Feeling ashamed of things you've never done and experiencing intrusive thoughts that criticize you for imagined actions are common experiences. These feelings can be attributed to various psychological and cognitive factors. Here are some possible reasons:
Anxiety and OCD: Intrusive thoughts are often associated with anxiety disorders, particularly Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In OCD, individuals experience distressing and intrusive thoughts, which are often followed by compulsive behaviors or mental rituals to alleviate the anxiety. These thoughts can be irrational and unrelated to reality, but they still evoke strong emotions.
Cognitive Biases: Our brains are wired with certain cognitive biases that can lead to negative thinking patterns. One such bias is the "confirmation bias," where the mind tends to focus on and exaggerate negative information, even if it's not based on reality.
High Self-Criticism: Some individuals have a tendency to be overly self-critical and hold themselves to unrealistic standards. As a result, they may experience shame and guilt even for imagined actions that don't align with their self-image.
Trauma or Past Experiences: Past experiences, especially traumatic ones, can shape our thoughts and emotions. These experiences may lead to feelings of shame or guilt that extend beyond the actual events.
Social Expectations and Norms: Societal norms and expectations can influence how we perceive ourselves and our actions. This can result in feeling shame even for thoughts that go against those norms, regardless of whether they have been acted upon.
Unresolved Feelings: Sometimes, unresolved emotions or conflicts from the past can manifest in the form of intrusive thoughts, leading to feelings of shame or guilt.
It's essential to remember that experiencing intrusive thoughts is a normal human experience, and having them does not make you a bad person. It might be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can assist you in understanding and managing these thoughts and emotions effectively. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches have been successful in helping individuals cope with intrusive thoughts and related emotional challenges.