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Almost everyone has fleeting thoughts that are uncomfortable and unwelcome. However, these thoughts are prominent, prolonged, and upsetting in some people. When these uncharacteristic thoughts last for a long time and are a cause of distress, they are called “intrusive thoughts.”
As many as 6 million people in the US suffer from intrusive thoughts, and affirmations for intrusive thoughts can help manage these uncomfortable moments.
Why Affirmations for Preventing Intrusive Thoughts are Important
Intrusive thoughts are strongly associated with other mental health challenges, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, body dysmorphism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sometimes attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
They are also sometimes associated with other anxiety disorders and mental conditions. However, in many cases, people may not have other, more obvious symptoms of these disorders and may not realize that their intrusive thoughts are caused by an underlying condition.
Because intrusive thoughts are associated with violence, sexual misconduct, blasphemy, and other unwanted behaviors, they can cause a great deal of shame and anxiety. It is essential to know that having these thoughts does not mean that a person wants to do these things.
In fact, they often occur because a person finds them shocking, horrifying, or disgusting, and such people are less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.
However, a person may believe that the presence of these thoughts indicates that they secretly want to engage in these activities or be reluctant to seek help due to the nature and content of these thoughts. The more prone someone is to OCD or anxiety, the more troubling and persistent these thoughts can be.
While intrusive thoughts are more common in adults between 40-60, they are usually more distressing for younger people with less experience managing them. Positive affirmations for intrusive thoughts are a great way to calm an anxious mind and break negative mental habits.
118 Affirmations for Preventing Intrusive Thoughts
- This thought will pass away
- This is just a thought
- This idea has no power over me
- I am stronger than this thought
- My life is bigger than this idea
- I am not afraid of this thought
- I breathe in calmness; I breathe out stress
- I am a good person
- I do good things
- I give no energy to this
- I deserve to be happy
- This is a small problem; I can handle it
- I will seek help if I need it
- I am not alone
- This is a common problem; other people manage it, so I can too
- This idea floats away as I breathe
- I love my mind
- I observe this thought and watch it pass away
- These ideas pass away; I remain
- I am calm
- This thought has no power over me
- I will leave this thought alone; it will die away
- I give no energy to this idea
- These ideas come and go; they will pass away on their own
- I do not choose this thought
- I choose to think about joy
- I am separate from these thoughts
- These thoughts are not me
- These thoughts are meaningless
- These ideas have nothing to do with me
- I am more than these thoughts
- These thoughts are not me
- I patiently allow this thought to fade
- I watch calmly, and this thought withers away
- I think many good thoughts
- I am thankful for many things
- I am grateful for good things in my life
- These thoughts cannot hurt anyone
- These thoughts can’t hurt me
- I notice this thought and move on
- I remain calm and peaceful
- I breathe slowly and calmly
- I am just fine
- I don’t need to worry about this
- I am a positive person
- I breathe deeply and move on
- This is just a silly idea
- I am more than my thoughts
- I choose patience
- I choose tranquility
- I am whole and healthy
- This, too, shall pass
- I choose happiness
- I choose love
- I am a loving person
- I am a peaceable person
- I do no harm
- I do good in the world
- These random thoughts have no power
- Thoughts pop into my mind, then pop out again: they don’t matter
Thoughts pop into my mind, then pop out again: they don’t matter”
- I don’t pay any attention to those ideas
- I am too smart to be fooled by these thoughts
- I face my fears, and they fade away
- I am stronger than I know
- I am glad to be in the world
- I make the world a better place
- I am worthy
- I am valuable
- I matter
- I cherish myself
- My friends and family are there for me
- I can ask for help
- I can handle this challenge
- I persist and prevail
- I choose goodness
- I can do hard things
- These ideas will not always bother me
- This problem is temporary
- I am making progress
- I am proud of myself
- I’m pretty smart about this
- I don’t get sucked into unwanted thoughts
- I am not overwhelmed
- I am full of energy and hope
- I know things will work out well for me
- I’m doing great
- Calmness is a skill I can master
- I see myself succeed
- These thoughts are not my thoughts
- I have succeeded, and I will succeed
- I am at peace with myself
- I am in control of my actions
- I have learned how to deal with this problem
- These thoughts don’t bother me
- I know who I am
- I am more peaceful every day
- I’m creative enough to solve any problem
- I get help when I don’t know what to do
- I trust myself to deal with this
- I’ve handled worse problems before
- I focus on this moment in time
- My life gets better and better
- I have a bright future
- I am surprisingly strong
- I see myself at peace
- I aim for progress, not perfection
- My life is rich in goodness
- I am glad to be alive
- I have more important things to do than worry about this
- I am wise, and I count my blessings
- I am a survivor
- I never give up
- I believe in my own courage
- I keep trying, so I keep getting better
- Some thoughts are too silly to pay attention to
- I relax and take a deep breath
- These thoughts are certainly not mine
- Everyone has obsessive thoughts sometimes; it’s not important
How to Use Affirmations to Prevent Intrusive Thoughts
If you are struggling with intrusive thoughts, here are the most effective strategies to help overcome them:
Ground Yourself
Turn your attention to the state of your body and surroundings in the present moment. If possible, seek a pleasant, relaxing space. Use the 3-3-3 rule to pay attention to your breath, the sensation of wind or warmth on your skin, the sounds you hear, and the smells in the air … focus on everything happening to you in real life in the present moment. If possible, engage in a sensory activity that re-focuses the body and mind.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindful living and mindfulness meditation helps you not just overcome intrusive thoughts but can also help manage a wide range of anxiety disorders as well. Mindfulness teaches you to observe your thoughts from a distance, understanding that your thoughts are not your being.
Daily practice of detaching from your thoughts and observing them without judgment is a great way to take the pain, distress, and anxiety out of intrusive thoughts.
Use Affirmations and Visualization
In moments of distress, use affirmations for intrusive thoughts and visualization techniques to calm and re-balance yourself. Remind yourself that these thoughts don’t control your behavior and have no power to undermine your goals and positive actions in life
Externalize the Thought
Many people find it helpful to schedule time for their intrusive thoughts and explore them to prevent them from intruding at unwanted times. Instead of suppressing the thought, get curious about it and explore it further.
This may mean setting aside 10 minutes a day to experience the thought, say it out loud, write it down, and engage with thoughts that are unwanted and intrusive. After the 10 minutes are up, dismiss the thoughts and move on.
Despite the Disturbing Nature of Intrusive Thoughts, Do Not Be Afraid to Seek Therapy
Remember that these thoughts are more common than you think and that sharing them with a qualified therapist will help you overcome your thoughts and manage any underlying trauma or disorder that causes them.
Final Thoughts on Affirmations for Preventing Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts can be deeply troubling, but they do not mean that someone is a bad person who wants to act on them. In fact, the reason they are so distressing is that the person does not wish to engage in those behaviors and will not.
Positive affirmations, mindfulness techniques, and therapy to help manage underlying OCD and anxiety is the best way to manage and prevent intrusive thoughts.
And if you want more encouraging affirmations, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 71 Body Positive Affirmations to Feel Your Best
- 62 Positive Affirmations to Have Courage During Hard Times
- 25 Happiness Affirmations for Daily Positive Thinking
Finally, if you want a simple tool to record and recite these affirmations, then check out these 13 affirmations apps that help you create a positive mindset.