What are Intrusive Thoughts?
After sending my 6-year-old daughter on a play date to her friend’s house, I decided to go shopping, one of my favorite pastimes. Rolling down the window of my car, I let my face soak in the sun and enjoyed the natural Vitamin D while humming to the tunes of my most-loved playlist.
Suddenly, my mind was bombarded with a million questions,
What if my daughter falls down? What if she breaks a limb?
What if she eats something allergic to her? What if she is unable to breathe? Before I could come to my senses, my mental circus would have performed a graphic representation of my worst fears. These thoughts do not occur just once. They pop into my head with no warning and escalate at an exponential rate. I felt very bad for thinking like this and was deeply embarrassed to share it with anyone! Not even to my mom or husband! Does this sound familiar to you? Yes! Many moms are constantly worrying about their child getting hurt and these thoughts have a name – INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS!
How I became a Victim of Intrusive Thoughts?
It all started postpartum! In the year 2016, on a blissful Friday afternoon, we took our newborn daughter to the pediatrician for her first vaccination. When I saw the nurse prepping the vaccine shot, my heart raced all of a sudden, and then pop! My mind pictured the nurse giving dear daughter the wrong vaccination. Then, it escalated to making my kid sick, urging her to the emergency room, and putting an oxygen mask over her face!
Stop! I screamed inside my head! How can you think of such bad things? Am I a bad mom?
In the following years, the thoughts became worse. When my baby rolled over for the first time, I was more worried than happy. What if she hits her face on the ground and gets hurt?
Then, when she started crawling, I made every nook and corner of the house baby-proof for the fear of her getting hurt.
When my daughter made her first steps, I was constantly watching her. I will run to pick her up if she falls down without letting her figure out the natural phenomena. There were many such instances where I failed to cherish the little happy moments of my baby’s milestones with my constant worrying.
I worried that she might get hurt when she goes biking, skating, or doing any adventure sport. My mental circus would brew the worst fears, conjuring ghastly scenes in front of my eyes. I would jump out of my skin when she playfully touches a knife, saying she wants to help with chopping vegetables or making a pancake on the stove.
Can you relate? If yes, you need help!
How did I Overcome Intrusive Thoughts?
Basically, all moms are mentally wired to be over-protective. Some handle postpartum fairly while some struggle. I, of course, belong to the latter. I did some research. Thanks to Google! I found that this problem has a name and it’s a symptom of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). Although the disorder didn’t sound too bad, it can escalate into Perinatal OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder) if not managed. I did a bunch of research and made sure I am going to put an end to this. Here are the 6 tips that will help you overcome intrusive thoughts:
1. Distract:
The best way to get rid of intrusive thoughts is to distract yourself by doing what you love. I did art and crafts while dancing, singing, and exploring social media. I am a writer, so I wrote a short story and submitted it for a contest in which my story got selected in the top 10 list. It motivated me to write more and more. When you keep your brain busy with a million things, then there is no time or space for worrying! This became my mantra!!!
2. Workout:
Your body and mind work wonders when you work out. Be it Yoga, high-intensity exercise, Zumba, or hiking, try anything you like.
3. Eat Healthy:
Easier said than done right! I used to stress-eat a lot, which made me gain a lot of weight. I know that many can relate to me. Let’s not put the junk completely out of the table. Instead, let’s keep it to a minimum. If you eat 3 to 4 times out, then cut it to 2 times. If you cannot live without soda, then consider diet soda options. If you crave pizza, then try gluten-free ones! Small changes can impact greatly!
4. Sleep Tight:
Your brain thinks straight only if it gets the proper rest needed. So, always make it a priority that you sleep at least 8 hours a day.
5. Let Go:
Sometimes, letting go is the only way! Instead of constantly watching your kid’s activities, let go of them. You will stop worrying when you see proof that your kid is safe and sound even without your constant supervision. Then, one fine day, you will think, let my kid explore! What’s going to happen?
6. It is Ok to Get Help:
When none of the above helps, then seek medical help. 90% of moms and even dads have intrusive thoughts. So, you are not alone! Do not be embarrassed to share it with your close ones like your mom or husband. Get help from a good psychiatrist; maybe that will give you peace of mind.
Have I Completely Come Out of this Problem?
I will be brutally honest with you! Even after trying all these things, I could get the intrusive thoughts out of my head only a 75%. The remaining 25% still lives in me. However, I am truly happy that I made huge progress from where I was to where I am right now. Time is the only cure! Let it run its course and you will forget one day that you had such a disorder. So, get rid of all your worries and start cherishing your child’s little accomplishments! Make memories as they grow up as going back in time and fixing things is not an option!!!
You might also be interested in the DIY Behavior Reward Chart for Kids topic, which will help you discipline your child. It offers positive parenting solutions and a free printable Kids Behavior Reward Chart.
