How to Respond When a Scary Intrusive Thought Shows Up

You know you’re spiraling. You know Googling, checking, analyzing, and asking for reassurance aren’t giving you lasting relief.But then comes the question:What am I actually supposed to do when the intrusive thought shows up?Today we’re moving into Step 3 of The Unafraid Method: RESPOND.In this episode, I’m walking through a simple framework you can use to start creating space between the scary thought and what you do next:Notice → Name → Don’t Solve → ReturnWe talk about:Why trying to get rid of the thought can keep you stuckHow to notice the thought without immediately entering the debateNaming the pattern instead of analyzing the contentWhy “this one is different” is such a powerful trapLetting a question exist without needing to solve itReturning to your actual life even when anxiety is still presentHow reassurance, prayer, Scripture, and “good thoughts” can sometimes become part of the certainty-seeking cycleThe difference between trust and certaintyWhy progress does not mean responding perfectly every single timeA simple exercise to practice responding differently in one real-life situationThe goal is not to make every intrusive thought disappear.It’s to stop treating every scary thought like a question that has to be answered before you’re allowed to keep living.I also share more about Peace After Postpartum, my 90-day group program + community for moms navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD.If you want the founding member details, text PEACE to 404-692-3754 by August 31st. 🤍Next up in The Unafraid Method: CONNECT.