ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Intrusive thought

Okay kiddo, sometimes our brains can have thoughts that we don’t want to think about. These thoughts are called intrusive thoughts. They feel like they pop into our heads all of a sudden and make us feel scared or uncomfortable. For example, you might have a thought about something bad happening to someone you love or doing something that goes against your values like hurting someone.

But the thing is, these thoughts don’t actually mean that you want to do those things. They’re just thoughts that you can’t control. Think of it like a window that you can’t close, or a song stuck in your head that you can’t stop singing. It’s not your fault and it doesn’t make you a bad person.

It’s important to remember that everyone has these thoughts sometimes, even grown-ups! And guess what? You don’t have to act on these thoughts. You can let them go and focus on something else. It might take some practice, but you can do it!

If these thoughts are bothering you a lot, it’s okay to talk to someone you trust like a parent, teacher or counselor. They can help you understand why you’re having these thoughts and give you tips on how to deal with them. Remember, you’re not alone and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.