I feel like "intrusive thoughts" are often triggered by trying very hard not to think about something, or a feeling of shame about thinking about a particular topic. And the harder you try not to think about something, the more you'll think about it.
Like, if you know you would never ever harm your family, but sometimes a "what if" scenario crosses your mind, I think you're probably fine.
If it starts to cross the line into fantasizing or actually wanting to do it, then I think professional help is definitely warranted.
I feel like "intrusive thoughts" are often triggered by trying very hard not to think about something, or a feeling of shame about thinking about a particular topic. And the harder you try not to think about something, the more you'll think about it.
Like, if you know you would never ever harm your family, but sometimes a "what if" scenario crosses your mind, I think you're probably fine.
If it starts to cross the line into fantasizing or actually wanting to do it, then I think professional help is definitely warranted.
(Note that I'm not a mental health professional.)