Our brains never stop turning. And while some of our thoughts are necessary and important, others aren’t worth focusing on.
However, there are some kinds of thoughts that you should always pay attention to because they may be telling you that you need mental health support. Read on to learn seven kinds of thoughts you shouldn’t dismiss if they repeatedly cross your mind.
#1: Obsessing on the Worst-Case Scenario
It’s not uncommon to think about the worst thing that can happen, especially when it feels like your reputation or livelihood is at stake. You may be concerned about your health, an important job, a test, or people you love.
For example, if someone you care about isn’t answering their phone, you might imagine something terrible has happened instead of assuming they’re simply in a meeting or nap.
Usually, these thoughts pop up and then pass quickly. However, if you can’t let go of these fears and are regularly having intrusive thoughts of disaster, death, embarrassment, failure, injury, disease, or harm, you may be dealing with a mental health condition.
Moreover, if you feel that you need to perform compulsive behaviors—like counting or repeating a particular phrase to yourself—to keep bad things from happening, you may be having symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
#2: Suspecting that Everyone Is Out to Get You
We’ve all had the experience of feeling that certain people don’t like us or aren’t on our side. But if you feel convinced that everyone is out to get you—even strangers—with the intent of harming or controlling you, you may be suffering from a mental health issue.
Anxiety and trauma can cause this type of negative thinking. These thoughts could also be symptoms of schizophrenia. People experiencing schizophrenic disorders may be convinced that others are constantly talking about them behind their back, or they may hear voices or see things that others can’t see.
Schizophrenia can be treated with medication, which can reduce symptoms and improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, getting treatment professionals involved early is essential as soon as you start seeing signs of this condition.
#3: Believing that You Deserve More Than Everyone Else
At times, we might think that we deserve a larger slice of the pie than someone else—and sometimes that’s true. However, feeling that you’re not like other people, that you always deserve special treatment, and that you are inherently more important than others are all signs of narcissistic personality disorder.
These days, lots of people throw around the narcissist label. But not everyone who has narcissistic personality characteristics meets the criteria for the disorder. According to the DSM-5, the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder include:
- Having a grandiose view of yourself
- Expecting to be recognized as superior to others regardless of achievements
- Preoccupation with fantasies of success, beauty, and power
- Belief that you are special and can only be understood by other high-status people
- Demanding of praise and excessive admiration
- Lacking empathy
- Having a sense of entitlement
- Envious of others, or believing others are envious of you
Narcissistic personality disorder can be treated with therapy and medication. If you find that you’re captivated by your own self-importance and that your behaviors have increasingly negative results, you may benefit from connecting with a treatment professional.
#4: Thinking that You’re Invincible
Feeling confident in your health and energy may make you feel invincible sometimes. But if you start thinking that you’re god-like and can change the world simply by existing, you may be experiencing a symptom of bipolar mania.
Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by periods of mania and depression. Mania, the “high” of bipolar disorder, is not as pleasant or exciting as it might sound. Many people with bipolar disorder feel disoriented and disturbed by the mania they experience.
Symptoms of mania may include:
- Extreme restlessness and insomnia
- Racing thoughts and speech
- Rapid-fire ideas and the compelling urge to do them all “right now”
- High anxiety and energy
- A sense of invincibility
- Irrational bouts of intense anger
#5: Feeling That Doing Any Task Is Too Overwhelming
There are times when we all push ourselves to the limit. Burnout and toxic productivity are becoming more common, especially among young adults. But if you start feeling that doing any task is simply too overwhelming, you may be having a major depressive episode.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 22 million adults in the US experienced a major depressive episode in the past year, about 8 percent of the population. A major depressive episode lasts for two weeks or longer, during which you have issues with sleeping, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth. In addition, you may have frequent thoughts of death or recurrent thoughts of suicide.
If you’re experiencing a major depressive episode, getting support can make a significant difference to your overall wellness. You can’t see your life clearly during a major depressive episode. Reach out for help, so you can experience fulfillment and a renewed passion for life.
#6: Being Sure That Everything Is Possible (But Only When the Sun Is Out)
Sunshine often improves our outlook and makes us feel more capable and energized. However, if you feel like everything is possible when the sun is out, but that life is miserable and worthless when it’s not, you may be dealing with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
When you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the weather has an outsized impact on your mood, your view of yourself, and your view of life in general. You may feel incredibly confident and motivated under blue skies and deeply depressed and lethargic when the clouds roll in.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common in women than men, and it’s more often seen in northern regions that have shorter daylight hours in the winter. Furthermore, SAD often co-occurs with other disorders, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and ADHD. And it can also run in families where relatives have mental health conditions, such as depression or schizophrenia.
#7: Thinking that Everyone Would Be Better Off Without You
We all have negative thoughts about ourselves from time to time. But thinking that everyone would be better off without you—and imagining that no one will miss you when you’re gone—is a serious sign that should not be ignored. Of all the thoughts you shouldn’t dismiss, this is one of the most important ones to pay attention to.
Thoughts of worthlessness and hopelessness are symptoms of depression. And suicidal thoughts usually develop from depression, anxiety, or other life-disrupting mental health conditions. But you can overcome negative thoughts, negative feelings, and whatever difficulties you’ve experienced. Your life matters, and you are stronger than you think.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, dial 988 to speak to someone at the suicide helpline. Reach out to a licensed counselor or treatment professional who can help you rediscover your self-worth, resolve your mental health symptoms, and thrive in life again.
Access Immediate Care at Our Hospital
If you or a loved one is experiencing severe mental health symptoms, you don’t have to spend hours in the ER waiting room. Our Family First admissions process provides a fast route to immediate psychiatric treatment and safety at our hospital for anyone 35 and under. Learn more.
Mental Health Treatment for All Ages in Minnesota
At PrairieCare, we provide people of all ages with compassionate care and treatment for mental health conditions. Our innovative approach to mental healthcare and dedication to our patients has helped us achieve accreditation from The Joint Commission and exceed licensing standards of care. With various locations throughout Minnesota and a full continuum of care, we help you take the first step so you can focus on healing.
To get started, call our team at 952-826-8475 or learn more here. You can also request a no-cost mental health screening by clicking the button below and filling out the form on the right. Our team will then contact you within one business day to get started.
Sources
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- Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2022 Oct; 10(4): 259–268.
- Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jun; 19(11): 6790.
- Mental Health / March 10, 2025