Anxiety? Stress or something else? Paranoia maybe!

[SquishyBones]

I’ve been experiencing intrusive thoughts. Awful ones such as saying nasty things to my son (who is delicate mentally atm). Beating my lovely dog etc. These thoughts are awfully distressing and make me feel guilty even thought I haven’t actually done anything.

Past few weeks I’ve also had the urge to shout out a particular phrase. Nothing too offensive but something that you wouldn’t want to shout out. The urge is getting stronger and stronger and I’ve found the phrase is literally going around in my head several times a day. 2 days ago I almost shouted it but stopped myself and was a little shocked that it almost came out.

Along with the intrusive thoughts I’m guessing anxiety or stress but AIBU to think, in the back of my mind, it could be something else?

It sounds like intrusive thoughts associated with OCD. I would contact your GP for help. You don't have to deal with it in your own.

Yes, sounds like OCD is worth exploring. The Mind website is quite good for reading about different conditions and your GP can refer you to the right service for diagnosis.

I’ve had intrusive thoughts the same as you describe and it is absolutely horrible. The more you try to fight them the worse they get.
They DO go away. It’s learning how to deal with them that’s the key. It can happen at times of stress or anxiety or both and then they cause stress and anxiety so you’re caught in a loop.
You need some distance between the thoughts and you. You are in control, the thoughts are not your beliefs.
When they come, stay detached from them but watch and recognise them coming and allow them to pass. Think about what they make you feel like and don’t fight them off, just observe them. Then they go and you carry on as you were.
Someone on here recommended this guy and it helped me massively.
drmartinseif.com/intrusive-thoughts/

It’s more common than you think so don’t worry.

Google Pure O.

OCD is a form of anxiety.

There's a tv show about a Pure O sufferer based on the writers own experience of the condition (invasive sexual thoughts).

I'm sorry that you are experiencing this OP, i have suffered from intrusive thoughts too, as has my father for many years. Contact your GP. I hope you feel better soon

I'm sorry that you are experiencing this OP, i have suffered from intrusive thoughts too, as has my father for many years. Contact your GP. I hope you feel better soon

I'm sorry that you are experiencing this OP, i have suffered from intrusive thoughts too, as has my father for many years. Contact your GP. I hope you feel better soon

Hi OP,
I agree you should contact your GP. It sounds like you have intrusive thoughts that could be linked to OCD/stress/depression. Medication may help you. Don't continue to suffer - seek help.

I have intrusive thoughts, I think about scenarios like upsetting loved ones or them coming to harm etc. It really, really hurts. I just assumed it was a form of self harm.

It might seem unimaginable now but you can learn to manage them. Firstly go and talk to your GP. They know what Pure O is. Meanwhile seek out a CBT psychotherapist, if you can go private don't wait for an NHS referral as it will take forever. It's worth every penny. You are a good person currently having unusual and unwanted thoughts because a part of your brain is filing things incorrectly - that's all. A good therapist will teach you how to refile them safely. It'll be alright. This happens to people who would never, ever harm anyone, which is why it's so cruel x