Could feeling less anxiety about sexual thoughts indicate denial or relief?

Hello, It is important to understand the difference between thoughts, emotions and reactions, in terms of which is under your control and should represent you and your values. I wrote a post about this today titled " The good, The Bad and the Ugly. Search on it or here is a link to it. https://app.treatmyocd.com/community/posts/2033758

I have to add that when the thoughts don’t feel so bad that would be the goal of retaining your brain that these thoughts are not relevant since they do not represent your values and you have no intention of acting on them. Deep breath and remind yourself of OCDs tricks.

It sounds like there's confusion and I so relate. I was able to surround myself who were open about their sexual thoughts and images popping up that it helped me not feel alone and the person wasn't anxious. I got to live through rejection through them technically to gain the perspective most people are the same or don't care because of how relatable it is. There may be some who are openly shaming about the topic but they never directed it about my actions, just the topic. Even if there is shame directly at me, seeing others not be persecuted helped me feel I was on the more disciplined side. I treated my OCD was checking in with an intrusive inappropriate ad and I pretend I click unsubscribe and allow myself to feel the lingering moments of shock to settle down on us own without judgement as I would be considered innocent until said action was done and even then most people including me aren't condemned. I realized mature people would breath of relief and go "me too!!" And immature people will insist I take prevention measures even though they don't even follow the same advice. I learned that the only thing I'm responsible for society is as long as I'm not actively hurting myself or others, I don't owe society anything. Sounds like you're doing great and your baseline emotions are finally stabilizing to not physically react with adrenaline while processing these passing thoughts. I also view my OCD may just trying to give an ad to remind the person there's a want to feel or see some kind of human connection, but with very bad marketing skills as it's a child who doesn't know how to ask without being extra dramatic to ensure they got the message to who they care about. It helps me thank them and also "no thank you, not yet or i prefer this instead right now"

OCD lies when it tries to convince you that your thoughts are more important than your actions. Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts and they are not necessarily indicative of who you truly are or what you will do. Work on forgiving yourself and focusing on your actions rather than your thoughts. OCD ties emotional intensity to our fears and values. Sounds like you're very aware and very honest. That is very appreciated for many people. I recognize that my thoughts and feelings are just fleeting, complex sensations that do not define me. I have to remind myself that my actions speak louder than any thought, history, and fears. That I'm a good person worthy of love and understanding as long as I continue to strive to see with my own hands that has proved countless times I was capable more than I ever thought to achieve. I believe humans can be more than their potential in creating and destroying, and despite these thoughts, you continue to be a good person. Humans do not have to strive to be or stay a good person, making mistakes will still lead to where I wanted to be, kinder and honest with myself and others. Honesty does not mean I have to share my inner thoughts or history, kindness does not mean I have to prevent bad thoughts and understand that I have faith before the proof that I can allow bad things to happen and still be loved. I treat my comparison urges that it's flawed limited data that "may" have some truth in a "specific perspective" yet I understand I may never come to a consistent truth. I ask why I am concerned with the truth being a certain way which if I'm honest, I'm really scared of being judged that I was not honest or being sinful because I value honesty and acceptance so high. Turns out OCD was trying to show me I've been always a good person but with fear and scrutiny. If I did this with love, the truth seems very different where these sexual thoughts is my monkey brain wanting to feel consoled by another's touch as humans need at least 20 hugs a day (unconsciously) so my body and brain is acting up dramatically to tell me I'm socially depleted, but OCD has bad marketing and instructions unclear motto that it can make anyone feel stuck. These moments are the most important to be compassionate and know others are struggling like you as well as many have overcome this just by sitting with kindness from within. Hope this helps