If you’ve scrolled on any social media app within the last year, the term “intrusive thoughts” has probably popped up on your feed. Often, content creators who post about “letting intrusive thoughts win” do something cringey or strange. Overall, the phrase has been used as a source of humor.
However, when you dig deeper into intrusive thoughts, you find a strong link to OCD, specifically a Pure OCD, also known as Pure O.
This form of OCD is characterized by severe intrusive thoughts that are often distressing to those who experience them, causing them to question whether they are a possible threat to themselves or to others around them. They might also doubt their relationships or sexuality and overall existence.
These thoughts are often frightening, and inward rituals are created to combat them, such as repeating words in their heads to neutralize the bad thoughts or mentally replaying past events to make sure they did everything right.
People suffering from this describe it as living in an alternate reality. For example, one woman described having an intrusive thought of wanting to push her mother down the stairs. She could vividly see herself doing it, and she then felt immense guilt for having the thought. Triggers like holding a knife might cause someone with these thoughts to question whether they should even be handling the object.
Though people don’t act on these thoughts, they can impact their sense of morality and whether they see themselves as good people. It is an unseen, endless cycle of self-doubt that makes individuals feel ashamed to seek help, leaving them trapped in feelings of hopelessness.
This brings into focus how social media influencers use memes about “having intrusive thoughts.” While everyone experiences intrusive thoughts, it’s important to realize that these thoughts can be much more severe for some people.
It reminds me of when the joke about “crippling depression” was popular. Millions of people struggle with long- or short-term phases of depression, but using it as a joke can almost trivialize the intense depression that makes it feel impossible to get out of bed and do everyday tasks that many take for granted.
I think the internet can share their intrusive thoughts but should not overshadow the reality of the intense, distressing thoughts that some people face.
