These types of images can be incredibly distressing, but they are very often caused by anxiety. They may also imagine that they left the front door unlocked, even though they clearly remember locking it. For example, they may imagine someone in an aggressive sexual situation, or they may imagine some form of severe violence. Unwanted Images While this is most common in those with obsessive compulsive disorder or PTSD, most forms of anxiety also involve the presence of unwanted thoughts, images, or memories that seem out of place.

Here are some other examples of irrational thoughts: An example of a common irrational thought for people with social anxiety is: “I’m going to look stupid and everyone is going to laugh at me”. Usually, an irrational thought is one which is not entirely connected to a sense of reason and not based on evidence. Anxiety disorders are associated with many powerful physical and emotional symptoms that can cause significant disruption to your life, and one of the issues that is very common when it comes to anxiety is the presence of 'irrational thoughts.' What Makes a Thought 'irrational'? For example, if your anxiety is so persistent and intense that it interferes with your work, social and home lives, then this might be a case of anxiety disorder, rather than just everyday anxiety. Whether it's asking someone out on a date, making a presentation, taking an important test, or getting called into a meeting with the boss, manageable amounts of anxiety represent a normal part of life.īut anxiety disorders are very different, particularly with regard to their intensity. Everyone experiences some level of anxiety at some point in their life. Those that have never had an anxiety disorder often struggle to understand how anxiety can affects the mind and body in so many different ways.

You are not your thoughts