******Trigger Warning HOCD ******** I have been struggling with sexual orientation OCD for almost 2 years in November. I have let it consume my life in every aspect and I feel such a loss of identity. I am in a heterosexual relationship with a partner I love so much but these intrusive thoughts are so difficult to comprehend. I think I have always had HOCD internalized fear, but nothing like it has been for the past 2 years almost. I have tried medication, therapy (not OCD therapist-I start that next week) and I am constantly seeking resurance. What I'm asking is, what is the next step? Will this ever end? How can I escape this dark reality?

Sexual orientation ocd was soooo bad for me when I was 15, it’s what made me go to therapy again and start medication for the first time. It’s barely an issue for me anymore tbh. It popped up recently as a minor obsession because of stronger triggers but it’s been so long and it was easy to not care. I think your next step of working with an ocd specialist is AMAZING. I really hope it’s a good experience. You’ll be using ERP and to prepare I would just advise you I educate yourself as much as you can about the way the mind works with ocd, and get yourself ready and determined to go through the pain of exposures so that you’ll feel better in the end. The lease you feel later really is worth it. All the best ❤️