3 steps to get rid of intrusive thoughts ⬆️ Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts or images that enter your mind involuntarily. They can arise from various factors, including stress, anxiety, and trauma. Having intrusive thoughts can make you feel like something is wrong with you, but it is perfectly normal. Almost everyone has ridiculous, frightening, or distressing thoughts now and then, which often pass after a few moments. But some people have such thoughts that will get stuck and become