Hi All, this is a lesson in reassurance I spent all night on Reddit checking and asking about my sexuality (DO NOT DO THIS, I KNEW IT WAS A BAD IDEA AND GAVE IN). It’s so funny and I can tell this is all ocd because I got two responses: 1. You sound like a lesbian, go for it! To which I responded all the reasons why I don’t think I am. 2. You’re not gay! To which I felt immense relief and happiness. Guess what though, minutes later I felt like I needed to ask again. I felt like person #1 must be right, even though I got the answer I wanted. Even though people were downvoting me because I was on a lesbian Reddit explaining how I’m attracted to men (not the most kind thing to do in their community/space, I do regret this). Even though I knew I really, desperately have no desire to be. Ocd doesn’t want a concrete answer and you’ll never get one that satisfies you as long as you fall in its traps. I should add I have posted numerous times before and 75% of people tell me I’m likely not a lesbian, but this is still not exact enough that every few months I find myself asking again.

That’s a really good lesson on reassurance :) and I like how you thought it was humorous, it’s always a good idea to approach OCD like that!

Thanks for this reminder to the community. At my worst I engaged in behavior like this a lot (I never commented on subreddits, I just read post after post after post) even still I will get triggered and have an urge to “negate” the anxiety I feel by wanting to search reddit. I’ve actually started to feel better and find more peace the more I resist compulsions. Of course, some compulsions are easier to recognize than others. OCD *thrives* on black and white thinking. So the more we face the anxiety which comes with our fears, i.e we accept life’s uncertantities, the better off we are with coping with this disorder. Thank you for sharing and I hope you give yourself some compassion today.

I’m guilty of this too, you aren’t alone! It’s so hard not to fall into the reassurance trap. But knowing how many of us are going through it definitely helps! Have you started therapy?

I totally understand. I’m about to start therapy with NOCD next month, is that where you’re taking it?

Ah gotcha, I was going to ask how you liked NOCD actually. They matched me and I have my 90 minute introduction session next month. I’m just a bit nervous to start the ERP process.

Me too, I’m always here if you need to talk! We’ve got this ❤️

I know we will, the fact that it causes us this much pain is the OCD. Definitely update me on how things go for you! I’ll let you know how therapy goes next month!