Our ability to think in a sophisticated way and from abstract concepts is what distinguishes us from animals. However, this quality has not only brought us advantages. With the possibility of thinking, new problems have also arrived; uncomfortable situations that other species do not have to face. Obsessive thoughts are an example of this.

In this article we will see what to do when these obsessive thoughts appear and why they do.

The appearance of obsessive thoughts

Why is it that, at certain stages of our lives, certain ideas or mental images emerge again and again into our consciousness ? After all, it is paradoxical that we often think of consciousness as the “command center” of our body and that, at the same time, there are unconscious mental processes capable of imposing themselves again and again on this supposed authority. The fact is that no matter how much we want to, we cannot directly “force” these obsessive thoughts not to appear.

The truth is that the ins and outs of psychological processes are not yet known in depth, but something is known of which there is already much evidence: emotional memory is as important, if not more so, than memory based on words, concepts.

When we experience something that marks us, whether it is related to experiences in the environment or to thoughts, it leaves different types of imprints in our brain: on the one hand, the very narration of what happens, that which can be explained by talking. On the other hand, the sensations and emotions that this experience leaves us with ; for example, fear, joy, etc.

Obsessive thoughts appear again and again in our consciousness, among other reasons, because their emotional charge is relatively high and, in addition, is associated with habitual experiences in our daily life. For example, if these mental images have to do with family arguments, seeing other families, family consumer products or even the word “dad” written on a billboard can bring it back to us.

How do you manage them?

Here are some tips for dealing with obsessive thoughts. However, you should bear in mind that in the most serious cases it is necessary to go to personalised psychological therapy services , as following guidelines on an individual basis and without professional help and advice will not help.

1. Don’t try not to think about it

Trying to “force” the forgetfulness of obsessive thoughts simply doesn’t work. The urge to stop thinking about it leads us to a state of stress and alertness that achieves precisely the opposite effect, since we will associate what we feel with that image that we intend to quarantine.

The best thing, then, is to opt for other strategies that do not involve denial but rather acceptance.

2. Change of habits

It may seem counter-intuitive, but the key to preventing obsessive thoughts from becoming a constant source of discomfort is not to “work the inner aspects of our mind”, but rather the opposite: to make outward changes in the way we relate to the world and to others.

Therefore, it is good to radically change habits and routines, in all aspects. To frequent different places, to look for other contexts in which to interact with others and, in short, to submit to new stimuli.

What do you get out of it? Before this torrent of new sensations and experiences, obsessive thoughts are diluted, since there are many elements on which to fix our attention and that we will unconsciously try to memorize because of their emotional nature.

3. Focus on a new and exciting project

Having new goals in life makes the mental associations that we make in our day-to-day life linked to what we give importance to in that moment. If there is something that competes with obsessive thoughts in terms of importance to our focus, it is more likely that these will gradually lose strength.

Thus, as that which keeps us excited is a real magnet for our attentional focus , obsessive thoughts are disappearing, something that can be noticed in the frequency with which they come to our mind: from more to less, until they evaporate.

4. Practice relaxation techniques

It is good to combine the above steps with relaxation techniques, since anxiety itself leads us to think about what is obsessing us.