Recently, a viral trend on Tiktok featuring the idea of impulsive and intrusive thoughts has gained lots of traction. An outrageous scenario will be presented, often labeled as an “impulsive” or “intrusive” thought. This trend has found itself on other platforms, such as Twitter. Yet, this entire craze has been based on misconceptions of these types of thoughts. People often confuse impulsive and intrusive thoughts and utilize them interchangeably. In reality, these thoughts contain dissimilarities.

Impulsive thoughts are inappropriate conceptions that enter a person’s mind without provocation. They frequently begin in childhood. Impulsive thoughts can be about anything — from slamming an expensive vase onto the floor to hurling your phone off a cliff. If a thought like this pops into your head and you can dismiss it reasonably quickly, it is most likely an impulsive thought.

Like impulsive thoughts, intrusive thoughts are undesired ideas or images that come to mind spontaneously or as a result of internal or external cues. However, intrusive thoughts provoke emotional distress and return. Examples can be harming loved ones or causing severe accidents. Intrusive thoughts are an aspect of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These types of thoughts cause significant pain and agony. They may cause an individual to think they are a “bad person” because they had these thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are not limited to those who struggle with mental health, though. According to a study done by Concordia University, around 94% of people worldwide experience intrusive thoughts. Individuals often hesitate to reveal these thoughts because of how concerning they are.

Having intrusive thoughts frequently makes one feel guilty, ashamed, embarrassed, and afraid. These thoughts linger in your mind longer and cause you to interpret them harmfully. Individuals try to focus on the implications of intrusive thoughts; however, according to The OCD & Anxiety Center, this increases the perceived strength of the intrusive thoughts.

Trying to suppress these thoughts may seem like a good idea, but ultimately, it will not do anything. Ignoring them and distracting yourself will not work, as intrusive thoughts are reoccurring. Better methods include: identifying these thoughts as intrusive, writing them down, and recognizing that they are unimportant and harmless.

It’s important to note that much terminology may be watered down online and the concept of intrusive thoughts is no exception. It is critical to stay educated, especially with medical conditions, as false perceptions can diminish mental health awareness.