Sometimes I have weird thoughts… what should I do?
As-tu déjà eu une pensée super malaisante ou négative qui poppe dans ta tête sans invitation? On appelle ça des pensées intrusives, et beaucoup de monde vit ça.
To remember
👉 Intrusive thoughts are unwanted and disturbing thoughts that do not reflect your intentions or who you are.
👉 Giving them too much importance can make them stronger, but noticing them without judgment and talking about them can help you manage them better.
What are intrusive thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are ideas, images, or phrases that pop into your mind without you wanting them to. They can be shocking, stressful, violent, embarrassing, or just really negative. For example, you might suddenly think about hurting someone, or feel the urge to shout something inappropriate in class.
What do they all have in common? They show up unexpectedly and can take up a lot of space in your mind.
These thoughts tend to appear when you're feeling tired, stressed, anxious, or going through a difficult time. They can also show up when you try really hard not to think about something. The more you try to push them away, the more they can seem to stick around.
What’s the difference between intrusive thoughts and invasive thoughts?
Invasive thoughts (which everyone has!) are:
linked to worries or concerns
make it harder to concentrate
can lead to mental exhaustion
For example: What if something goes wrong? If I had reacted differently, maybe things would be better…
Intrusive thoughts, on the other hand, are:
involuntary and spontaneous
disturbing, aggressive, or strange
disconnected from your real values or desires
sometimes linked to an irrational fear of doing something wrong without wanting to
Examples include fears of accidents, violent thoughts, or memories of a traumatic event.
Why do they make you feel so bad?
Even though they’re “just” thoughts, they can trigger strong emotions like fear, shame, anger, sadness, or guilt. You might wonder why you’re thinking these things, or feel like it says something bad about who you are.
Spoiler: it doesn’t. An intrusive thought is not the same as an intention or a desire.
How to deal with intrusive thoughts
Many people experience intrusive thoughts at some point. The difference isn’t who has them and who doesn’t—it’s how much importance we give them. The more seriously you take them, the more your brain may think they’re important… and the more it brings them back.
There’s no “off” button, but there are ways to regain control:
Recognize the thought for what it is: a thought, not a fact.
Try not to fight it: pushing the thought away can actually give it more power.
Observe it without judging: like saying, “Okay, that thought is here… and it will pass.”
Come back to the present moment: breathe slowly, move your body, or focus on what you see or hear around you.
Talk about it: with someone you trust (a friend, an adult, a health professional, or Tel-jeunes). Putting words to it can often help reduce the power of intrusive thoughts.
What if they take up too much space?
If intrusive thoughts become constant, overwhelming, or start preventing you from living normally, asking for help is important. Reaching out for support is a real sign of courage and strength, and there are people who can help you find ways to cope.
