Get rid of intrusive thoughts 

It's such a joy to see someone emerge victorious from a disorder that is thought of as chronic and even help thousands of us do the same. 🎉

You’re one of the few people that say it’s possible to leave ocd behind. I appreciate that so much. I’m tired of people saying it’s chronic.

Watching this as a person who used to struggle with crazy intrusive thoughts is so cool. Because of Mark’s teaching (yeah, sounds epic) I don’t struggle with them anymore. For guys who have hard time because of their OCD - it is absolutely possible to live full and fulfilling life even with OCD and, of course, later on, when you walk away from it. You can do it. I believe in you❤

I also realized one of my intrusive thoughts was actually a mental compulsion to see how I would react. The more I stopped compulsions, the longer I go without intrusive thoughts. I also notice now the more I don't react, the more the thought turns into short term memory and I forget the thought.

I have had this affliction for so long. I had no idea for a long time that there was anyone else in the world who has suffered from it. I find so much comfort in knowing that I am not alone, that there are others who understand. Thanks so much for putting this video out.

Learning to sit with discomfort. I use mindfulness. Acknowledge the emotions the thoughts are bringing up, then let them roll away like waves on the beach and redirect myself back to the good place I was and repeat as many times as necessary.

You have no idea how much this video has helped me. Literally life saving. I’ve been struggling for months, crying myself to sleep, getting up in the middle of the night freaked out. I’m gonna pay no mind to my intrusive thoughts more often. Thank you so much!

I never thought I would find a video that broke down exactly whats going on in my head. The allegator anology was spot on to what I have been experiencing for years now and hearing you talk about it in this video gave me hope that I too can deal with it.

I've been struggling with this issue for about 6 months, watching this video and reading some comments here feels like a breath of fresh air, thanks a lot!

This 12 minute video is absolute gold. Better info than I’ve heard from 3 psychologists, I need to thank you Mark for this. We appreciate it!!

This video should be an advert on every channel. Imagine how many peoples lives it would change for the better... Everyone struggling with their mental health or even not struggling needs this kind of advice. Well done Mark 👏

I think limiting your time in social media and toxic people also is key… that shit is bad for your body and mental health. My ocd is sucks because it overlaps my ptsd (obsession that others are monitoring me/my body is on display… so if someone comments, or activates that belief,) and my adhd (fear others will constantly distracting me …) You can abuse your brain or treat it well… I thought your ideas were Bullshit till I was in a better place. I appreciate you sharing your recovery !

the bit at 5:40 'does that mean i'm attracted to alligators' made me howl. God thats such an accurate stereotypical 'intrusive thought'

one of the best videos on intrusive thoughs in a way that really translates to the people. Listen to Mark. The theme is irrelevant. A thought is just a thought. The content of it doesn't matter. Yes if you take it literally the subject might be weird, but that's not what you did or liked. You simply had a thought. Your thought of x y or z is the same as thinking about 'sponge' treat it the same way. Don't judge it or try to figure it out. Let's all have a better time of being us and give our judment superpowers to things we love. It can feel hard and almost impossible, but we can give our energy to things we value whilst any thought or feeling pops up. Good luck everyone and remember no luck is required we all have it in us to exist peacefully and productively to the things we care about

The alligator thing made me laugh so much, really captures what these compulsive thoughts can be like in such a relatable and funny way.

The alligator metaphor was so spot on with how my brain treats intrusive thoughts omg. This was the first video I watched that really broke it down in a personable way ❤

Thank you Mark, the problem is when we initially judge in our head. If i had applied the stoic philosophy sooner to myself i would've never ended up struggling as much as i did. No more labelling thoughts as intrusive no more attaching emotions to any thought for that matter. This approach may certainly be the best to achieve any sense of actual "stillness'' or "peace" & "clarity" in my head. Time to rewire the mind.

If UFC had GSP as a role model for all fighters, Mental Health Community has Mark Freeman! Thank you Mark for your everyday work. You a blessing in people’s life.

Thanks for the video!

Thanks brother

I was also struggling with intrusive thoughts for almost 3 to 6 months.. but then i understood that it's just the brain which are creating these thoughts.. we should not take our thoughts too seriously.. dn i stopped taking the thoughts seriously and i stop to put meaning on them..after that i overcome very quickly from these thoughts.. sometimes intrusive thoughts pop into my mind but i tell my brain , ohh intrusive thoughts you are here again okay you want to play but i will not gonna judge my thoughts..they are just harmless..do what you want to do my brain ... You enjoy your party .. it really helped when you don't put meaning on them..

Your videos are so inspiring!!! Thank god gave me people like you ❤️😄😁

So true Mark and also, if a thought evokes a feeling, that’s ok too, have that feeling, let it come and go. Of course if one gets some thought of a loved one dying, it will probably evoke an emotional response, or maybe not, either way, whatever the experience is, allow it without resistance or judgement and it will pass and be replaced by new experiences.

Amazing. ❤ This applies to almost anything. Saying to yourself, I have no bad parts. Let it be. This resonates so much, thank you.

Fantastic video. You never fail to create awesomeness. Thanks for being here and for helping us 😊

I swear this video hit right on time. Mark this advice is gold.

I needed this. Thank you Mark.

Thanks for posting this.

Your videos help me in the past I never knew what intrusive thoughts were until you explained them and you gotten better then how I was before thank you for that

Mark out of context: a pen jabbed through my eyeball. This one was one of my brains favorites. We can have these experiences and they can be there.

I just recently tuned into your videos (this week-ish) I must say. I very much appreciate the way you talk about your experience. Mine is very similar. I’m a veteran and I have them constantly. Everyone around me at all times it feels is dead. And I see the carnage all around me.

such a simple concept, yet somehow i manage to forget it all the time lol i appreciate your videos mark, they're a big help. i think my biggest problem is overthinking thoughts, especially because i've trained my brain into following a train of thought automatically, and dissecting every lil bit of it. it's tough to unlearn, especially when i keep forgetting that i can just let it exist 😪

Dear Mark, Thank You. You make it simple. Thank You 💗 Bless You 🌸

Amazing Video! Thank You Mark!

Thank you for your video and for your advices

This is amazing - agree this is the way

Thank you so much for this video! Just hearing you talking and explaining have given me a lot of relief and hope :) Thank you again ❤

I want to thank you so much! You helped me enormously!

Magnificent info. Thank you 🙏

Thank you, you just put a smile on my face today.

Thank you so much❤️

Thank you so much, I always think if I could have those thoughts instead of these ones I’d be okay. I wouldn’t be a bad person… etc. you’re amazing

This video came right on time for me. Everything you said was extremely helpful, thank you so much!❤

This is brilliant stuff. Thank you

Man, this helped my so SO much. He's been struggling with both anxiety and OCD and is Autistic to boot. And today told me of some thoughts he's had for the first time that was SO out of character for him and it really bothered him. I tried explaining to him just because it entered his mind doesn't mean that he deliberately thought up the thought. So I started looking around for some videos on it and found TONS f them including this one. He was so relieved not only seeing this one but all the dozens and dozens in the YT suggested section as I told him, see! it's not just you. Thanks a bunch for having the courage to say all these things and share them 😍

Thanks. U're really a nice person

Thank you so much man

Thank you so much sir

This is awesome thanks so much for sharing took a load off my mind. This needs spreading 👏

Thank you Mark, very empowering

I couldn’t recover from OCD when I was living alone on disability in substafized housing with no autonomy being oppressed… now that I have a job, more security and autonomy, starting with an OCD specialist and ditching my unhelpful therapist, I’m starting to lose some intrusive thoughts… My ocd overlaps my other conditions, like self image and anorexia (body dysmorphia and anorexia nervousa…) I’ll obsess bout how other people perceive me.. working in child care was good exposure therapy… also cutting out superficial people who value those things/don’t value me… innocent and kind people do not objectify and devalue people. And I only did it to myself because I internalized narcissistic abuse and hated myself… still working on it. Still doing some compulsions like avoiding but that’s what I need right now until I can work with a specalist in April. These videos help a lot! Self compassion sounds like the key to recovery, not concerning yourself with being “pure” and “clean” and “perfect.” If you’re a woman, plenty of people who will objectify and dehumanize you… (my obsession is fear of being judged, humiliated, monitored, and watched in terms of my body and self image… harmed in my sleep, etc.) I feared it so much I’d isolate myself, or put myself in situations to be harmed… I think it’s also about mitigating your life. Ocd and anxiety are normal responses to high stress and oppressive situations for too long. TL;DR; I guess it’s true constantly exposing yourself to things helps! Having kids has helped me grow a thicker skin 😅the “mean comments” (they’re 4-5 they don’t know,) came later like “why is your face like that?” And “you have a skinny nose.” They didn’t cause my “trigger”/the insecurities were already inside me. Having compassion for myself and also knowing I can choose to disagree with what people say/not attatch significance to it as part of my value help.. I had guys who liked me insult my appearance too… understanding negging as of manipulation /gaslighting helped me realize what they say isn’t shit and I also don’t need to hang around people like that

I just re-watched this video again. This was a powerful video and testament to recovery! Thank you!

I totally relate !!

Hey wow, thanks for the video. Like it very much :)

Mark, thanks so much, I love you’re unique perspective it’s very helpful. Do you have any insight you can share on social anxiety?

Amazing video Mark I remember discovering you on the podcast OCD stories it would be amazing if you would do a follow up podcast

THANK YOU

Thanks Bro.

So true , you can’t control them

Fantastic video

Mark your book and teachings helped me so much a couple years back. I am realising what you teach is also applicable to my thoughts in general. With "normal fears" I would allow myself to try to control them, because it seemed reasonable. But it's all the same fear based way of reacting to brainstuff be it a "realistic" fear or not

Very good video thanks

Thank you

Thanks so much man

Thank you for sharing your experience on intrusive thoughts. It takes courage to tell the world what you went through. I believe I have OCD and PTSD. I went to a therapist, but I found it to be a waste of time (or I just didn't find the right one).

Good video thankyou

Thank you, you have no idea how much this has made me feel more relaxed and less stressed from now on I’m going to watch this video every time I get them which tbh is from the second I wake up till the second I go to sleep… so thank you so much for making this video for us

Very smart approach bro.

So stop ruminating ❤

Not being able to fix it, is the hardest part!

This is genius. Good ass video brother. Much love.

Thank you for letting us know how this thing work.. How our brain work.. Without your help I would never have understood and my each day would go as in hell.. From now I will stop acting on these thoughts like Saying it's not true, and then justifying why it's not true and fighting with it which I used to do it.. From now on I will just accept them.. It's hard accepting them, because I feel like i am getting attracted to that thought..an urge to make myself prove right..its like fighting me against me even though deep inside I know nothing such things as per thought gonna ever happen in reality but still i react like it's involuntary....but from now I will try to stay calm the moment the thought comes up, first I will try not to judge and engage with that thought.. And say it's okay mind.. You can think whatever you want.. That's your function.. But I will focus on my function and not interfere with yours

the way you discribed it really makes my brain 'feel' sort of sisyfusian (??) (i appreciate it!!)

The cop thing was so spot on. I always think they are coming for me

yes- calling them 'intrusive' can send the message that they are not 'normal' and are 'wrong' in some way.

Mark is amazing, i was watching his videos past 3 years now and i have improved so much that i rarely even consider any ocd and its relation to me, i have a life to live, so i do that instead 😀

❤

Hey Mark, for starters, your material has been one of the biggest factors in my ongoing recovery. That said, I’ve had a lapse recently, and I think it’s because, while I haven’t been ruminating, I’ve been judging old thoughts as “unwanted” and as a “lack of progress.” I’m going to watch the video again (it’s been some weeks) but I was wondering if you have any tips? (I’m aware I may get everything from the video, so thanks in advance) Thanks for it all.

Would you judge physical sensations like dizzyness or pppd and all that rabbit Hole stuff the same?

For me I have intrusive thoughts about bad stuff in the world that bother me and it's very hard for me to deal with since it's enough for instance to make me miss if I throw a ball into a hoop the thought is saying "miss miss miss" (because the bad people want me to). Sometimes I try to agree with the thought to make it lose power but I wonder if just letting it be is best.

At the beginning of the video I was confused.. The title "get rid of intrusive thoughts" seemed to go agianst your teachings and views.. Now I understand that not judging brain stuff as "intrusive" is like not having "intrusive stuff" in the first place..

suffering from the same kind of intrusive thoughts as you are telling , so much frustrating these are .

I noticed that when I don’t give into compulsions and sit with the thoughts my brain will give me a new theme every few minutes or hours if I sit with it it’s like nonstop I hope it ends soon😭

The OCD theme is different to each person depending on what is most important to the person and what they fear the most

The thoughts that i might sometimes have are related to the ones that i love basically getting hurt in such a violent and cruel way. It makes me feel sick in the head, but i know that they're only my intrusive thoughts, and its not sick if i react to them with nervousness. But i do want these thoughts to get away as quick as possible

Mark I saw one of your videos where you talked about core fear. I am so confused about my core fear. Do you still find it important to find the core fear in order to recover from OCD?

Hey, I get intrusive thoughts (pure o) when talking to someone and when I get them I try to not think the compulsions(mines are about how to think and focus and curing ocd..) anxiety hits, and because of that I also get anxious about them judging me but I still try not to think them and then im not actually listening to them and have some weird responses and awkwardness, can you give any tips on what to do! Thanks

This one being stuck for 2 months and it’s scary and won’t go literally 24/7 how do deal? If not thoughts then the feeling … anxiety linked to the thought and I know the anxiety has linked it but why isn’t my brain getting it , sometimes I swear at my self in the mirror coz it won’t go , I even tried to swap it with other bad thoughts but didn’t work. It’s like my brain dying for me to accept and just when I started recovering from Gad this happend . It’s the same pattern everyday I say don’t care anymore but truth is I can’t accept. Gives feeling of guilt , fear ect I understand but why isn’t my brain getting it ? It’s like I don’t own my brain lol

Omg this made me feel better because the only one that bothers me is the image that pops up in my brain of poking my eye or eyes out then comes one like oh let me just do it n maybe itll leave me alone so basically my question is i just had a intrusive image then a thought? Afterwards like omg

Any advice on how to "stop" the physical reaction that happens the second the thought pops up even if we don't engage with the thought? I find that the hardest, I could manage to not engage mentally but the physical bodily reaction keeps happening anyway

The problem with my intrusive thoughts is that they're all objectively wrong and often extremely gross so they really really scare me I know pushing them away Is the opposite of what I should be doing but I can't help it they scare the hell out of me

The thoughts that pop into my head always seem to be if my boyfriend is lying to me. This can be about something that happened 2 years ago and that I've already asked him about 2000 different times. I feel like I HAVE to ask him for reassurance or I can't relax and it will consume my mind all day until I eventually get mad and ask him anyway and then yell at him because by that point I'm so stressed I "wasn't allowed to ask" and get some relief. Anyway, does your same advice apply to something like what I'm describing? I can't really figure out an underlying fear other than always thinking he's lying. I've tried to figure out if it's fear of abandonment but I am pretty certain he wouldn't leave me if I could stop with all this arguing and questioning. Do you have to figure out the underlying fear? I guess not knowing if I can trust him but I don't know what's underneath that. Sorry, this is long. Thanks for your videos.

My intrusive thoughts tell me I've done something bad! It's worse than you think your gonna do something bad!

Does this apply to obsessive worries as well? I guess really no different than intrusive thoughts ?

What’s the actionable insight? Realise that thoughts are only intrusive because we attach meaning to them, and be ok with thinking any thought?

🎉😊

This is exactly my problem… i do not Care ABOUT The initial thought but all The rumination afterwards is my problem and it happends as new intusivw thoughts as i know its not helpful and i do not want to do it

Just don't try to solve it.

I have thoughts that are disgusting and unacceptable in the real world. So that’s why it bothers me. I tend to stick on to them because they are so unacceptable. Should i just say to myself when these thoughts show up the word “ok”?

Thoughts are easy Mark. Problem is feelings. If these thoughts did not not create any feeling i guess we would not have any mental struggle :) accepting feelings are harder. For example i dont care if my hands are %100 clean or not. It does not create any feeling in my body. As you mentioned in the video. However when the thought came like what if you cannot sleep tonight and cannot perform well tomorrow on important day. Oh boy ! My body become an anxiety source. Thanks for video Mark !