If you want to know how to stop thinking about someone, there are strategies that can help.

Possible reasons:

Unfortunately, sometimes thinking of someone all the time is the result of negative feelings.

Attachment

Attachmentcan also cause you to think about another person.

Girl looking through the window

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You might feel attached to a boss, mentor, teacher, oreven a celebrity.

Emotional attachmentsare important for mental well-being.

But sometimes, these attachments are not healthyor eventoxic.

In such cases, they can contribute to anxiety, insecurity,low self-esteem, and obsessive thinking.

People who experienceattachment anxietymay spend an excessive amount of time thinking about their relationships and seeking reassurance from others.

If they do not, it is important torespect their boundariesand look for ways to deal with your thoughts.

Talking to a therapist or anothermental health professionalcan help you understand your thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you cant avoid your triggers, find ways to cope with them.

Challenge Your Thoughts

Another way to deal with intrusive thoughts is to challenge them.

This means taking a close look at the thoughts and asking yourself if they are really true.

This can help you to start to let go of those obsessive, intrusive thoughts.

When you are feeling good physically and mentally, you are less likely to be focused on intrusive thoughts.

This can be a helpful way to get some emotional support and gain additional perspective on the situation.

A therapist can help you understand your thoughts and develop healthier ways to cope.

A mental health professional may recommend treatments such as talk therapy, medications, or a combination of both.

Types of therapy that may help include cognitive-behavioral therapy ordialectical behavior therapy.

Medications that might be prescribed include antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs.

The specific treatment your therapist or doctor recommends will depend on your situation, symptoms, and diagnosis.

2018;13(12):e0207514.

2013;9:275-97. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185544

National Institute of Mental Health.Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over.