OCD_1day@aTime ✨

Date posted: 2y

ERP for SO-OCD

I started my first exposure yesterday coloring a Pride Flag, hanging it in my office, and saying “I may or may not be attracted to women.” I am suppose to do this 5x a day and track when my anxiety peaks, when it subsides, and total time. Now my brain is telling me these exposures feel like conversion. Like once I’m comfortable with thoughts of being bisexual I am going to become that or be okay doing things with women. Anyone else struggle with this when starting ERP for SO-OCD?

Sexual Orientation OCD

blazed

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

True! It really does feel that way especially when you’re in the depths of it. Many of us struggle with this too so you’re not alone. Keep going anyways bc this sounds like OCD is trying to pull you back into the cycle again.

OCD_1day@aTi...

Date posted: 2y

@blazed I really appreciate this! It’s nice knowing others feel the same way.

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

Yup! I did that exposure last week. Now watching orange is the new black as exposure. 😭this month is so difficult for me

OCD_1day@aTi...

Date posted: 2y

That is an excellent exposure! My roommate was watching it last year and I made myself watch it as well, it was really difficult. I was able to get through it though and so can you!

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@OCD_1day@aTime ✨ For the same theme? How are you doing now? I feel so triggered by some of the things they said. I’m in that episode where they start selling underwear , gross 🤮

OCD_1day@aTi...

Date posted: 2y

@68273 Yes for the same theme. I’ve had SO-OCD for 2 1/2 years now. Each day is different for me. I’m definitely doing better now that I’ve been seeing an OCD Therapist and continue practicing ERP. 😊

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@OCD_1day@aTime ✨ That’s awesome! I’ve had it on and off for 13 years. This last time, I’ve had it for 3 years and started treatment for it, finally!

OCD_1day@aTi...

Date posted: 2y

@68273 That’s awesome! What have you found works best for you?

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@OCD_1day@aTime ✨ Nothing lol, seriously. I just finished crying after erp because now I’m getting images of the things they were talking about in the episode .

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@68273 I’m finally accepting this can all be true 😔😭 seems like what’s the point of doing compulsions anyways , you know ?

OCD_1day@aTi...

Date posted: 2y

@68273 It’s not so much about accepting the thoughts to be true. More about accepting uncertainty, leaning toward your values, being present, and not ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. You got this!

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@OCD_1day@aTime ✨ That’s exactly what my therapist told me. I told her, ok I may be x,y, z . I give up! And she said, “that’s not the point of this. She said maybe you are but maybe you are not.” Every time I engage in erp I find myself in the same place, accepting that I am my worst fear and then I just stop erp because I’m like ok, I’m done. I’m my worst fear.” She said, “no, this is not how this thing works” Even if I accept my worst thoughts as reality, they would still cause me great distress because it’s not something I value. Not something I want to act on. So, obviously I haven’t accepted uncertainty

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@OCD_1day@aTime ✨ 3 years?? WOW… have you just recently started therapy??

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Anonymous I did therapy but my ocd is severe so I waited until I was approved to do iop

68273

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

But I’ve had ocd for 13 years and just really started therapy for it

kitchensink234

Date posted: 20w

Advice please!

I have been really battling with my SO OCD, and I’ve recently started to have a ton of wins!!! I’m really excited about it, but as I’ve noticed myself not engaging as much… different things have popped up. Now im obsessed with people’s perception on me, and them looking at me and thinking by how I walk, how I talk, what I wear, how I move… that I am gay? And am so convinced everyone thinks that and “knows something that I don’t”. Is that typical with OCD? If so, any ERP advice on how to overcome these thoughts?

Sexual Orientation OCD

Monkeybrain842

Date posted: 18w

How does one activl 'practice' exposure therapy ?

One problem - Various themes This is my first post. I had a relapse a few months ago. Life was amazing and then boom, I got triggered by something and started spiralling about my sexuality (having finally been at peace for two years, entered a healthy new relationship and come out of the closet as an older women). How do you, when you're not triggered practice ERP? I'm able to try and accept the thoughts every time I see a man. What should I be doing when I don't encounter these triggers. I was to say as well that I also am starting to get real event OCD about some of the sexual things I did in the past when I was married and in an unhealthy toxic relationship with my ex husband. I am shamed and disgusted and I'm working on it but there's a certain subsection of the LGBTQ community that trigger these thoughts, groinals and thing for me... I feel like I'm beginning to realise I need to maybe be a little more active in my recovery instead of waiting for triggers... But I don't know how

Tiny Turtle

Date posted: 7w

Having a really hard time

I don't usually post on here because it could end up becoming a compulsion or could be seen as reassurance seeking but I think I just need a place to vent and to also get some encouragement and peer support. I am really struggling with my intrusive thoughts and feelings today. All of it feels extremely real and convincing. Right now, I feel thoroughly convinced that I have already identified as either a lesbian or bisexual. I have been diagnosed with OCD by both a psychiatrist and a psychologist years ago and I still feel convinced that it isn't OCD. I keep feeling as if I am just using OCD as a cover-up / as an excuse to deny my “actual” sexual orientation / to hide the “fact that I'm actually lesbian / bisexual”. I have been practicing ERP whenever my schedule allows but it's tough... ERP typically works for me but on days like today, it doesn't seem to be working and that makes me doubt if I have OCD or not. At the same time, I am also convinced that ERP isn't working and I am secretly in denial / struggle with comphet / have internalised homophobia (which makes it worse because my family is homophobic and most of my intrusive thoughts have been targeting that / using that as evidence). Feeling really scared and hopeless... 😞

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