29. Ask Susannah: What Do Intrusive Thoughts MEAN About ME?

Episode Summary In this first Ask Susannah episode, Susannah explores one of the most common and distressing questions moms ask when struggling with intrusive, anxious, or unwanted thoughts in postpartum and early motherhood: What do these thoughts mean about me? This episode breaks down why intrusive thoughts feel so charged, why they do not reflect your true desires or character, and how fear, nervous system activation, and psychological stress fuel the anxiety loop. Susannah explains how postpartum and matrescence create the perfect storm for fear-based thinking, why your mind targets what matters most to you, and how assigning meaning to thoughts is often what keeps you stuck. You’ll walk away with a more compassionate and accurate understanding of your mind—and the beginning of a new way to relate to fear thoughts so you can reclaim your presence, peace, and trust in yourself. In This Episode, We Cover: Why intrusive thoughts feel meaningful—but aren’t inherently so The difference between thought content and nervous system activation How postpartum stress and major identity shifts intensify fear thoughts Why your mind targets your deepest values The cycle of fear, rumination, and reinforcement How assigning meaning to thoughts increases anxiety Why intrusive, anxious, and unwanted thoughts are all fear-based How to begin changing your relationship with thoughts instead of trying to solve them Resources Mentioned: Free Guide: Intrusive Thoughts in Postpartum & Early Motherhood Website: susannahlongcoaching.com Instagram: @postpartumwithsusannah Submit your questions for future Ask Susannah episodes via email (in show notes) Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠susannahlongcoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to [email protected] and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode. DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship. postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts postpartum, unwanted thoughts motherhood, maternal mental health, postpartum OCD, early motherhood anxiety, fear thoughts, matrescence, postpartum mental wellness, intrusive thoughts meaning, postpartum nervous system, motherhood and anxiety, postpartum coach, maternal stress, reclaiming motherhood from fear