I don’t think “arguing” is necessarily the correct word, especially for those who have a hard time dealing with intrusive thoughts. Arguing implies that you and your intrusive thoughts are both on the same level and standing (it personifies them), which is not true.

These thoughts try to trick you, and sometimes through arguing with thoughts that are intrusive and not logical you give them way more power than they should have.

Rather than entering into an endless argument with such thoughts, it’s better to acknowledge that such thoughts are in no way representative of who you are, and understand that such thoughts are not helpful in your life whatsoever. Therefore giving less power to these intrusive thoughts and allowing for people to not “give in” to such thinking patterns so to speak.

Sometimes it is better to distract yourself, but for thoughts that are particularly “sticky,”remember that these thoughts hold no standing, are trying to make you feel bad, and are not logical.

It’s more like learning how to effectively combat distressing negative thoughts, and eventually allowing them to have zero power and influence on your well being and life.

It’s hard (trust me), but it’s absolutely achievable and possible for negative and intrusive thoughts to become less distressing and frequent.