[많건부] “What if I die in a car accident?” Why do I suddenly think of this?

Uncomfortable thoughts that suddenly arise, need to be dealt with proactively if they affect your life

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input 2024.11.24 10:00correction 2024.11.24 09:43
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[‘많건부’는 ‘많은 건강정보 부탁해’의 준말로 일상에서 궁금증을 불러일으키는 아리송한 건강상식을 풀어드리는 코너입니다. 건강을 위한 정직한 지식 코메디닷컴의 많건부, ‘많’은 ‘관’심 ‘부’탁드립니다.]

“What if I die in a car accident?” Have you ever suddenly had an unpleasant thought come to mind? These thoughts often come to us even when we don’t want them to. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]“What if my parents suddenly die?”
“What if I die in a car accident?”

Have you ever suddenly had an unpleasant thought come to mind? These thoughts often come to us even when we don’t want them to. This is called ‘intrusive thought.’ Usually they go away quickly and don’t cause any problems, but if they are taken too seriously or brought up repeatedly, they can turn into obsessive thoughts. It can affect your mental health.

Intrusive thoughts, why do they occur? According to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the main cause of intrusive thoughts is excessive stress. Most negative images or thoughts that come to mind involuntarily are the result of everyday stress. For example, these thoughts may come to mind more often if you have an important exam coming up or are taking on a big project at work.

This idea itself is not a problem. However, it’s a different story if you have trouble sleeping or can’t concentrate on work because of this. If you feel uncomfortable enough to shake up your daily life, you need to take proactive measures.

Intrusive thoughts vs. obsessive thinking
Intrusive thoughts are something everyone can experience at least once. But if this leads to obsessive thinking, the problem can become serious.

Obsessive thoughts are characterized by repetitive and persistent negative thoughts or images, sudden and impulsive thoughts, feelings of inappropriateness and discomfort, or severe anxiety and distress. For example, if you repeatedly think about your loved one or yourself getting into a car accident and start to believe that it will actually happen, it is likely to lead to obsessive thinking. It may be linked to mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and depression.

When dealing with intrusive thoughts, acknowledge and accept them.
Intrusive thoughts are a natural phenomenon that we cannot control. Rather than accepting the thoughts that come up as ‘I’m the wrong person,’ try maintaining a light attitude of ‘It could be that.’ If you try to analyze or solve something too seriously, you will become more obsessed with your thoughts.

Organizing your mind with small actions Writing down negative thoughts on paper and tearing them up or burning them can also be psychologically helpful. In fact, a study published in Psychological Science found that this behavior was effective in relieving negative emotions.

If these thoughts occur too often or interfere with your daily life, it is important to seek professional help. Thinking ‘I’m not the only one like this’ Intrusive thoughts are a phenomenon that everyone can experience. Rather than feeling guilty or blaming yourself, it’s important to accept that it’s just a natural part of your brain’s functioning.

On days when your heart is heavy, how about thinking with a light heart, “The strange thoughts that pass through my head will someday disappear?”

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