What it’s like to have intrusive thoughts — and how to cope : NPR

https://www.profitableratecpm.com/f4ffsdxe?key=39b1ebce72f3758345b2155c98e6709c
An illustration shows a woman holding her baby near her chest. She has a bubble of speech above her head that reads: "ACK!" She looks head on on a spiral staircase that continues to spiral, symbolizing intrusive thoughts. The illustration is drawn by hand and colored in tones of black, white and mauve.

The Johnson / NPR

Have you ever had scary thoughts in your head that you just couldn’t stop thinking?

They are called intrusive thoughts, and they are painful, repetitive and unwanted. They can be triggered by major life changes or mental health problems.

Senior NPR visual producer, the Johnson, who fought with these thoughts after giving birth to her second child, talks to Mental Health Professionals U’Nek Clarke and Brooke Smith about how to manage them. She illustrates her experience and expert advice in a comic strip.

Publisher’s note: This comics will discuss mental health subjects and suicidal ideas. If you are in crisis, call or send an SMS 988 Suicide & Crifeline Crifeline To connect with an advisor.

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This story was published by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We would be delighted to hear you. Leave us a vocal messaging at 202-216-9823, or send us an email to lifekit@npr.org.

Listen to the life kit on Apple podcasts And Spotifyand register for our bulletin. Follow us on Instagram: @NPrlifekit.

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