Are Intrusive Thoughts Real?

Invasive thoughts and intrusive thoughts are normal. We all experience them. They are unwanted thoughts or images that pop into your head without reason and can cause you to become obsessed or distressed. You may have a difficult time managing an intrusive thought and getting past it.

Do intrusive thoughts mean anything?

The presence of unwanted intrusive thoughts does not indicate anything about your character or sanity. In fact , the content of the thoughts are actually meaningless and irrelevant, no matter how compelling. These unwanted thoughts are not fantasies or impulses or urges.

Can intrusive thoughts feel real?

For most of us, these thoughts seem “messed up” or funny, because they're so out of place. But for someone with OCD, these disturbing thoughts might feel like real possibilities — even if that person knows their thoughts are probably irrational.