Obsessive thoughts are unwanted, intrusive thoughts that cause distress and anxiety. They can be about anything, from fear of contamination to harm to oneself or others. Obsessive thoughts are a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but they can also occur in people without OCD.
There are a number of effective ways to combat obsessive thoughts. One is to learn to challenge the thoughts themselves. This can be done by asking yourself if there is any evidence to support the thought, and by considering what the worst-case scenario would be if the thought were true. Another helpful strategy is to practice mindfulness meditation. This involves paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness meditation can help you to become more aware of your obsessive thoughts, and to learn to let them go.