FAQs About Intrusive Thoughts
Motherhood is a wild ride, and every mum's journey is unique. While it's an exciting time, it's also a time where mums can face some unexpected challenges, one of which is intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can be unsettling and leave mums feeling guilty and ashamed. In this blog post, I’ll answer some FAQs about what intrusive thoughts are and how they can affect early motherhood.
Q: So, what are intrusive thoughts exactly?
A: Well, they're unwanted and often scary thoughts that pop into your mind without any control or consent. They can be violent, sexual, or just plain weird, and they can be incredibly distressing. It's important to know that having intrusive thoughts is common, and they're not necessarily a sign of a mental health disorder.
Q: Why do mums experience intrusive thoughts in early motherhood?
A: Early motherhood is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally. Mums may experience intrusive thoughts due to the overwhelming nature of caring for a newborn, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes. The pressure to be a "perfect mum" can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety and lead to intrusive thoughts.
Q: How common are intrusive thoughts?
A: Intrusive thoughts are more common than you might think. Studies have shown that up to 90% of people experience intrusive thoughts at some point in their lives. It's important to remember that having intrusive thoughts doesn't mean you're a bad person or that you'll act on them.
Q: Are intrusive thoughts a sign of mental illness?
A: No, having intrusive thoughts doesn't necessarily mean you have a mental illness. Intrusive thoughts are a normal part of the human experience and are often associated with anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, having intrusive thoughts doesn't mean you have OCD or any other mental health disorder.
Q: How long do intrusive thoughts last?
A: Intrusive thoughts can last for varying amounts of time, depending on the individual and the situation. Some people may experience intrusive thoughts for a short period, while others may experience them for longer periods. However, with the right support and coping strategies, intrusive thoughts can become less frequent and less distressing over time.
Q: Can intrusive thoughts harm my baby?
A: No, intrusive thoughts alone can't harm your baby. These thoughts are a product of anxiety and are not a reflection of your actions or intentions. Research has shown that if a mother has a strong negative reaction towards the thought (such as feeling horror at the thought of it actually happening) then it is very unlikely she will act upon it. It's important to seek support if these thoughts are interfering with your ability to care for your baby, you want to act on them or if they're causing you significant distress.
Q: What can I do to manage intrusive thoughts?
A: There are several things youcan do to manage intrusive thoughts:
Talk to someone: It's important to talk to someone you trust about your intrusive thoughts, such as a partner, friend, or healthcare provider. They can offer support and help you put things into perspective.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, can help you manage your thoughts and reduce feelings of anxiety. They can also help you to notice the thought and then let it go or reach for a more pleasent thought. Try not to analyse the thoughts, or engage in exploring the thoughts.
Get enough sleep and rest: Being sleep-deprived can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and make it harder to manage intrusive thoughts. It's important to prioritise rest and sleep as much as possible.
Seek professional help: If intrusive thoughts are interfering with your ability to function, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and provide support.
If you’d like support in dealing with intrusive thoughts, get in touch, you can book a free connection call today.