Can SO-OCD make you feel that you're so trapped, to the point that you think you're just in denial at this point because you don't feel that much anxiety? That's what I feel right now, and I just wanna cry because everything makes me so skeptical about my sexuality. It feels like I have this special ear that makes me hear any key words related to homosexuality. Everyone I see, I automatically think they're somewhat a closeted gay. What's happening to me? I don't feel like myself...

Yeah, I think so (?). I do things like repeatedly saying "I'm bisexual/lesbian". Also, I let my thoughts flow without reassuring myself, but the refraining from reassurance part is the hardest thing to do because it usually comes out of me naturally. Sometimes I watch things related to homosexuality, but that's really rare because it still triggers my thoughts. How about you? What exposures do you do? I kinda need some suggestions..

@h3lpm3rcip I feel like a fraud sometimes because I never did ERP but wish I would’ve known about it when I really needed it. What ultimately helped me get through it was choosing to be anti-labels because there are some stereotypes associated with certain labels and those stereotypes really triggered me and caused me to check constantly. For example, I heard that bisexuals all like lemon bars and that freaked me out because so do I. It’s just completely irrelevant so I had to remind myself that I don’t have to associate with any label because they are completely made up anyway! I would also tell myself things like maybe I like girls maybe I don’t and reminded myself CONSTANTLY that it’s ok that Idk right now. You don’t have to come to a conclusion. The conclusion can be that you just don’t know and THERES NO WAY for you to know. With that said, please never pressure yourself to try anything new with anyone. You don’t have to do that. Give yourself some time and be patient.

@Cassandragoth I think I learned to get comfortable with not having answers, which OCD tries really hard to find. When I realize I’m starting to ruminate and check, I remind myself that labels aren’t real, I either like girls or I don’t or like boys or I don’t and it has taken me a long time to try dating again because that in itself is a trigger but I’m taking my time and being patient with myself.

@Cassandragoth Yeah! I think its really weird why there are stereotypes about sexuality. I had this conversation with my uncle and cousin and I felt very triggered that she said my style is in between girly and tomboy, I immediately thought that might be a sign that I am bi and I'm just repressing myself all along. Idk these weird things that totally makes no sense and has no relation whatsoever about my sexuality bothers me. TW : Probably my main trigger would be seeing the girls first before the guys in videos and pictures. I seriously thought that if I saw them first, that would mean I'm a lesbian or that I'm attracted to girls. It doesn't even make sense now, but it was the thing that really got me in deep with my HOCD. Things like this sound stupid, but in your head it makes you doubt who you are all along. It's really weird lmao.

@h3lpm3rcip I deleted my comment because it could be triggering for some people.

@h3lpm3rcip Yeah I think I’ve had all of the triggers of HOCD. I did exactly the same thing. Just remember that labels don’t matter and just because a stereotype is true for one person, there are tons of other people who it doesn’t apply to ♥️

@Cassandragoth Good luck on your recovery <3 You can do this!