When you’re frightened by an unwanted thought

You could say, “I’m having thoughts or images that frighten me, and I don’t want them. I’m scared to talk about them, but I need help understanding what’s happening.” If they keep returning, upset you, or change what you feel able to do, contact a qualified clinician.

Tell them honestly whether you want to act on the thoughts or feel you might. A clinician needs to understand that difference to help assess what care you need. You don’t have to settle it yourself by reading more pages or asking for reassurance.

If you intend to act, feel you may act on thoughts of harm, cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, or face immediate danger, call 911 in the U.S. or go to an emergency department. Outside the U.S., use your local emergency number. Do not wait for an appointment, email, or message reply.

For crisis support in the U.S., call or text 988. Live Meleia Guide support is not available, and no Guide is monitoring this page.

Hearing or seeing things other people do not, beliefs disconnected from reality, severe confusion, or feeling unusually high or overactive after delivery can be signs of postpartum psychosis. This is a medical emergency, even without thoughts of harm. Contact a clinician immediately and ask for an urgent assessment today. If you cannot get urgent medical help, go to an emergency department. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number. Do not wait for a message reply.

These symptoms are not the same as an unwanted thought that you recognize and find upsetting. But this article cannot tell you which is happening or rule out a condition. If you’re unsure, seek urgent medical help rather than trying to work it out alone.