“My intrusive thoughts made me feel afraid and alone – until I started talking about them”

Intrusive thoughts

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Frame Of Mind


“My intrusive thoughts made me feel afraid and alone – until I started talking about them”

By Hayley Morris

3 years ago

2 min read

Comedian Hayley Morris has lived with intrusive thoughts for as long as she can remember. It was an experience she was ashamed of until she began sharing it with her social media following.

Content note: this article contains references to and descriptions of suicidal ideation and intrusive thoughts that readers may find upsetting.

I’m gliding along the motorway on a crisp, sunny Sunday in mid-January, heading back to my flat after visiting some friends down south. It was a wholesome weekend; I feel happy, at peace… until:

Brain: Swerve into the middle barrier!

Me: I’m sorry… what?

Brain: We should drive into the front of that lorry.

Me: Oh my god. WHAT? Are you insane?

Brain: Pull up the hand brake.

Me: We’re driving 70mph and we’re on a busy motorway. We’d die!

Brain: Fine! Let’s just pull the key out of the ignition then.

The wheel wobbles slightly as I tighten my grip, slow down and mirror-signal-manoeuvre into the hard shoulder.

Brain whispers to me: “Open the car door and ninja roll out into the road.” 

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