Ooookkkkk so I’m not sure if this is POCD or not but here goes. I’ve briefly mentioned it in a post, but not in much depth. Basically, there a 12 year old character in a film that I literally LOVE. And initially it was because of his personality in the film and all that, but now I’m scared it’s about what he looks like. He’s attractive and I can’t deny that, but I’d hate to think that I only like him because he’s young. And the issue is, I get happy when I think about him or watch edits about him because he’s such a great character. I just don’t want that to be because of his appearance. Dhjssjjsjshdueiwis.

Thank you and I really appreciate you taking the time for all this advice. It’s just so trippy. The excitement I mentioned that I feel when I think of him makes me wonder if I have a CRUSH on him and I hate it. Yes I love his personality and yes he’s good looking but he’s tweeeelllvveeee and I can’t be feeling this way. Currently it’s all just anxiety when I think about him. I’m only 15 so it’s less weird I guess than if I was older, but I don’t want to think that I have a ‘preference’ for younger kids. Ahhhh I hate it!! But please know that I am so so grateful for your help, I just can’t tell my dumb mind to chill out right now and actually do what you’re telling me to do (which is annoying!).

This is a really common theme in OCD. You’re not alone and I’m the same way when I watch tv! The best advice is to say ‘I don’t know’ and then do what makes you happy. I know it’s hard but with practice you’ll get to a place where ocd doesn’t adversely affect your life anymore.

@T. Not weird at all! I took a little break because my depression got kind of bad from some stuff going on in my life, but I’m doing much better and I forgot how supportive everyone here is. I’m so happy my comments help you and thank you for saying that, it made my day!?

Honestly, both of you have really insightful comments, so thank you! I like this app for that reason. It’s always nice to see things from a different perspective and know that you aren’t alone :))

Ahhh it’s bad again!

You’re definitely never alone! It will probably go from bad to okay to good to bad again a few time. What I do is say “okay I don’t care if my anxiety spikes, if it does I’ll deal with it, if doesn’t great! But I know I can do it because I’ve done it before and even if it’s something brand new I’ll learn how to deal with it”. I’m sorry I couldn’t reply earlier and I hope you’re doing okay now. Let the thoughts flow and keep living your best life. The key is consistency and confidence. Learn how to be consistent in your recovery, this should come easier as you keep using your strategies to make OCD weaker. And practice confidence. Don’t be afraid of OCD, be confident in yourself. You’re you and ocd can never take that away.

And thinking about him still makes me happy, despite the anxiety. I wish it didn’t.

When you think about him and it makes you happy, that’s normal! The OCD is probably trying to switch it up on you and convince you that it’s more than what it is.

That’s so true. I just worry because he’s a really admirable person / character and I don’t want to switch my perspective on him! It’s absolutely nothing deeper than the fact that he’s very wholesome in the film. But I’m glad you’ve said that so thank you. I guess I just keep thinking ‘what if it IS more than I think it is’ but I of course hope not.

Oh god but now I’m frantic about it. He’s visibly young in the film and good looking. The actor has grown up now (44 years old) and I was looking at pictures of him but he seems uglier. And so it makes me think I’m only attracted to him because he’s young!

I really hope so. I’d just hate to think that I only like him so much because of his adolescence!! Thank you though.

Eden I worry about this exact same thing too. You are SO not alone. And I hope this isn't weird, but I'm glad to see you commenting 0823, I always found your comments insightful and helpful!

You’re so welcome I’m happy to help. I hope you all the best in your recovery. It’s okay to not be able to get your mind to calm down. I know it might sound like bad advice, but just sit with it. No matter what pops into your head, just let it be there. I know what you mean when you say it’s trippy. I watched a video once that described ocd as a lens that makes us see the world and ourselves differently and the goal is to step out of the lens and stay out of it. When the guy described ocd as a lens, it made so much sense to me! It like clouds our perspective on thoughts and situations.