The idea of me being gay will eventually get boring. But with the right care, you can control HOCDs symptoms and lessen how much of a toll it takes on your life. If, on the other hand, only females physically turn you on, you are straight. Could this be ROCD? Don't fear the thoughts; thoughts are just thatthoughts. I'm glad you clarified the difference between the two. HOCD has affected gay people as well. The best thing to do for this is seek an OCD specialists. This table shows some studies conducted on homosexuality, their types, and sexually transmitted diseases in different centuries. Reviewing your day or week to feel sure that at no time did you feel attracted to someone of your own sex. Who is in your support network to help to work towards your goals? Attend to the intrusive thoughts; accept them and allow them in, then allow them to move on. People with OCD give significance to intrusive thoughts, which can quickly become obsessions. You can have gay relationships if that is what you want. I eventually got over it, but Im still not gay and despise homosexual sex. Please and thank you. My specialist has told me he has gotten all types of guys with this. As hard as that sounds that's the only way out. However, intrusive thoughts that you may be gay enter your thought . Mindfulness practices can be used to tolerate distress. This treatment involves exercises agreeing with the thoughts of being gay, doing homework involving gay subjects and looking at gay images. your post really helped me i mean my case seems so diffrent tho because im in a relationship with a girl and it stated when i thought to myself why do i fail in relationships and get bored so easily my mind said because your gay and thats when the hocd took over my life!!!!!!!!!! Coming out refers to the act of revealing ones homosexuality. Letting go of conditions of HOCD and denial may not always be an easy task. Its a form of homophobia, but its also a mental illness, and you should never be mean to people who are mentally ill. On the other hand, people who conceal their sexual identities are referred to as closeted or as being in the closet. Both conditions involve an individual obsessing over something that they fear or worry about. Here are some tips: There are a lot of similarities between HOCD and denial, which can make it difficult to tell the two apart. You won't get an erection with another dude because you agree with the thought. Adults, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality. HOCD or any other mental health issue cannot be cured entirely, in other words you cant get rid of HOCD permanently. The difference between HOCD and denial or homosexuality must be made. For example, if someone has been interested in partners of the same sex and they obsess about whether or not theyre actually attracted to the opposite sex, it could be SO-OCD or HOCD. I've never had actual OCD(I'm a very messy person, no rituals etc.) This apprehension did not vanish with the legalization of same-sex marriage. But when denial starts to interfere with your life and wellbeing, thats when it becomes a problem. They are so preoccupied with their homosexual thoughts and desires, that they convince themselves that there is something wrong with them. What may be worth considering is how you want to cope with the thoughts. Stay out of your head and stop analysing. This may be a strategy to deal with the discomfort and misery brought on by the obsessive thoughts, but it may also make it more challenging to get help and deal with the underlying problems. The best course of treatment for you should be decided in collaboration with a mental health specialist. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Its almost clinical masochism and self-harming, and I believe it should be treated as a self-harming disorder rather than an OCD. Typical exposures for HOCD fears may involve looking at triggering materials, listening to triggering music, and being around triggering people (all without doing compulsions of course!). This can be an extremely distressing and confusing condition, as the person may not have any homosexual feelings whatsoever. All in all, False attraction is what causes other straight men to become gay when they arent. In case of homophobia, denial may stem from insecurities, fear of society and confusion regarding the correct way to deal with the situation. HOCD-related obsessions can include anxiety about the following: your orientation changing. Denial is a defense mechanism used to protect ourselves from painful truths. Thus, experiments are not needed, you get a feeling on your own. Ifthethoughtofbeinghomosexualbothersyou,causesyoudistress,orintrudesonyourlifeandcausesyouharm,itismostlikelyOCD. Its too soon for a label while youre still figuring things out. Denial is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients to change their thinking patterns and behaviors. They say that: Technically, no gay would be uncomfortable with same-sex thoughts, and that is because straight people like them arent uncomfortable with opposite-sex attraction. Search within r/HOCD. Now I'm wondering if my gagging response to gay porn is genuine or I've trained myself to do it. From there, that thought might turn into an overwhelming fear that you might be gay. Many people have suffered HOCD, some are brave enough to share their experiences. Homosexuality is the term used to describe sexual interest in and attraction to members of ones own sex; male homosexuals referred to as gay while females going by the term lesbians. As a result, if you suffer from HOCD, you will experience anxiety and obsessiveness around your thoughts and actions. There are some notable differences between the two. - How To Figure Out For Sure | HOCD SERIES #2, 4. . I went to a therapist once, didn't help. by helpisneeded Mon Feb 17, 2014 12:15 pm, by ocdcrazy823 Mon Feb 17, 2014 2:02 pm, Return to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Forum, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 50 guests. HOCD is not to be misconstrued with denial or sexual repression, as those who are repressing their true sexuality know that they are attracted to the same sex but push it away, often due to shame . Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Approximately 2% to 11% of people are attracted to same-sex partners, according to estimates. The symptoms of HOCD may also be managed with the aid of medications. Many dudes experience it. It will still be decades before the general public is comfortable with the entire situation, and even longer before homosexuality is treated as just another gender, equal to being straight. Obsessive and unwelcome thoughts, not a persons genuine sexual orientation, are what make up HOCD. is a common obsession in OCD, especially "Pure O". The same is true the other way if someone has only been interested in partners of the opposite sex and they obsess about the same sex. Interruptive thoughts exacerbate the anxiety. In CBT, you will collaborate with a therapist to pinpoint the unhelpful ideas and convictions that fuel your HOCD and challenge them, as well as to create coping mechanisms to deal with the intrusive thoughts and lessen anxiety. this is too early to determine their differences. Maybe, youreoverthinkingit. Simple denial PLEASE READ UNDERNEATH NOW!!! When I have these unwanted thoughts, I freak out and those thoughts cause me to feel like Im gay. Both manifestations are subtypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a common anxiety disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted obsessions including thoughts and ideas, and compulsions such as repetitive behaviors or mental acts. As of right now I don't feel much of a difference since I only started with this therapy a few weeks ago but I have all my trust in this. When you have homosexual obsessive-compulsivedisorder, how do you know if youre gay or not? Answer (1 of 2): Search Results ~ Featured snippet from the web Homosexual Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (HOCD): A Rare """" Homosexual Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (HOCD) is marked by excessive fear of becoming or being homosexual. Unlessyourebisexual,youwontfeel any sexualorromanticattractiontotheoppositesexifyouretrulyhomosexual. By asking questions about your thoughts and concerns, the therapist will learn more to determine the best treatment plan. Coming out refers to the act of revealing ones homosexuality. For more information, please see our By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Spear and a Lance- What is the Difference, Peter Parker vs. PeterB. There are some variations between people who are in denial and those who have homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thanks for sharing your questions and concerns. Is it HOCD or am I denying my homosexuality? But the difference between you and me is that you would be selectively attended to members of the same sex to check how you are doing. This is a heterosexual persons fear that they will become gay. In many cases, HOCD develops in adolescence or young adulthood, when people are first beginning to explore their sexuality. Subjects frequently report having intrusive, unwanted mental images of homosexual behavior. Take intrusive thoughts less personally, and let go of your emotional reaction to them. Theres a concept known as false attraction. Keep in mind that this feels like youre attracted to him. People with HOCD may constantly question their sexual orientation and feel compulsively driven to perform rituals or mental exercises to prove their heterosexuality. However ik still a little confused. 6. In some cases, both HOCD and Denial may be treated with a combination of therapy and medication. Not knowing how to break out of these boxes and feel fully seen can feel suffocating and isolating. Am I avoiding the issue? HOCD is a form of OCD. Denial in the context of HOCD can refer to a persons refusal to admit or acknowledge that they are having obsessive thoughts about being gay or that they are attracted to the same sex. Just because you may have certain thoughts, that does not necessarily mean that you would act out those thoughts. Men who have . and for some, this fear can become compulsive. Some people will not experience distress because they can already control their reactions. My experience as a crisis clinician allowed me to treat adolescents and children, while spending additional time updating and educating their parents. From your paragraph, I understand that you identify as a female with a desire to have a boyfriend. Social acceptance is also very important. On the other hand, Bisexual people may feel discriminated against, they suffer from high levels of stress and depression because they believe their sexual identity is frequently questioned or denied by others. So its important to know the difference between HOCD and denial. 1. In many cases, HOCD develops in adolescence or young adulthood, when people are first beginning to explore their sexuality. You know, basically hocd has nothing to do with sexual orientation. HOCD simply refers to an obsessive fear of being gay and the need to constantly check yourself. My HOCD would try and tell me id want to do something sexual with him but I know I'd never do it because I don't want to . I'm very confused at the moment. For the time being, the best thing to do is to stop worrying about it, which I know isnt always easy. Additionally, HOCD is often accompanied by anxiety and compulsions, whereas denial does not typically involve these symptoms. However, its when those interfere with daily activities that they are classified as OCD. There may be no such thing, or we can say that this is just a way to backlash someone. Is HOCD Just Denial?? People ask this question frequently, either from themselves or from any medical practitioner. when you question it. And, no, you are not experiencing an identity crisis. We need to assess on our own whats what. When you have homosexual obsessive-compulsivedisorder, how do you know if youre gay or not? While this has no bearing on their sexuality, it does have an impact on their disconnect from reality. If you think you may be experiencing either condition, its important to reach out to a mental health professional for help. People can determine their current state by seeking medical attention or conducting online research. Pedophilia obsessive-compulsive disorder (POCD) is a subtype of OCD with intrusive thoughts or obsessions based on fears that you might be or become a pedophile. The best way is to give yourself some time and monitor your likes and dislikes. For a quick web story summary, click here. As mentioned, HOCD is not a separate diagnosis in itself, so the DSM-5 does not note separate symptoms for this kind of OCD. Hi everyone. Many straight men are afraid of being gay. Social acceptance is also very important. However, there are some key differences between the two conditions. Any answer isn't good enough. Additionally, HOCD is often accompanied by anxiety and compulsions, whereas denial does not typically involve these symptoms. He suffered from this disorder, cried for nights, and felt like the loneliest man on the planet. Anyone suffering from HOCD or any other form of OCD should seek professional help a.s.a.p. For someone with HOCD, this may be a fear that they are gay or lesbian, even if they have no prior experience or attraction to the same sex. Amongst gays and lesbians, bisexuals have the highest rate of considering and/or attempting suicide. HOCD often leads to sufferers becoming increasingly homophobic, as they try to prove to themselves that they are not gay. I'm freaked out by that. I've held a private practice for over 15 years, treating cases of anxiety and depression and seeing OCD come up as an underlying symptom. The individual may first experience sexual orientation fears when noticing that a member of the same sex is attractive. Only ten minutes after I had started reading the most recent posts, however, I realized that something was wrong: The folks with gay fears were clearly not gay. You can have gay relationships if that is what you want. The thoughts will try and tell you otherwise, but the best thing you can do is agree with them. I know that reassurance it's not good for us but I think you're not in denial. Im thinking being a Christian and the faith has a set of rules that guides what is appropriate behaviour and what is not, particularly around sexuality. I'm glad you clarified the difference between the . Do you think I am in denial? Anxiety is what drives HOCD, whereas denial is what drives it. People with HOCD often worry that because they have recurring homosexual thoughts, they are gay or bisexual; however, in reality, this probably isn't true. Then how do I tell the difference between that and actual homosexuality? Youre simply being overly anxious as a result of your OCD. 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