I keep having these random moments where I think about all the horrible things animals go through. Sometimes it’s something I saw online or a memory from my past. These thoughts come out of nowhere, even while I’m busy, and they make me feel physically sick.
I know many people here must feel the same way, so I’m asking—how do you deal with it when these thoughts pop into your head? Any advice would really help. 
This might sound strange, but I dealt with intrusive thoughts because of OCD for years. What helped me was learning to just let those thoughts come and go. Don’t try to reason with them or justify your feelings—just let them pass. The more you focus on them, even if you’re trying to push them away, the more they stick around. It takes practice, but it gets easier over time. I hope this helps you.
@Keegan
Thanks so much for saying this! I was actually diagnosed with OCD back in high school, but it got buried under other diagnoses, and I just kind of ignored it. I never thought about how it could be affecting me now, but what you said makes so much sense. Maybe I should look into it more. Thanks again.
@Remi
The book The Imp of the Mind helped me a lot with intrusive thoughts. I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’ve been there too, and it’s tough.
@Remi
It’s definitely worth looking into, especially since you were diagnosed before. I hate intrusive thoughts so much—it just makes everything feel so bleak.
@Keegan
Random thoughts pop up all the time, and we give them power by paying attention to them. When I get a disturbing thought, I either try to focus on a more neutral or positive one or remind myself that I’m already doing what I can to help.
I also avoid seeing content that I know will upset me. I’m already aware of the issues and don’t need to torture myself by looking at more. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as caring for the animals we’re trying to help.
@Keegan
This is great advice.
I feel this too. Sometimes I think about how animals are lined up in slaughterhouses, hearing and smelling what’s happening to the others. It’s unbearable.
The only comfort I find is knowing I’m not contributing to it, and I’m doing my best to make a difference. We can’t change the world overnight, but every action we take inspires others, and together, we’re creating change.
I notice I don’t have those thoughts when I’m doing something physical, like surfing. It’s a good distraction.
When I was struggling, hugging my deer Daisy always helped. She passed away years ago, but now I hold my rabbits or lose myself in music. Daisy gave me more comfort than I can explain.
Sometimes I’ll watch Joey Carbstrong videos to feel less alone since I live in a place where almost no one understands veganism. It helps to surround yourself with animals or content that reminds you of why you’re fighting for them.
@Zephyr
I had rabbits too, and they’re so much more complex and loving than most people realize. I’m sorry about Daisy. She sounded wonderful.
Hart said:
@Zephyr
I had rabbits too, and they’re so much more complex and loving than most people realize. I’m sorry about Daisy. She sounded wonderful.
Thank you. Daisy was incredible. She acted more like a dog because she grew up around rescue dogs. She’d play fetch, chew sticks, and even lick your face like a puppy.
I’ve also spent time with other types of deer, like elk and reindeer. Elk are gentle giants—they’ll even nibble your ear. I hope more people can understand how amazing these animals are. It’s sad how much misinformation is out there, especially from organizations tied to hunting.
@Zephyr
That’s amazing. Thank you for giving Daisy such a loving life.
Hart said:
@Zephyr
That’s amazing. Thank you for giving Daisy such a loving life.
I was lucky to have known her. She brought so much joy, and I’ll always treasure those memories. I hope I can keep spreading love and understanding for animals—it’s what Daisy would’ve wanted.
When I get overwhelmed, I try to channel those feelings into action. I’ll share vegan recipes with non-vegan friends, join a protest, or even just sign a petition. Turning sadness into something productive helps a lot.
I’ve been working on ignoring negative thoughts. It helps to tell yourself, “I’m not thinking about this right now.” It takes practice, but it works for me.
Therapy might help (I mean that seriously). If that’s not an option, try distracting yourself with something that takes your full focus, like a hobby or physical activity.
These thoughts are hard to avoid, but they also remind me why I care so much. I try to focus on the changes I want to see and work toward making those a reality.
Honestly, getting older and emotionally numb to it worked for me. It’s not ideal, but it’s the truth.
Same here. It makes my depression so much worse because I can’t stop thinking about the terrible things animals go through every day. It’s overwhelming, and I’ve been like this for years. Probably why I’m on such a high dose of anxiety meds. I feel for you.