Afraid to think of people because of intrusive thoughts

Hi guys, I recently got a bad intrusive thought about my family and now I'm afraid to think of other people because I'm afraid my intrusive thoughts will pop up about them. My mom is really understanding but I don't want to keep confessing because she told me it's normal to get these thoughts but I still feel bad. Anyone know what to do?

I've been told it's normal by several people who do not have OCD, their thoughts do not upset them on the level they upset obsessive thinkers. The hardest parts is accepting these thoughts are normal and to try not to obsess or create more stemming obsessions.

People who do not suffer presumably find it very easy to dismiss these thoughts, it doesn't attack them on a personal and emotional level as it does obsessive thinkers, nor deeply interfere or disrupt any processes on a large scale. Just try letting your thoughts be and remind yourself; it's OCD - they're bizarre, deranged, absolutely sickening, sexual, intrusive, violent thoughts that stem from a conscious mind. Don't take your thoughts personally or extremely seriously, you need to learn how to rationalize too...Tell yourself things, such as slogans or remarks - ''So what?'', ''That's a really stupid thought'', ''That's a sickening thought, it doesn't mean I'm sick and will perform/act this out'', ''I could never hurt my family'', ''I don't need to obsess over this''.

Observe your thoughts and try not to let them upset you, it's extremely hard but instead of remaining contained mentally try thinking outside of the suffering state - Think outside of your obsessions, instead of YOU obsessing, try letting them go like those who do not suffer. Let your mind go, let your obsessions go, you'll find yourself enjoying things if you're not constantly thinking of obsessions or these thoughts.

I've said similar things about my family, friends, partner, self, children, animals, etc... They're unpleasant thoughts but the more you think of these obsessions the more you will create. I think it's very beneficial for people suffering to stop the thought once it's been created, try not to let it roam until you've reached the point of questioning everything and feeling extreme guilt, do not let it re-appropriate or attach itself to others. Example; having an intrusive thought of your family, killing them or something similar. stop it right there. don't let it re-appropriate itself and do not get to obsessing or thinking of others - sure you're aware of the fact you can apply this obsession or thought to anyone but don't take it that far... My words only of course, I'm trying not to sound biased.

Keep talking to your mother of these thoughts, just let her know you're suffering with these thoughts!

Best of luck. You'll be fine!

I agree. Thoughts that are not put into word or deed are thoughts that die unborn. They don't mean diddly. That's the attitude you have to take. It's bullcrap, I have better things to do with my time, and it's time to move on. As a religious person I have my own way of coping with disturbing intrusive thoughts, but it all boils down to nipping it in the bud and reminding myself they are just thoughts, crazy stupid thoughts that are not me, and I shouldn't let them disturb me in the least. Not that they don't on occasion, at the very least I find them bloody irritating. But it's still just a silly mind game and I'm not going to let such thoughts run my life. It's hard at first, it takes practice, but it can be done.

Thanks you guys <3 I'm feeling a little better and in a few days I think I'm gonna start seeing a therapist. Hopefully this flare will calm down and I'll be able to return to normal soon.

On a selfish level it's comforting to know I'm not the only one with intrusive thoughts, but I dont wish them on anyone. Glad you're feeling better!