Because unwanted intrusive thoughts tend to get stuck and repeat when you struggle with them, they increase in intensity. Every time you fight them, they fight back, so there is a very intense feeling that goes with them—a whoosh of fear—and sometimes shame, disgust, or anger. This can make them feel like impulses—as if somehow you were being pushed, impelled, or provoked to do something out of control, ridiculous, or dangerous. This feeling can be very disturbing, but you need not worry: it is an illusion, a paper tiger, a false alarm. Your brain is issuing warnings where none are needed.
