My favorite viruscomix [1] (by Winston Rowntree) deals with intrusive thoughts, by having a homeless character meet her alternate reality self. The conventionally successful self had a better support network, but is still desperately afraid that she will heed her reclusive, despairing aspect. I want to give away the emotional climax, but shouldn't; I cried when I first read it.

[1] http://www.viruscomix.com/page590.html

As with pain, we can never really know the scope of anyone else's intrusive thoughts; but know that it is not a unique burden.