When Should Someone Talk to a Mental Health Professional About Unwelcome Thoughts or Emotions?

Navigating life can frequently evoke a feeling of being besieged, particularly when unwelcome thoughts or emotions interfere with our daily existence. Although it is entirely normal for individuals to experience passing episodes of anxiety or melancholy, there might come a time when professional intervention becomes necessary.

Learning when to ask for assistance can be difficult, yet it remains vital for the preservation of our mental health. This World Mental Health Day, the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) shares the signs when you should consult a mental health expert.

Whether you struggle with persistent negative thoughts, overwhelming emotions, or feel enslaved by anxiety, understanding when to ask for help can be a major step toward healing.

Let’s look at the signs to look out for so you know when to engage a mental health professional.

Understanding Intrusive Thoughts

Occasionally, you may stumble upon an unsettling notion or curious image that unexpectedly darts through your mind. You might remain oblivious to its origin or the reason for its arrival, yet it often leaves you feeling disconcerted and anxious. The harder you try to dismiss it, the more pronounced it becomes, transforming it into a focal point of your thoughts.

Referred to as intrusive thoughts, these mental intrusions frequently accompany sensations of discomfort or apprehension. At times, they can be linked to psychological conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, where such thoughts grow so consuming that they propel individuals toward compulsive behaviors.

Furthermore, they may also correlate with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), often triggered by extreme stressors or perilous episodes, such as traumatic incidents or violent confrontations.

Yet, it is essential to recognize that the emergence of unwelcome thoughts and feelings does not consistently indicate a deeper mental health dilemma. Many individuals might simply be grappling with stress or anxiety. In certain instances, momentary troubles induced by biological fluctuations, like hormonal changes, may also invite these unwelcome experiences.

For instance, a new mother may face hormonal shifts that result in a surge of intrusive thoughts. Indeed, any life challenge can heighten one’s susceptibility to such unwelcome feelings. While these thoughts may be disconcerting, they are not inherently harmful—nor do they imply a hidden desire to act upon the notions that have unexpectedly emerged in your consciousness.

How To Identify Intrusive Thoughts

Are you experiencing intrusive thoughts? Here are some indicators that you can use to recognize them:

• Are these thoughts very different from your usual thoughts? For instance, uncharacteristically violent thoughts may be intrusive thoughts.
• Are your thoughts bothering you? Intrusive thoughts are usually disturbing and bothersome. Often, your first instinct is to push them away from your consciousness.
• Are these thoughts repetitive? Intrusive thoughts and feelings are often repetitive and difficult to control.

Dealing With Intrusive Thoughts

Unfortunately, intrusive thoughts are like a pesky virus; they’re hard to shake. The more you dwell on them, the more agitated you become. 

So, what’s the best way to deal with them? Instead of fighting these ideas, you have to learn how to manage them. Here’s what you can do when intrusive thoughts push their way into your mind:

• Acknowledge them for what they are. Single out the thought and identify it as intrusive: “This is an intrusive thought. It isn’t how I usually think, and it does not reflect my beliefs, nor do they represent what I want to do.
• Don’t fight them. Acknowledge and accept the thought. Allow it to go away on its own. Don’t try to actively fight it.
• Avoid judging yourself. Don’t make them more important than they really are. Intrusive thoughts are just that—thoughts. They are not an indication that you’re a bad person.

Seek Professional Help This World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day 2024 takes place on October 10. This moment presents a splendid occasion to reflect upon our mental well-being and the obstacles that confront us.

The theme for this year, “Mental Health for All,” highlights the need to make mental health resources and support accessible to every individual. Should the frequency and intensity of intrusive thoughts disrupt your everyday life, it would be wise to allocate time for a consultation with a mental health expert.

IMANA has a directory of mental health practitioners that you can use. We also list emergency numbers and helpful articles like this one that you can read.

When To Seek Professional Help

Enlisting the help of a professional becomes particularly relevant if your intrusive thoughts diminish your ability to enjoy activities you once found delightful or impede your professional life. 

You should specifically seek outside help if your intrusive thoughts are:

Disrupting Your Life

Should your intrusive thoughts begin to negatively affect your daily life and detrimentally affect your personal and professional relationships, it becomes crucial to seek aid.

Making It Difficult to Cope

Should you find yourself struggling ineffectively with intrusive thoughts, there is no disgrace in seeking mental health assistance. For example, if you find it difficult to fall or stay asleep, or if you resort to substances as a strategy for coping, obtaining professional guidance may show you healthier pathways for maneuvering through these obstacles.

Affecting Your Physical Health

Your mental state can profoundly influence your physical well-being. Should unwelcome thoughts and emotions cause symptoms such as fatigue, hair thinning, or distress, it is wise to consult a physician and a mental health expert. They can assist in uncovering any underlying conditions that may be contributing factors.

Final Thoughts

More than one in five adults in the U.S. face mental health challenges, highlighting the vital need for accessible mental health support.

This World Mental Health Day, IMANA invites everyone to prioritize their mental well-being and seek the support they deserve. We are dedicated to enhancing access to mental health services within the community by offering a comprehensive directory of qualified mental health professionals and a wealth of valuable resources. 

Our aim is to foster an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized, breaking down stigma and barriers to care. Visit our website to explore what we do, learn about the diverse communities we serve, and discover how you can make a difference in promoting mental wellness for all.

Together, we can build a supportive network that empowers individuals to thrive.