Confronting Intrusive Thoughts

Before I start, I am in no way a professional. I am a 16 year old kid who happens to be way too educated on these types of topics. But even with this said, please take my advice seriously. I speak from experience regarding this post... ________ Confronting Intrusive Thoughts. Three absolutely terrifying words to some who struggle with them. We feel helpless, disgusting, like a threat or a danger either to ourselves, our peers, or people we have close relationships with. But with full reassurance, I can confirm that ITs so not make you a bad or dangerous person, nor will they ever. Telling someone about intrusive thoughts is an entire other wavelength that many of us are not ready to confront. We are not ready to surface these thoughts and feelings. Either out of fear of acting on them, being rejected, or even being reported to authority. But for all intents and purposes, nobody, not your family, friends, counseler, etc is allowed to do this. Thoughts are SIMPLY just thoughts. If we do not have a towering intention to act on them, we can not be considered a danger. (And in most cases, even if you are deemed a threat, they will work with you before even considering a report) It is ENCOURAGED to contact a professional about intrusive thoughts. In most cases, the ones who fear rejection the most are people like me who struggle with ZOCD, POCD, HOCD, and so forth. We worry that if we open up, we will be rejected. This may be (unfortunately) true for the public or people you know, but as for professionals, it is their JOB to help you sort these thoughts out and find the root. I worried about possibly being a Zoophile or Hebephile (MAP) for a while. I discussed with my therapist how I was feeling, and what it felt like to me. And we simply concluded I was not dealing with paraphilias, I was dealing with these intrusive thoughts. And I was in fact, in need of no treatment regarding the other end of things. Trust your therapists. If there is something "wrong", they will work with you. If there is something you are worried about, TELL THEM. The more you wait, the longer the distress will be dragged out. Don't be afraid to open up. It's not worth the long-term anxiety and paranoia. -Anon/OP