What are the best possible erp practices for hocd?

Thank you for answering. When I am in uni, I experience mild discomfort, when I see women that I think are attractive and then I start wondering if I am attracted to them. But these days that is under control. Triggers are definitely words and bi/ lesbian people who were never a trigger for me in the past, my best friend identified as a bisexual and she was so confident about herself. I loved being friends with her. I don't understand how logic makes no sense here. What do you think about false attractions?

@Anonymous You're welcome . People with HOCD often experience unwanted and distressing thoughts about their sexual orientation, which can cause significant anxiety. This can manifest as doubts about one's attractions to certain people, leading to confusion and discomfort when encountering attractive people, especially if they identify as bisexual or lesbian. The concept of false attractions can arise in HOCD. In this context, it may refer to feelings of attraction that cause doubt and lead you to question your sexuality. It is not that feelings are inherently wrong. Rather, they may be perceived as annoying because they conflict with your personal identity or prior understanding of your attractions.You mentioned feeling uncomfortable when seeing attractive women, which can create cognitive dissonance having two conflicting beliefs at the same time. For example, you may identify as heterosexual, but be attracted to or infatuated with attractive women, causing confusion about your feelings. Having a close friend who identifies as bisexual may affect your thought patterns and feelings about attraction. His confidence in his identity can make you rethink yourself and make you more aware of your feelings. This can lead to increased sensitivity to your attractions and heightened anxiety about them. It can be helpful to remember that attraction is fluid and does not necessarily determine your sexual orientation. It's natural to be attracted to different people, regardless of gender. These feelings do not need to define who you are. They can simply be part of your human experience.As you have identified specific triggers that cause distress, look for strategies to manage these feelings. Techniques may include mindfulness exercises,Meditation are helpful.

@Amara *Her confident in her identity

@Anonymous It's definitely something you should face at some point, but I think it's usually best to take these things a few steps at a time. If you go all in at once, it'll likely be too overwhelming at first. For me it was a very gradual process.

@SportySpider - How do you suggest I should start? Youtube guys say start by saying I'm gay I'm gay repeatedly and that kinda felt ok.. like after sometime I thought it was a lie and I was like wow, stage 1 cleared! and then I was ok when I was touching grass at the uni, but Now at home during my break ,it has flared up again because of a thought I had yesterday.

@Anonymous Recognize that intrusive thoughts are a common experience for individuals with OCD. The key is to understand that having a thought doesn't define your identity. It’s okay to experience doubts, but it’s important to not get caught up in trying to analyze or rationalize them. Instead of trying to fight or suppress the intrusive thoughts, practice acceptance. Acknowledge the thought without giving it power. This means letting the thought be there without reacting to it. You can think, “That’s an interesting thought,” and move on without engaging further. Avoid engaging in compulsive behaviors such as repeatedly affirming your sexuality (e.g., saying "I'm gay" constantly). While it might seem helpful in the moment, this can reinforce the cycle of anxiety and doubt. Instead, try to allow the discomfort of uncertainty without seeking reassurance or resolution. Engage in mindfulness activities that can help ground you. This can include deep breathing exercises, meditation, or physical activities like walking or yoga. Being present can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm. Identify what triggers your HOCD symptoms and try to limit exposure to those triggers, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable. This might include taking breaks from social media or particular environments that lead to intrusive thoughts.