ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Intrusive thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that pop into your head that don't have anything to do with what you're doing or thinking about. Think of them like pop-up ads on a computer, they're kind of annoying and just appear out of nowhere. Intrusive thoughts can make you feel worried, anxious, or scared. It's important to remember that intrusive thoughts are not dangerous in any way and are a normal part of life. They aren't always bad, but it's important to recognize when thoughts feel overwhelming and it may be time to talk to a professional about them.