Don’t Think Of Pink Elephants!
Have you ever tried to stop thinking about something painful or embarrassing, but it keeps popping back into your mind? You are not alone.
Don’t Think Of Pink Elephants!
Have you ever tried to stop thinking about something painful or embarrassing, but it keeps popping back into your mind? You are not alone.
In fact, our brains are wired in a way that sometimes makes it hard to block unwanted thoughts. This is especially true for people living with conditions like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
But the good news is, science is beginning to understand how our brains try to control these thoughts. And by learning how it works, we can also learn how to cope better.
The Brain Has “Brakes” For Thoughts
Our brain has a system to stop thoughts that are not helpful. Scientists call this inhibitory control. Think of it like mental brakes that can slow down or stop a thought before it takes over.
The University of Cambridge found that this braking system is linked to a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex, especially an area called the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This part helps you decide what thoughts to keep and what to block out. It sends signals to another part of the brain, the hippocampus, which is where memories are stored.
When everything is working well, the prefrontal cortex can tell the hippocampus, “Stop! We don’t want to remember this now.” This process helps us move on from disturbing or distracting thoughts.
Why It's Harder for People with PTSD and OCD
For people with PTSD, unwanted memories can come back suddenly and strongly. This happens because the brain’s braking system doesn’t work as well. The emotional part of the brain, called the amygdala, can become overactive. This makes the memories feel more intense and harder to control.
A systematic review published in Frontiers revealed that in OCD, the brain keeps repeating certain thoughts or urges, even when the person knows they are not helpful or true. This may be because the prefrontal cortex is not doing a good job of stopping the unwanted thoughts from repeating. Research shows that even though people with OCD try very hard to block these thoughts, their brain has trouble turning off the loop.
Trying Not to Think Makes It Worse? Sometimes, Yes
You might think the best way to deal with unwanted thoughts is to simply push them away. But studies show this can backfire. According to Scientific American, when we try to block a thought without understanding it, the brain can bring it back even stronger. It’s like telling yourself not to think of a pink elephant — suddenly, that’s all you can think about.
This happens because blocking a thought uses a lot of brain energy, especially in the prefrontal cortex. If you are tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, the brain just doesn’t have enough fuel to keep the brakes working well.
Is There a Way to Strengthen the Mental Brakes?
Yes, and it’s something researchers are still exploring. One exciting idea is training the brain through mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and even brain stimulation. These techniques can help the prefrontal cortex become more active and improve its communication with memory and emotion centers like the hippocampus and amygdala.
For example, some studies have found that regular mental exercises like focused attention or memory control training can slowly make the brain better at stopping unwanted thoughts. Over time, this may help reduce symptoms of PTSD and OCD.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you care about struggles with unwanted thoughts, know that it's not a sign of weakness. It’s something that happens deep inside the brain. Understanding this can help us become more patient and supportive, whether for ourselves or for others.
And if you're dealing with PTSD or OCD, science is on your side. More is being discovered every day about how the brain works and how to heal it.
Sources
University of Cambridge (2024): Brain Mechanisms Underlying the Inhibitory Control of Thought
Frontiers in Psychology (2022): Inhibitory Control Development: A Network Neuroscience Perspective
Scientific American: Brain’s “Brakes” Suppress Unwanted Thoughts
Inc.com: Neuroscience Explains Why You Can't Shake Unwanted Thoughts
Check out Dr. Eddie Ramirez's social medias for expert health news:
Love great food and exclusive perks? Sign up as a Savor of Life member today and enjoy a FREE Buffalo Cauliflower with your main dish! Don't miss out—join now!
👉 Claim your reward here: Savor of Life Membership Offer
Planning an event? Let Savor of Life bring the flavors to you! From social gatherings to large celebrations, our catering services offer delicious, high-quality meals tailored to your needs.
📅 Book now and make your event unforgettable! → Savor of Life Catering
Ready to transform your wellness with specially made meals? Sign up for our Savor Transform 10-Day Challenge and enjoy exclusive perks, special offers, and unforgettable meals!