My hocd has just been horrible today. I’m so anxious, but super confused because like I’m having hocd problems but an hour ago I cried over my ex-boyfriend again. I just want to say, in my heart and gut I know I’m straight I just want the confusion of ocd to go away.

I know. To live all your life just a normal human and suddenly have a voice in your head that tells you you're lesbian is pretty terrifying. Have you tried the ERP exercises they have here? And I get panic attacks, same as you, so you're not alone!

Try at least! I haven't because my type of ocd isn't here so I always try to forget about it, basically the coward's way out. And it works for most of the time. Listening to people won't help here if all the professionals say you should try ERP.

Ok, so you're doing some progress! If you can also distract your mind whenever intrusive thoughts flare up. Watch a movie, play some video games, watch a funny YouTube video. They can all help. There is this video called "beeg yoshi" on YouTube, it always makes me laugh.

Hmm, what about books? A fantasy novel can help, a world where your problems don't exist. A thriller can also so the trick.

I understand. Does this happen to you when you watch animation movies as well? Also do you have any book recommendations? I would really appreciate it!

Thanks! I'll be sure to check it out. What about things like cartoonish video games, like mario? There is a great game that I love a lot called a hat in time. Its amazing, its dlcs are wonderful and it, to quote the developer, is "cute-as-heck". You can be certain that it'll put a smile on your face.

They can certainly help! OCD can be really hard sometimes. Feel better now?

@HopefullyOptimistic I just checked out Unwind, and boy is it deep. Spawned some existential questions inside of me that I'll probably be thinking about for the next 4 hours.

@HopefullyOptimistic Looks pretty scary too. You finished them all?

@HopefullyOptimistic Yes I read them all, and yes I am feeling somewhat better!

@Madeline Glad to hear it! Looks like talking can somehow relieve the stress of ocd.About the novel, it's just that I have a bad relationship with horror. My top horror achievement is probably watching Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Even then the dementors scared the living shit out of me. But I'll try and overcome it for unwind. I actually thought it was a novel about "unwinding and relaxation".

No, not at all! I appreciate everyone's tastes. Im a big fan of historical novels, which can be attributed to the fact that I play an unhealthy amount of Assassin's Creed.

@HopefullyOptimistic Also I don't know if that's sci fi, but I love Jules Verne. Around the world in eighty days is probably my favorite book.

Wait a minute, Hunger Games is a book!?

@HopefullyOptimistic I feel so stupid right now, but I honestly did not know that.

It should be, I've seen all the movies and if they end up as good as they are, its sealed.

Sounds fun. Boy, I've got a lot of books to read now. But you don't get HOCD attacks while reading them, right?

Ohhhh. Hey, I got an idea here, the only way you can decisively defeat (or distract yourself from) HOCD is by being in a relationship! (Real one mind you).

I'm so sorry. I've never been in one so I don't know what it feels like, but I'm sure he didn't deserve you.

Have you tried talking to your family about it? I know its hard but if they care about you being bi or lesbian or that part won't matter.

@HopefullyOptimistic Also, where are you from? I'm from Egypt. You probably know that already cause I'm all over the place.

@HopefullyOptimistic I don't mean to brag or anything!

That's great! What's the time where you at?

Great! Hope it brightens your day. I dunno it feels unfair that I know your name and you don't know mine, so I'll go ahead and introduce myself: My name' s Omar, I'm 17 and I'm from Alexandria, Egypt, and I'll try my best to make your day better!

You're welcome! Don't hesitate to text me (or anybody here!) if you ever feel down!

A lot of my attacks are focused on being bi now and I’ve always told myself that even if I am bi, I will never date or do anything with any girls and just sit with the anxiety

@Madeline Well, the logic here is basically just accepting uncertainty. When it comes to you think " I know I'm at least bi, so does it even matter that that I like women too or not?". You get the idea. Stop caring!

Huh. Its 7 PM here. So I'll assume that you've slept for a bit?

That's reassuraing. Explains the 5 hour gap between the messages. Are you planning to go anywhere today?