118 Affirmations for Preventing Intrusive Thoughts

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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

1. This thought will pass away
2. This is just a thought
3. This idea has no power over me
4. I am stronger than this thought
5. My life is bigger than this idea

6. I am not afraid of this thought
7. I breathe in calmness; I breathe out stress
8. I am a good person
9. I do good things
10. I give no energy to this
11. I deserve to be happy
12. This is a small problem; I can handle it
13. I will seek help if I need it
14. I am not alone
15. This is a common problem; other people manage it, so I can too
16. This idea floats away as I breathe
17. I love my mind
18. I observe this thought and watch it pass away
19. These ideas pass away; I remain
20. I am calm
21. This thought has no power over me
22. I will leave this thought alone; it will die away
23. I give no energy to this idea
24. These ideas come and go; they will pass away on their own

25. I do not choose this thought
26. I choose to think about joy
27. I am separate from these thoughts
28. These thoughts are not me
29. These thoughts are meaningless
30. These ideas have nothing to do with me
31. I am more than these thoughts
32. These thoughts are not me
33. I patiently allow this thought to fade
34. I watch calmly, and this thought withers away
35. I think many good thoughts
36. I am thankful for many things
37. I am grateful for good things in my life
38. These thoughts cannot hurt anyone
39. These thoughts can’t hurt me
40. I notice this thought and move on
41. I remain calm and peaceful
42. I breathe slowly and calmly
43. I am just fine
44. I don’t need to worry about this
45. I am a positive person
46. I breathe deeply and move on
47. This is just a silly idea
48. I am more than my thoughts

49. I choose patience
50. I choose tranquility
51. I am whole and healthy
52. This, too, shall pass
53. I choose happiness
54. I choose love
55. I am a loving person
56. I am a peaceable person
57. I do no harm
58. I do good in the world
59. These random thoughts have no power
60. 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”

61. I don’t pay any attention to those ideas
62. I am too smart to be fooled by these thoughts
63. I face my fears, and they fade away
64. I am stronger than I know
65. I am glad to be in the world
66. I make the world a better place
67. I am worthy
68. I am valuable
69. I matter
70. I cherish myself
71. My friends and family are there for me
72. I can ask for help
73. I can handle this challenge
74. I persist and prevail
75. I choose goodness
76. I can do hard things
77. These ideas will not always bother me
78. This problem is temporary
79. I am making progress
80. I am proud of myself
81. I’m pretty smart about this
82. I don’t get sucked into unwanted thoughts

83. I am not overwhelmed
84. I am full of energy and hope
85. I know things will work out well for me
86. I’m doing great
87. Calmness is a skill I can master
88. I see myself succeed
89. These thoughts are not my thoughts
90. I have succeeded, and I will succeed
91. I am at peace with myself
92. I am in control of my actions
93. I have learned how to deal with this problem
94. These thoughts don’t bother me
95. I know who I am
96. I am more peaceful every day
97. I’m creative enough to solve any problem
98. I get help when I don’t know what to do
99. I trust myself to deal with this
100. I’ve handled worse problems before
101. I focus on this moment in time
102. My life gets better and better
103. I have a bright future
104. I am surprisingly strong
105. I see myself at peace
106. I aim for progress, not perfection
107. My life is rich in goodness
108. I am glad to be alive
109. I have more important things to do than worry about this

110. I am wise, and I count my blessings
111. I am a survivor
112. I never give up
113. I believe in my own courage
114. I keep trying, so I keep getting better
115. Some thoughts are too silly to pay attention to
116. I relax and take a deep breath
117. These thoughts are certainly not mine
118. 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.