You Are Not Your Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are some of the most confusing and frightening symptoms of anxiety. They’re sudden, unwanted, and often completely out of character — which is exactly why they’re so disturbing. But here's what many people don't realize: intrusive thoughts are not sinful, shameful, or evidence of who you truly are.

I am, at times, embarrassed by my intrusive thoughts.There have been moments when my mind has thrown out thoughts so outrageous — even violent or self-harming — that I couldn’t help but stop and ask, “Why would I even think that?”

I’ve had the thought of running away, disappearing into the night, and starting over.I’ve had thoughts about unaliving myself — even when I knew deep down that wasn’t what I truly wanted.

That’s the interesting and downright annoying part of intrusive thoughts:They come out of nowhere.They make you question yourself.They make you question what you think you know about God, your worth, and your sanity.

But over time — and with a lot of work — I’ve come to understand how to respond to these thoughts without letting them traumatize me any longer.

Something that has truly changed the game for me is this: I complete the thought.

Let me explain.

When a thought like:"You're not capable of getting this job done. Can't you see how they're looking at you? Like you suck. Because you do."— hits me…

I finish it with truth:"This is challenging, and you feel like you aren't qualified… but you wouldn't be here if you weren't."

This small shift — completing the thought with compassion and truth — helps me hold myself accountable for how I respond. I’ve set a standard for how I treat myself mentally. And holding to that standard is part of my healing.

There was a time I thought God hated me because of my thoughts.I was angry with Him for not giving me peace. I didn’t understand why, if He loved me, my mind was still under siege.

But here’s the truth I came to realize:

🔸 God never abandoned me.

🔸 My thoughts were never too much for Him.

🔸 He was with me in the spiral — not just waiting on the other side of it.

Faith alone didn’t fix everything.

But faith + real, consistent work has helped me manage and reset my mind in ways I never thought were possible.

So, how should we respond to intrusive thoughts?

1. Name It: “This is an intrusive thought.” Don't act like it didn't happen.

2. Don’t Entertain It: You don’t have to argue or prove it wrong.

3. Finish It with Truth: Replace it with something honest, kind, and faith-rooted.

4. Reset with God: “Lord, remind me who I am to You.”

5. Stay Consistent: Healing comes through repetition and grace.

   
   
   
   

If you're battling intrusive thoughts, please hear me:

You are not broken.

You are not your thoughts.

Intrusive thoughts are not your truth.