not believe you have thoughts anyway, since that's belief that perpetuates belief system. So pretty much what were told (in books/online resources) is mostly dwoddle. Par for knowledge Vs thoughts, but also imagination Vs thoughts as well (rituals). I'm pretty imaginative so I often have clever rituals that like arrived just in nick of time but did miles of good for me (like eurika thought), perfect wedge for me. Which is similar to cognitive thoughts and distance/comfort/wedge it provides you from whatever you have difficulty with. Best strata are often. Your own. And apparently having autism can increase risk for autism by significant amount. But their key nuggets that took ages to read/at right place, right time etc. I write them down.

[@ynrkenshi]

I been having intrusive thoughts for a few days, it goes away when I get distracted. I dont wanna think about bad shit cause Im a good, kinda religious person fr. Nice to see that Im not alone here in the comments and I hope everyone watching this video and reading this' thoughts cleanse and resolve. I'll pray for you all tonight.

[@Sorasnoctis]

This video is life changing for me. I’ve struggled with intrusive thoughts and I’ve heard all of the stuff. But you simplified it perfectly. I am a visual learner. So the cartoon helped me ALOT!!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

That's totally why I made it!

[@datgaydangernoodle1315]

@@everybodyhasabrain awesome! Thanks so much it really helped me alot too :)

[@ordinarycat8609]

I have intrusive thoughts for a while now and when a thought appears and i don't gets nervous about it then i get nervous because i don't get nervous about it cause i think that if something that disturbing doesn't scare me i want to do it.This condition is so canny that everytime you stand on your feet it will find a way to bring you to your knees.I just want what all of us want some inner peace stay strong everyone i will pray for us :)

[@hueso5071]

I think that’s a sign of recovery. That’s the intrusive thoughts trying to lure you back in, that’s known as the “back door spike”.

[@isabellamiller2702]

Whenever I have a blip or episode of OCD and intrusive thoughts I watch this video to remind me I can overcome the thoughts ❤️

[@riley1733]

Been struggling with this for the last 3 months at least if not more. Had a couple panic attacks over it too (and I’m not normally a person who has panic attacks). I hate having these thoughts. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It really makes your life hell. I’m trying to overcome it myself but it’s not easy. Even considered going to therapy for it. My heart goes out to anyone going through this. You’re not alone. Might take some time but we will overcome this someday. Keep pushing and stay positive and stay strong everyone.

[@randybarnes9270]

Love the energy bro. Keep Pushing it takes a great person to already positivity even through there own hardship

[@riley1733]

@@randybarnes9270 Thanks. Appreciate the kind words. Believe it or not, I’m actually feeling quite good tonight. Not having the thoughts much and when I do, I just tell myself that it’s just a thought and I’m fine. I hope it keeps getting better. No fun being at work for 10 hours while having panic attacks.

[@curlyceibena6514]

Intrusive Thoughts are not You. They are the manifestation of your Anxiety. Anxiety latches on to your deepest fears. But here is some instant relief for you, EVERYONE has intrusive thoughts. People without an anxiety disorder are able to quickly dismiss them. But someone with an anxiety disorder (you) it's hard to because your anxiety feeds off of it and will always look for it (OCD). So how do you change that? By thinking rationally and not just reacting with Fear. Look into CBT and DBT (rational mind vs emotional mind). YOU are in charge of your mind. Take control back 💪🏽 Sending healing peaceful vibes to you.

[@kaseyhaman385]

I'm coming back to this video after a few years. Back when I was younger, I had extremely bad OCD. It would keep me up an hour past my bedtime doing a nightly routine on top of daytime compulsions. Obviously, that tore me down inside mentally. This video was one of the main things that helped me boot the intrusive thoughts near completely out of my head. Today I rarely ever think about OCD anymore (and never act on it). I've come back all these years later, remembering this videos impact on my life in order to apply this psychology to different, yet equally destructive intrusive thoughts that I have in my life. It seems we will always have different battles with the brain to fight off. To anyone else reading this, I hope this gives you encouragement for your battle with intrusive thoughts. Just know that leaving these thoughts alone is a battle, and you must be really dedicated in order to clear them almost completely. But I wish you good luck in your journey to improve your life, and remember to ask God to help you with this battle too, prayer goes a long way. All in all, I just wanted to say thank you, for this short, under 3 minute video, that helped change my life forever.

[@wewo9872]

how are u?

[@c0naaan]

Such a simply strategy but it completely changed my life. I think everyone in the world would benefit from dealing with their brain in this way.

[@exemplar9478]

I've been having a shit loads of issues from an intrusive thought that was a result of a bad incident. This video really helped because it was getting to the stage of blurring what my actual thoughts were and what my brain was giving me. Thank you

[@Two.ofthesame]

Guys please listen and remember you are not weird or disgusting or gross or crazy you are human and you are having intrusive thoughts there just thoughts no matter how violent weird and disgusting they maybe you can’t help them and they do not define you as a person I sometimes deal with weird intrusive thoughts but I’ve just learnt to laugh at them and move on because at the end of the day we are all human and we are all going through things in your head and it’s okay to have them it’s normal if you want to ask me anything or just talk I’m always here your thoughts do not define you as a person

[@chelyngraziano4732]

I love this!!! So true. Also, I would just like to remind people as well that ITS NORMAL as you said and that you don’t have to have OCD to experience intrusive thoughts. Stressful situations can bring them on and it’s more than normal. I haven’t seen many comments of people who don’t have OCD and experience it-so I’d just like to mention that you can have this experience without OCD or anxiety. Every day stress or trauma can bring it on or just randomly. You’re okay🤍

[@gooddoc8129]

@@chelyngraziano4732 I want to sleep

[@pharmercys1478]

thank you so much fir this video, i'm 13 and it makes me so sad

[@celi2129]

Same

[@prettyass.z1461]

How are u doing now?

[@Itachi-rl9xg]

This video tells me what I've always told my self who has suffered from OCD that we're not our own brains! You're not your own brain. You're your own soul.

[@teabags2day]

I started saying "stop" when I got an intrusive thought but the more I did it, the bigger the thoughts grew. I am going to let them flow like water lets see how that goes.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Yeah, the brain is like a dog, and it's just looking for a reaction. Whenever it brings us a thought, if we respond to it, that's like petting the dog every time it brings us a dead animal. So it will only bring more dead animals!

[@killuazoldyck4289]

my intrusive thoughts make me nauseous and ******** because it disgusts me that I’d ever wanna do something like that and I feel like I can’t accept it because it’s so disgusting to me but I also realize that that’s just putting more focus on the thought and letting it live there longer than it should. but I can’t help but feel so guilty and disgusted with myself even though it’s just an intrusive thought. sorry I just wanted to vent a little

[@bekahhh8565]

how r u feeling?

[@bimajie6157]

This comment section made me feel so much better❤

[@rjrht]

Same 🙂

[@thebruh4299]

Dude im really struggling with sexual intrusive thoughts and this is super helpful

[@everybodyhasabrain]

:)

[@leah4evah]

same dude, its fucking blowing my mind how well these comments relate to me.

[@arjunnnnnnnn]

Same here

[@kill3rclown690]

I've had them too it's hell

[@johnmahoney4400]

Quite possibly one of the best explanations on this topic I may have ever heard…..

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks, John!

[@dianamorais1854]

This makes so much sense.... The brain in getting more stressful thoughts because of the afterwards feelings of relief. My mind just 🤯

[@everybodyhasabrain]

The brain is just working how it's supposed to work!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

@@mr.creepy. Do you have a specific question about that? That's not strange at all. Are you judging that as unusual and meaning something?

[@everybodyhasabrain]

@@mr.creepy. sorry, I don't understand what you're asking. You're also asking under somebody else's comment. If you have a specific question you want to ask about the video, feel free to post it as a new comment.

[@mr.creepy.]

@@everybodyhasabrain it's OK since you can't understand, just do your normal activities

[@thomasotto4579]

This video was honestly life-changing for me. I found it when I thought I had OCD and have now learned that my intrusive thoughts came from my ADHD, but everything in it still holds up and it was part of how I was able to ‘break free’ from one of the worst and longest lasting delusions of my adult life. I really encourage everyone to look into this guy’s videos, because they’ve provided me immense comfort during a very difficult time.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Congratulations on breaking out of that challenge!

[@lostsoul4317]

While studying I tend to think sometimes that what could be the most disgusting thing then regret that why did I just thought that. And then starts a never ending battle 😌

[@natashazinc]

FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! I’ve been suffering with intrusive thoughts for a while now and videos like this help me. Thank you for making it clear and to the point. Saving this!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

I'm glad it helped!

[@Amir-us8ro]

Suffering means?? Was it interfering in your day to day life??

[@thechunderchunder]

KZbin is such a good resource. I had to read several books to understand this years ago. Now you've summed it up in a 3 minute video. Well done!

[@rahanm7307]

I feel so good after reading the comments knowing i am not the only one going through this.

[@miriamstea6426]

I have been struggling with this since I was a little child! The thing is that I am a very good person but very sensitive! I literally will try to get a fly to go outside rather than killing it! Yet I get these awful stuff in my head and I never share this with anyone because it’s so horrible! I see there are lots of us out there so let’s rejoice with the fact that it’s another symptom of being alive! I really think it has to do with how sensitive we are and when we hear the terrible things that go on and how ugly people can be somehow makes this happen!

[@litttledevil4236]

Augh I hate intrusive thoughts so much . Had them since I was 6 and called them "mom I have bad thoughts again" They ruin my happiness and life Tourture me They are my worst enemy.

[@roxannesatindollz]

Thank you, this has helped me! I feel as though I am more susceptible to intrusive scary thoughts when I'm stressed, tired or unhappy. This O.C.D. use to dictate my life in my younger years but now it comes in waves. There are times when I can ignore or simply dismiss these thoughts but then I get days where they completely disturb me and make me feel guilty and horrible. On those days, I just try to do something to distract my thought, like keeping busy or doing a physical activity to distract myself. Or even better, I go and do something I love, something that makes me happy. This usually works :)

[@tjthebikemechanic6863]

Roxanne amazing! I do the same. Thanks for the comment couldn’t relate anymore

[@ahamprema2280]

You have to push yourself to do all the right things in life and just go on like this for a long time before you'll start feeling better. Good deeds help us realise that we're actually good people and we don't deserve any of this shit. So keep doing what makes you feel like a good person, don't give your brain a reason to judge you for your actions. That's my personal experience with this, I hope it helps. I'm working on it and I hope it works out for you too..!!

[@melaniebarrie7532]

im going to watch this video everyday from now on... i have to admit that my thoughts are just thoughts and it shouldnt controle me :)

[@NinaStudios]

Your videos are sooooo helpful. I am so grateful that I found your channel. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome!

[@netanelmad]

Thank you so much for this video and all the other videos you make. You truly gave me hope.

[@neilosish]

Thank you Mark. Your videos are a massive help.

[@shanna8042]

This was so helpful knowing the science behind all of this thank you so much.

[@justforfun919]

dopamine is a hell of a drug lol

[@poznaniara]

THANK YOU. That is the most useful video about this dark thoughts and I finally know how it works 🙏🏻

[@hg77777]

It's just what I needed mark thank you so much for this video Taking your time to help all of us with our suffering Thank you again mark ! God bless you !

[@meredithwait6210]

I can't even describe how accurate this is!

[@margaretbabybaby5930]

This is like one of the best videos ever!

[@supernatural1233]

This is honestly the most helpful video in trying to understand and overcome intrusive thoughts I’ve seen so far.

[@bellec2141]

Always come to this when it’s getting bad again, thank you 💜

[@kamran8451]

Watched this video again. Another person told me the other day as part of their mental health plan was "make good choices every day and act like the person you want to be." When he put it that way it helped really solidify what it means to act according to my values. If I didn't have anxiety, how would I act? What would I be like? Figure that out, and do those things no matter what I feel like. Another realization I had about values was that my values are the good actions and decisions I make every day. They are important in themselves. They're things I'd do no matter how I feel, and they're things that are good to do anyway. I used to treat my values as things I'd do to try and keep anxiety away, but then those just become compulsions. Accepting the stuff in my head and living my life how I want to live it eventually helps my brain recognize that it doesn't need to make me anxious or give me intrusive thoughts.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

+Kamran Those sound like awesome realizations!

[@tanviramin7089]

Awesome man.

[@kamran8451]

I'm coming back to this video, tomorrow this video will be one year old. Honestly, I love this one and I feel like it sums up everything on your channel amazingly. I'm looking back at my recovery journey and the many many questions I had trying to figure out how it all works. My biggest realization thus far that I wanted to write down here was that in my recovery process, I tried so hard to learn to control my anxiety with the things I've learned here. One of the fundamental reasons anxiety disorders exist is trying to control or get rid of anxiety. So I was doing things I thought I should be doing, but the intention of trying to get rid of anxiety never left my mind. The biggest breakthrough I had which finally allowed me to get out of the cycle was to stop focusing on my feelings all the time. I just accepted what I felt and allowed my focus to go toward my values. I didn't realize that my relentless focus on fixing my feelings and anxiety messed with my recovery for a long time. Now, without trying I'm anxiety free most of the time and am working to actually build the life I want, rather than reacting to my feelings all the time and ruminating on how to control them! Thank you for everything Mark. I'm sure learning doesn't ever stop in regards to my mental health, but I finally stopped my relentless battling with anxieety. Of course, I still have feelings and feel anxious once in a while, but it no longer rules my life or my mind.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thanks so much for the message, Kamran! I did not realize it was a year since I posted this video. Happy birthday to it. But an even bigger celebration is in order for the end of the battle with anxiety. Congratulations! Walking away from the battlefield is a such a wonderful experience. It is a funny quirk of the human brain that it's much easier to control when you stop trying to control it. Enjoy the freedom of no longer letting anxiety rule your life!

[@kurtjames2069]

Mark Freeman i'm straight, i have been for as long as i can remember but lately i've having 'gay thoughts' this has happened before but i would just 'let the gay thoughts in' if you'll say and then they went away however a year later and it's happening again and my anxiety is through the rough, am i actually gay or is it just intrusive thoughts? i've never wanted a relationship or seen males in the same way i see females only when these thoughts come invade me.

[@biplabdas2408]

Never have I thought it this way. Now I know what meditation means, concentration on one thing without giving damn to your thoughts, let them flow. Thanks for this lesson.

[@mikeoxard4291]

Wow, all the questions i had about my thoughts and why i get them have just been answered. Almost instant relief.

[@jesusislord27]

This is good stuff, Mark. I'm just now discovering this video almost 7 years after you posted it. Better late than never! It really does come down to habits, correct? We perpetually reinforce what what we think/do until it becomes habitual. Feeding that "thing" (whatever that thought or thing might be) just gives it more and more power. The connections become stronger and stronger until we feel dominated/defeated by those thoughts. Simply acknowledging the thought(s) and moving on seems to "untangle" that stronghold in one's brain. Thanks for the advice.

[@couturegalx3]

Thank you so much for this video you’ve literally just summed up how I’ve been feeling about my brain for yearssss! I thought why does my brain not want me to be happy or relaxed but I’m a weird way it does, because it’s giving me intrusive thoughts which I then feed into by doing compulsions and then seen somewhat accomplished. A real frenemy 😧

[@el1ana115]

This is my favorite video:) Also the thing is for me is that I’m not able to tell my brain what to do to help, for some reason, so I need something or someone else to tell my brain what to do and how to help . So this video teaches my brain what it can do to help:)

[@mrzgvm]

I just love this video so much I watch it every time I feel bad about my intrusive thoughts.

[@michaelobrien5891]

This is my favorite advice so far

[@Fruhtz]

thank you for this video I am in tears this helps so freaking much and gives me reassurance and hope. sending love and good vibes!!!

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You're welcome! Enjoy doing the things you value in life!

[@anuradhamukherjee9152]

You saved me! Now Im sharing your videos to others who are in the situation i was in last year at this time. So much love and power to you Mark💫

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thank you for sharing!

[@sabrinajolie2465]

5 years later and I still revisit this valuable source; years ago this type of content was rare. I tried so hard to look for more of this type of content on youtube in the past but the amount available now did not exist then except for this special channel. It was one of the few and first on KZbin to talk about OCD. Thank you for your help and insight 🙏

[@SmartAnalyzers]

"this is the best piece of video about ocd I have come across" keep up the good work my friend. I have experienced it and from now on I will never chase those thoughts trying to figure out solve it and give myself happiness. Need to break the pattern.

[@ef2662]

I just find this change and I'm so happy. My Ocd is killing me slowly. I actually can't work. Everything is a trigger.

[@ebiamar7642]

Here after just consider good thoughts & bad thoughts... Only response what good thoughts says.

[@TheWeirdjojo]

You just changed my life man, thank you so much🙏🏼

[@everybodyhasabrain]

:)

[@laceincission88]

Your videos give me hope, its actually improving my condition a little each day. Otherwise having OCD feels like waking into a nightmare everyday but turning on to your videos really lighten my perspective on my problem. Thankyou.

[@troyg708]

Wow what a fantastic video! Im always worrying about somthing, when I have been relieved that the "bad thing" has been resolved somthing else pops up. This video hit the nail on the head

[@pinata616]

Thanks for making such a cute, yet informative video on the matter. I have bad anxiety and suffer from intrusive thoughts A LOT and I always seem to forget that this is the best way to get rid of them. Thanks for reminding me. :)

[@everybodyhasabrain]

+Jenna Appleduck You're welcome, Jenna!

[@herding123]

Ok I'm a very visual person- this video and analogies REALLY help! 👍

[@varanoajustado4250]

Thanks Mr. Freeman, i needed this; what a relief knowing i´m not the only one. Stay strong everybody out there, those malignant thoughts you´re dealing with right now will dissipate and you´ll be free and happy again, just remember: don´t go after the stick!

[@TimothyP.]

So glad I found this video. It was really an eye opener and allowed me to better understand the process behind them. Also good to know I’m not the only one who has struggled with this. Our thoughts are not facts and they do not define us. Our actions and what’s in our heart is what defines us.

[@TheOneAndOnlyGreenAce]

This is the video which saved me from having a pretty bad life

[@everybodyhasabrain]

You did all of the hardwork!

[@btsindian5770]

This is by far the best video with some crystal clear convincing explanations of getting rid of intrusive thoughts. Thank you mark. Deeply appreciate your work.

[@aluna_planet]

Hi army!! I hope you're okay now! 💜

[@wonbela5207]

@@aluna_planet hello army!

[@blitz30034]

This video is amazing! Thank you for making this video that has helped change many lives just like mine. I have suffered from intrusive thoughts since I was 12 for over 9 yrs. Starting today I now know how to fix the problem. Thank you for your life changing video. I sincerely thank you for it!

[@jadedoe3916]

YES, thank you. I needed this.

[@sskool7616]

I can totally relate myself with your words especially the word "Freneme, I have watched your video's in the past as well it provided me with great relief now I am again struck with similar patterns of thoughts inside my brain and while watching your video's it's provides me with a nice clarity inside my head you are doing a very good noble job I don't know you but I want to thank you for your efforts.

[@everybodyhasabrain]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@certainuncertainty1923]

If you're here, and are suffering please know you aren't alone, I for one visit this video very often to remind myself of the lesson 😉

[@meadows_666]

Thank u for this video. My intrusive thoughts go into over load on a daily and I found some type of relief in this video to the point I cried. Video is straight to the point easy to understand and creative too.