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Why do I keep having intrusive thoughts about hurting the ones I love or doing immoral things? How do I get rid of these intrusive thoughts?

9 Answers
Last Updated: 08/06/2018 at 1:04am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
June 18th, 2015 3:11am
The thing about intrusive thoughts is, the reason they stay is because they bother you so much. Really good people get intrusive thoughts because their mind wanders, like everyone's does, but unlike other people who just think, "that's a weird thought." People such as you and me will get thoughts like, "Why did I get that thought? What's wrong with me?" even though it's not our fault. What you can do to minimize dark thoughts is to accept them. That's right, accept them. Realize they're just thoughts, and they will never be able to hurt or control you. Realize you're a good person, and you would never act on such thoughts. The less the thoughts upset you, the less they'll stay in your brain. Just let them come and go. Don't engage them, and don't try to get rid of them. Stay busy, do your normal routine, and the thoughts will fade away. This is what I did! 2 years, obsessive thought free! Best of luck!
Anonymous
March 31st, 2015 11:24pm
Surely these thoughts can be uncomfortable.Taking your mind off of them can be difficult but there are ways that may help such as,writing the thoughts down on paper or in a journal or doing an activity to take your mind off.Obsessive compulsive disorder is often accompanied by intrusive thoughts.If they keep persisting it may be a healthy choice to speak with a professional.
Anonymous
April 27th, 2015 10:55pm
Sometimes these thoughts are caused by Obsessional Compulsive disorder. A doctor could advise whether medication or therapy. CBT seems to work the best with these type of thoughts.
peacefulSunrise19
May 25th, 2015 8:13am
Tell someone immediately that you have these thoughts! Tell a doctor or therapist. It would be best do in case if u do someone knows
Anonymous
June 8th, 2015 2:31pm
Sometimes your feelings can overwhelm you. Thinking something does not mean you actually want to or are going to do it. Practice ignoring the thoughts and don't feel bad about these involuntary intrusive thoughts.
ErikaC
July 7th, 2015 10:30pm
If you are having intrusive thoughts that you are not able to manage, especially thoughts of hurting others or committing negative or criminal acts, please consult a professional counselor or therapist. It's important to make sure that you and the people around you are safe, and you deserve help and support in managing this difficult problem.
Anonymous
September 7th, 2015 10:32am
Find the core of your problem and look at alternative ways to express your emotions, talk to a professional if you worry things are getting out of hand
Anonymous
February 23rd, 2016 11:31am
Maybe there is some underlying anger/ hatred towards these people.. maybe they hurt you before and things feel unresolved? And you need to deal with those emotions?
BigEars57
August 6th, 2018 1:04am
Our restless brains sometimes conjure up disturbing images and thoughts that we have no intention of acting on. Journaling is an ideal remedy for working out the underlying feelings behind these thoughts. Meditation and therapy are also solid solutions.