IHSTS - Ep. 06 - When Your Brain Won't Shut the F*ck Up

Trigger Warning: This episode covers intrusive thoughts, suicidal ideation, and mental health hospitalization. Please listen in a safe space.SHOW DESCRIPTIONIntrusive thoughts. Suicidal ideation. Two terms that get thrown around — but most people don't know what they actually mean, how they differ, or what to do when they show up. Today Megan sits down with her longtime friend and fellow art therapist Brittany to have the conversation most people are too scared to start.They unpack what intrusive thoughts really are (hint: more common than you think), why suicidal ideation isn't the same as a plan, how the mental health system sometimes does more harm than good, and why shame is the thing that keeps people most stuck. This is a real, raw, honest conversation about the stuff that lives in the quiet corners of our minds — and why talking about it is the most powerful thing you can do.If you or someone you love has ever had a thought you were afraid to say out loud — this one is for you.KEY TIMESTAMPS[00:47] Trigger Warning & Introducing Guest Brittany[04:22] What Are Intrusive Thoughts — Really?[06:48] Intrusive Thoughts vs. Suicidal Ideation: What's the Difference?[09:56] Once the Door Opens: Neural Pathways & Why the Brain Goes Back[12:13] Suicidal Ideation as Control — When It Feels Like a Trap Door[15:22] How to Respond When Someone Shares These Thoughts[16:45] 988 & When to Call vs. When to Just Listen[20:16] Hospitalization: Helpful or a Policing System?[25:36] Forced Help & Patient Autonomy[28:05] Therapists Are Human Too — Brittany & Megan Get Personal[34:20] Common Humanity: You Are Not the Only One[37:15] Takeaways: Authenticity, Safety & Finding Your PeopleSTANDOUT QUOTES"Every thought doesn't need to be held or believed. It can just be — oh, that happened — and move on.""Shame grows in secret. You don't need to live with this in secrecy.""The more honest and authentic you are with yourself, the more you attract people who won't be outraged by your thoughts."THERAPIST'S TOOLKIT3 Questions for When Your Brain Won't Quiet Down:1. Is this thought something I'm choosing to act on, or is it just a thought passing through?2. Do I have a safe person I can share this with — someone who will stay curious instead of afraid?3. Am I riding the merry-go-round, or can I notice the thought and let it pass?RESOURCES988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org/Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 — https://www.crisistextline.org/NAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness — https://www.nami.org/CRISIS SUPPORT988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)Text HOME to 741741 — Crisis Text LineFind a Therapist:Psychology Today — https://www.psychologytoday.com/usRise & Thrive Wellness — https://riseandthrivewellness.net/CONNECT WITH USHave a topic you want us to cover? We'd love to hear from you!📧 [email protected]📱 @ihavesh_ttosay (Instagram) | IHaveSh_tToSay (TikTok)▶️ www.youtube.com/@ihavesh_ttosayRate & Review: Help others find the podcast by leaving a reviewCREDITSHost: Megan Campbell, LCPC, ATR-BCGuest: Brittany Greggory, ATR, LPCProducer: Brian T PrairieOperations Manager: MacKenzie CloyNew episodes every two weeks on Tuesdays at 5am. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you're in crisis or need personalized support, please contact a licensed mental health professional.