ARP 383 - Dealing with Intrusive Thoughts

I can talk about intrusive thoughts. Doesn't mean I don't still have them. Because I do. Here is the thing. Not only is the intrusive thought false but it is repetitive.

There are things and practices you can do to reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts. In this episode, a recent experience of an intrusive thought and three ideas on how to handle the little haters. 

I messed up the name of the song so I had to take it out. You can find it on YouTube. There is an official CartoonNetwork page. I don't know how long it will last. A lot of cable channels properties are going to be sold or terminated. 

So much is changing. 

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

The non-profit Helpguide.org has a full page on Intrusive Thoughts and how to handle them. One of their suggestions is adjust the perceptions of your thoughts and let them be.

From the cartoon Steven Universe, the best musical example of what to do with an intrusive thought. 20+ million folks and counting. Here Comes a Thought. You can find the song on YouTube.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a page on Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts. One of the suggestions is to continue what you were doing before the thought.  

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

ARP 382 What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Trying to get back into the flow. I still don't have a desk or recording equipment. My phone will have to do the job. This is a quick pebble in the road on what is a mental health disorder.

Mental health disorders can affect a person's mood, feelings or become intrusive thoughts.

Most of us have experienced high stress periods or feeling like it's too much or way too much, or you really can't stand it anymore. 

For those of us with continuous anxiety symptoms, it leans more toward being a disorder. 

Or a condition.

Now, it's really important that you don't self-diagnose. You really should have a thorough workup by your doctor because there are so many physical health problems that have the exact same symptoms as an anxiety symptoms. 

I just want you to have a better understanding of what those terms mean. 

Bottom line, you have anxiety, you have anxiety symptoms, and they seem to be going on for a long time. It could be a condition. It could be a disorder. 

Or it could just be something that you're dealing with and you're learning how to handle.


If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

The World Health Organization has an information page on mental disorders. 

The American Psychiatric Association has page on What is Mental Illness?. The site uses condition and disorder. 

Disclaimer: 

Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.