I'm 16 and have an obsession revolving around harming children because it scares and confuses me why people do it so I started questioning myself and Im feeling like the biggest monster ever, I always used to love kids but since a year ago its hard to go out in public and get a job like other kids in school and I just want to be guilt free but there's no proof the feelings are true or not, my doctor suggested erp which did help a lot but other ways of coping especially for in the moment high anxiety would be helpful please thank you all sorry I just needed to talk, I feel like I should punish myself for these awful thoughts thank you I hope you all find good doctors

What kind of harming children?

I have harm ocd against my own childre. And sometimes others depends on how I’m feeling. But I just let them come and try to just let them go out. With out argument . I’m on sertraline. With helps a lot. It’s really hard but in a way I have no choice but to get better because I’m always with my kids. I just keep pushing myself to do the things I have to do. I’m always in exposure now I have to just work on my response. Your not alone.

I just think you should not punish yourself that would not definetely help you. Idk what you should do but I just know that and I hope you both get better soon. Just don't give up!❤️

I no 100% I got my thoughts from the media. Probably most of us did if you think about how disgusted you were befor all these thoughts you no that’s not you. And befor my thoughts I would freak out if I heard anything bad happening to a child. And I no right now I’m just scared cause that could possibly b the worst thing in the world. Harming a child. And we’re just very gentle people and these things get to us.

I’m glad you’re already doing ERP. I think the second most useful tool is mindfulness. You’ve got your exposures down and you know how to deal with triggers without doing compulsions; great! Now it’s time to practice mindfulness and be able to watch your thoughts pass by without attaching to them. Acknowledge the thought, say “hey, I see you,” and then let it go. Not just to your OCD or harm thoughts, to ALL of them! Watch your thoughts and get better at letting thoughts just flow.

If you’re anxious to do it, it’s probably good to do it. Avoiding what you fear is what feeds OCD. Try mindfulness, sit with any anxiety that comes about losing control. Do it again and again. You got this.

The worst of the worst dude, having bad feelings toward them and not being able to control it in really nervous my evil energy can be felt by others in a room

Thank you so much guys the thing is mindfulness is hard because I'm afraid that if I let go of the thoughts I cant have control over them and I'll figure out i secretly want them or something i dont know but that was really helpful advice thank you

Like I'm afraid I'll snap and act on a subconcious impulse