Gay intrusive thoughts

ERP helps you learn that you are capable of tolerating anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty, and that the uncomfortable feelings that arise from intrusive thoughts will dissipate with time. However, the relief is only temporary, so the cycle of OCD continues.

All our therapists are licensed and trained in exposure and response prevention therapy ERPthe gold standard treatment for OCD. People with SO-OCD may experience intrusive thoughts and engage in compulsive behaviors to find certainty about their sexual identity.

The intensity, persistence, and cyclical nature of intrusive thoughts. You may also feel ashamed for being bothered by these thoughts, out of fear that they could be seen as intolerant of different sexual orientations. Complete elimination of intrusive thoughts may not be a realistic goal given the commonality of intrusive thoughts in humans in general.

HOCD: How to Identify : Learn how to identify and manage it effectively

Seeking certainty, like with all types of OCD, will lead you to avoid triggers or accommodate their lifestyle because they feel unable to tolerate not knowing the answers to the questions posed by their OCD. During ERP, your therapist will lead you in identifying and gradually confronting your obsessions, while also guiding you as you resist engaging in compulsions.

However, if you find yourself constantly obsessing over your sexuality, experiencing recurrent intrusive thoughts, and having intense anxiety, it could be a sign of a mental health condition. Obsessions are repeated, unwanted intrusive thoughts, sensations, images, or feelings, and compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to neutralize the obsession, or to prevent something bad from happening.

We're here to help. Available in Any location. 1, 2 Sometimes called “gay OCD,” this condition causes people to question their sexuality and become excessively concerned that they are, will become, or will be perceived as gay.

Reach out to us. For other questions, contact us. Physical compulsions are things we can see, like actively avoiding triggering situations. Exposure exercises that your therapist might try include:. Find a therapist. If you're suffering, consult a licensed professional.

OCD is characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. SO-OCD obsessions lead to compulsionswhich can be both physical and mental. Questioning your sexuality is a normal and healthy part of self-discovery that many people go through at some point in their lives.

These can include mentally reviewing situations to see how you feel around various genders, or looking for clues of sexual attraction. SO-OCD is much different from genuinely exploring your sexuality and reflecting on who you are attracted to. Why am I afraid of my sexuality changing?

Using this technique you work with a therapist to expose yourself to gradually increasing levels of anxiety-provoking situations and thoughts.

Trapped in Doubt: Understanding : Intrusive thoughts are common in people with OCD

What sets SO-OCD apart are the intrusive thoughts and anxiety, followed by compulsive behaviors that aim to get absolute certainty about your sexuality. Homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD) involves unwanted sexual intrusive thoughts, images, or attractions to people of the same sex.

Engaging in ERP can allow you to live your life instead of constantly ruminating over the uncertainty of your sexuality. SO-OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder focused on concerns about your sexual orientation. With OCD, questions and doubts that pop up out of nowhere—or in response to specific triggers—cause significant distress.

12 Signs That You Might Have Homosexual OCD A checklist of common symptoms and behaviors. Keep reading to learn more about how SO-OCD differs from healthy self-exploration and how to find the right support.