To think I am not the only one who thinks about doing stupid things?

[TrialOfStyle]

I don’t know if there’s a name for it, but that weird urge to do something really foolish, even though you know it’s stupid.

I was just using the shears and was thinking about putting my tongue on the blade (I’m obviously not going to do that), but these odd thoughts just pop up. I’m in no way thinking about self harm or even feel low, so I can’t really explain it. Does anyone else have these odd urges or should I be worried?

Whenever I’m in a pub (ah remember) if I carry 3 drinks back to the table I’m scared I’ll trip, smash the glasses and impale myself.

I remember as a kid getting to the last level on sonic the hedgehog and just switching the power button and losing hours of hard sonic-ing. The impulse just took over and I think I had a cry 😂

In the good old days when train doors used to be opened by putting your hand through the window and turning the handle on the outside I used to sometimes think about opening the door when the train was moving and just jumping out. I thought how odd it would be that if i died, people would think I had done it because I was suicidal

@TrialOfStyle I think it's more the level of danger associated which makes it normal or not. I can stand in the kitchen with a knife and wonder what it would be like to stab my husband and have a real urge to, or on the country roads I wonder what would happen if I didn't turn the wheel on a sharp bend.....

It can be a form of OCD, especially Pure O

I always have very strong urges to throw myself into the road In front of lorry's when I'm walking and I know one is approaching from behind. Also get urges to drive off of bridges, into things at speed, jump off of bridges, slice my veins and arteries open or stab myself in the chest or neck when I'm chopping things up to cook. They happen much more frequently when I am anxious and/or depressed.

As well as my urge to tazer myself I also have intrusive thoughts. They are actually, in my case at least, completely different. The mind is a curious place!

If you want to get philosophical, look into John Paul Satre and "bad faith" which was something to do with wanting to fling yourself off cliffs even though you don't, its because you can, but I can't quite recall the specifics.

But also yes, I don't like garden loppers or secateurs for the same reason OP.

*Jean not John

I want to buy one of those snack jars with a timer, that are impossible to open before the set time (which may be up to 40 days in the future).

But the thought occurred to me, what if I accidentally put the hamster in it and set it to 2 weeks?

Of course it's a stupid thought and when I have the money I'll still buy one. It did worry me a little bit though!

I used to get these more when I was more sad and stressed.

When I'm happier, the urge I get all the time is to stand up in the middle of the bus and sing or dance (I am very definitely not gifted at either of those things)

I had the overwhelming urge to shoplift things when I was pregnant. It was so weird, but it was an actual urge I had to fight.

But I also have these kind of "what if" thoughts, but I don't have to fight them. They pop into my head and I think "weirdo, don't be silly," and move on. Things like dropping things from heights, smashing things, and jumping off cliffs. The urge last seconds, but with the shoplifting I would literally have to walk around the shop reminding myself not to steal anything and I'd hand things to my husband to make sure I didn't pocket them before paying. I've never stolen as much as a packet of sweets, so it was really out of character. Stopped as soon as I had my daughter.b

When I walk next to someone along the canal say I get an overwhelming urge to push them in! I never would, but....

I always think I'm going to projectile vomit when talking to people. I'm really not a pukey person so that one's odd. I also imagine tripping and smashing my teeth in on steps and kerbs

@GravityFalls

I was out for a run the other day and saw two old chaps standing having a chat on a street corner. One of them was holding one of those huge trays of two dozen eggs and I really REALLY wanted to run across the road, smash them out of his hand, and just run on. I’ve thought about it at least once a day since then!

I always also want to pop a piece of raw chicken in my mouth when I’m chopping it. I think it’s because it looks like Turkish Delight.

Oh god yes to most of these.
The most annoying is the urge to yell fire in a crowded place. We were shown a safety video in primary school about why this obviously goes badly. Ever since when ever I’m in a packed quiet venue I get the urge to shout fire and then can’t stop thinking about it

When I'm walking over a bridge or walking near a body of water, I often get the thought/urge to throw my phone like a frisbee off the bridge or in the water 🤷‍♀️🤣

@FangsForTheMemory

I used to be terrified I’d shout something during a play at the theatre. The temptation is so great.

I did that once. We were on a sunday school trip to see a kids play and there was a massive duck, so I shouted MOBY DUCK! at it. I was 6ish, and was banned from all future sunday school trips.

Sounds like OCD. Pure ocd
.

It's only ocd if you listen to the thoughts and become convinced that you will or might do it, or use other behaviour, checking or rituals to neutralise thoughts. The thoughts themselves are reported by 95% people.

I hear you OP, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one. Nearly every time I boil the kettle I think about doing something awful with the water, like pouring it into the toaster that’s on.
I read once that Winston Churchill refused to travel by ship anywhere because he felt so compelled to jump over the side. Article said it was a form of OCD.

Everyone gets these don't they? Intrusive thoughts?

Like when you think about kicking a pigeon or stabbing yourself in the arm.

@CorianderBee

Everyone gets these don't they? Intrusive thoughts?

Like when you think about kicking a pigeon or stabbing yourself in the arm.

Yes, everybody gets them. They become abnormal when they frequently cause distress or when a person changes their behaviour due to them. For example, it's normal to occasionally think about stabbing yourself in the arm, but if the thoughts caused you great anxiety or distress, or if you locked away all the sharp things in the house because of them, that would indicate something wrong, like OCD.

Oh thank god, it's normal (ish), and a name for it. I do a lot of what's mentioned here. In fact, walking by a river the other day, I wondered about throwing my bag in it. That kind of thing.

I'm reading the eggs one and laughing.... I'm sure we all think those random intrusive thoughts. My point being as above, things like eggs and chucking handbags in rivers is probably deemed normal.... When your thoughts are what happens if I let go of the steering wheel, what happens if I stay under the water in a bath.... They are not normal.

I’m so glad to hear it’s normal. I think there’s two different types - things that pop out that are more like intrusive thoughts, like worries about your children being injured (I always get really anxious when holding my son near the banister as I’m sure I’ll drop him), and weird urges to do something you know will be damagingly dangerous or stupid (the wanting to put your hand in a blender, just because you can).

I have both over varying times (though not overwhelming). I just find the weird urges strange when you are perfectly aware they are dangerous but still have that little bit inside you telling you to go for it.