Why do I have thoughts of hurting loved ones?

A common subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is Harm OCD. People with Harm OCD experience intrusive unwanted thoughts or images (also known as obsessions) of hurting others around them. They also engage in compulsions aimed at relieving the distress caused by these obsessions.

Why am I having intrusive thoughts about my family?

The two most common diagnoses associated with intrusive thoughts are anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They can also be a symptom of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, or Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Can you be traumatized by intrusive thoughts?

Unwelcome and distressing thoughts and memories, a common occurrence for people with PTSD, can arise suddenly. 1 They’re especially upsetting if they’re connected to a traumatic event. PTSD intrusive thoughts can trigger other PTSD symptoms, such as intense arousal, that may make the situation even worse.

How common are intrusive thoughts?

Anyone can experience intrusive thoughts. More than 6 million people in the United States may experience them. Many more people may not report them to their doctors or therapists. Intrusive thoughts aren’t always the result of an underlying condition.

What are intrusive thoughts and how can they be treated?

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that seem to pop into your mind out of nowhere. Such thoughts can take the form of any number of offensive ideas. The content is commonly violent, sexually explicit, or otherwise socially inappropriate. These thoughts may be directed towards loved ones, people who are close by, or oneself.

How do people with OCD deal with intrusive thoughts and compulsions?

To cope with the day-to-day occurrence of these intrusive thoughts, people with OCD develop compulsions to try to relieve the anxiety created by the obsessions. People with OCD may react to intrusive thoughts by trying to suppress them, though it often makes them come back worse than before.

Do you have intrusive thoughts of harming your baby?

A recent meta-analysis of 50 studies showed that nearly all women have had intrusive thoughts of harming their baby at some point after birth (Brok, 2017). People who are more sensitive to anxiety are more likely to experience intrusive thoughts (Hames, 2012).

How do I get rid of obsessive thoughts about something?

Try going for a walk, listening to music, playing a video game or reading a book for at least 15 minutes to distract yourself from your obsessive thoughts. The point is to delay the thoughts for a while so that they don’t feel so urgent.