Struggling with HOCD sensations that feel complete

I’m dealing with HOCD where it’s not just thoughts, but it’s very strong feelings and bodily sensations that feel completely real. Warmth in the chest, tightness, fuzzy “attraction-like” sensations, and an overall sense of this being true show up before thoughts even do. In short the feelings and sensations make me feel "gay" like "this is who I am and it's the truth' Because of that, it doesn’t feel like “what if,” it feels like a state of being, which makes ERP really hard. When I try to let the sensations be without engaging, they often get more intense and convincing, and my mind tells me I’m lying to myself by calling it OCD. this phase feels especially convincing and hard to sit with. Just wondering what exactly am I supposed to do in this situation and maybe some good erp montras for this situation.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4d

Medication helps

Anonymous

Date posted: 4d

I thought the whole goal was to have the feelings tho?

Anonymous

Date posted: 3d

The physical sensations can make OCD really hard. But physical sensations are so common with OCD. I struggle with them as well. I’ve experienced unwanted sexual thoughts for a family member and I get an unwanted sensation in my groin all of the time. This is probably different from what you have, but honestly I’ve reached the point where the sensations don’t really bother me anymore. Whenever the sensation comes, I’ll acknowledge that it’s only a sensation in my body, it doesn’t mean anything about me, and the sensation will eventually pass. In the meantime, it’s helpful to say things like “this sensation can stay for as long as it wants!” “I LOVE this feeling” Also know that the more you focus on the physical sensation, and want it to leave, the more intense it will get (that’s just how the body works). I hope that some of this is helpful to you. I am going to get through this, and so are you!!❤️

Anonymous

Date posted: 3d

Hey thank you for taking the time to respond I know it's not easy so I'm very grateful. And this is really good advice, my only concern is when like idk if it's the thoughts or myself creating meaning and judgement for this or it's how I've works. But it make it like the feelings and sensation will make you feel gay, and idk if this is a mind trick or ahabit of me putting judgment ont but how do deal with that?

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4d

I can't is to much I'm so happy with medication

Anonymous

Date posted: 4d

Hmm what medication are you taking if I may ask?

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4d

Yes, of course, I've been taking sertraline for 10 years, but I don't know what happened, it stopped working. Now I'm taking Effexor, and it's very good too.

Anonymous

Date posted: 3d

Yeah I could never take streamline to sketchy

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 4d

I will highly recommend Sertlaline first

Anonymous

Date posted: 2d

I remember when I first started getting this physical groinal sensation to these unwanted sexual thoughts. I remember thinking that the thoughts must be real and it’s not OCD because now it was more than just thoughts, but a physical sensation in my body that proves the thoughts. I know that these sensations in your body seem very real and try to convince you that you’re gay, but It’s not the real you, because it makes you upset and uncomfortable when the sensations and thoughts come. You have to sit with the feeling when it comes. Acknowledge that it’s just a sensation in your body, and nothing but that.

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