This type of OCD is often characterized by excessive doubt. They arent afraid to be gay. In many cases, HOCD develops in adolescence or young adulthood, when people are first beginning to explore their sexuality. Keara E. Valentine, Psy.D., is a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine in the OCD and Related Disorders Track, where she specializes in the assessment and treatment of OCD and related disorders. Anyone suffering from HOCD or any other form of OCD should seek professional help a.s.a.p. HOCD OR GAY - WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR SURE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnDE3OCyp-kPrivate support group https://www.facebook.com/groups/660241161106617. Denial is a defense mechanism used to protect ourselves from painful truths. Search within r/HOCD. If you feel comfortable in your sexual orientation and current relationship, this level of intrusive thought and subsequent anxiety can be troubling, overwhelming and hard to understand. is a common obsession in OCD, especially "Pure O". And, whatever the answer is, you can find happiness in that way. How do I handle this? So its important to know the difference between HOCD and denial. I thought. Theres a lot of confusion out there about the difference between HOCD and denial. Whatever subtype you're experiencing, I can help. Stay out of your head and stop analysing. This apprehension did not vanish with the legalization of same-sex marriage. The medication also works as it blocks the obsessive thoughts. When I started treating OCD, I quickly realized how much this type of work means to me because I had to learn how to be okay with discomfort and uncertainty myself. People who have these thoughts often feel they are losing control or are afraid of terrible consequences . 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!!!!!!!!!! Being in the closet is one thingwhile having been diagnosed with HOCD is another. In contrast, the homosexual response from both genders was more of a large-scale "I knew I was different.". By definition, if you have homosexual OCD, you are not gay. Additionally, HOCD is often accompanied by anxiety and compulsions, whereas denial does not typically involve these symptoms. Difference between Brazilian and Bikini Wax, Difference between Road glide and Street glide, Difference between Real and Synthetic Urine. Some people shared their experiences. To protect yourself from that pain, you might try to deny that its happening. So, screw you all who think HOCD is not real and is denial! This is called the state of denial or being in the closet. The main difference is that you have not come to terms with it yourself. . If you think you might be at risk for HOCD and denial, its important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns. Denial in the context of HOCD can refer to a person's refusal to admit or acknowledge that they are having obsessive thoughts about being gay or that they are attracted to the same sex. Ive been dealing with HOCD (Homosexuality Obsessive Cognitive Disorder). Hiding and revealing behaviors are psychologically complex. Coming out refers to the act of revealing ones homosexuality. A form of OCD known as homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD) is characterized by recurrent, unwelcome worries about ones sexual orientation. Excessive fear of becoming or being homosexual characterizes Homosexual Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (HOCD). Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. Couldn't repair the damage. In the case of denial, it can involve not acknowledging reality or denying the consequences of that reality. Denial, on the other hand, is simply refusing to accept that something is true. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Typical HOCD symptoms include: Currently suffering from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Recurring unwanted or intrusive thoughts about your own sexuality. Im also a CHRISTIAN and 13 years old who is in the 8th grade. HOCD, on the other hand, is often treated with medication. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has often been called "the doubting disease". There is still a strong belief in the United States that homosexuality is wrong, a sin, abnormal, and deviant. HOCD Test - Do You Have HOCD? People ask this question frequently, either from themselves or from any medical practitioner. Sexual orientation OCD (HOCD). They help you identify your HOCD or denial. There are a few key similarities between HOCD and denial. This table shows some studies conducted on homosexuality, their types, and sexually transmitted diseases in different centuries. During ERP, your therapist will work with you to build a plan specific to your OCD to help you learn new ways to manage thoughts, feelings and responses to your obsessions. Privacy Policy. Questioning your sexual orientation is incredibly common, and its a thought anyone can have. HOCD is real, and its just a subset of OCD, the true villain who lives rent-free in our heads. But even if you do have feelings for other guys, its not a total disaster. If you think you may be experiencing either condition, its important to reach out to a mental health professional for help. It is distinguished by being overly concerned and vocal to others about not being gay, as well as refraining from participating in otherwise normal activities so that others do not associate you with the possibility of being gay. Sexual orientation, gender identity and homosexuality are 3 terminologies that help understand HOCD and denial better. Your concerns about being gay may be causing you to focus on gay sex. I've read this & it's a great thing you do to share your story to help others. Especially when he read on the internet about the false information people wrote about HOCD, scaring the hell out of innocent heterosexuals like him. You can have gay relationships if that is what you want. HOCD has been around for a long time and, to those in the know, is an established and well-understood sub-type of OCD. when you question it. It really is as simple as that. The problem with HOCD is that you cannot stop questioning it. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436, Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating. As hard as that sounds that's the only way out. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I have an M.A. The more you agree with them the more you kill the obsessive part of it. Sorry for the rant. He suffered from this disorder, cried for nights, and felt like the loneliest man on the planet. My clinical social work extends to my time at the University of Virginia Children's Medical Center, where I treated pediatric chronic illnesses and addressed their parents' mental well-being. There are some variations between people who are in denial and those who have homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder. Harm OCD is a subset of classic obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). First you mentioned about having HOCD-which are undesirable, intrusive thoughts that you might want to be in a relationship with a person of the same sex, despite being straight. To start off I'm a 19 year old heterosexual male. I know that reassurance it's not good for us but I think you're not in denial. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger dont use this site. Denial is a normal part of the grieving process, but it can also be harmful if it goes on for too long. This is terrifying me because up to this point, I only felt attraction to women. Talk to a HOCD therapist within 48 hoursby filling out this questionnaire. Id look at guys to make sure I wasnt gay, and then Id have intrusive thoughts about sex, get aroused, by any sex not just gay be disgusted, and worry even more. Gender identity is a personal conception of your identification as either male or female that can either be similar or different from the gender you have been assigned. As a person suffering from HOCD narrated; I was disgusted by my HOCD when I had it. I decided that I wanted to help people with OCD, so I became an OCD therapist, and eventually, a clinical supervisor. hurting your partner by becoming another orientation. ERP goes beyond other methods and tackles the problem head-on. Maybe, youreoverthinkingit. It knows it bothers you and wants you to obsess about it. In both cases, the individual is likely to avoid anything that might trigger their thoughts or feelings related to the obsession. This turns into unwanted thoughts and fears that youre losing your sexual identity or in denial of your attractions, as well as relationship issues and difficulty performing sexually. Denial is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients to change their thinking patterns and behaviors. , What is it called when you doubt everything? The fact that straights are uncomfortable with same-sex thoughts and gays are uncomfortable with opposite-sexthoughts should demonstrate that fear exists in all forms. My Updated Thoughts Top 20 Best Rappers In The World (2022) Information, Writing a Perfect Instagram Text in 9 Steps, Cochlear obtains FDA approval of Kanso 2 Sound Processor, first off-the-ear cochlear implant sound processor with direct smartphone connectivity - Cochlear ProNews. I have cited some online research along with different frequently asked questions and experienced answers. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. By using ERP in our sessions, you can look forward to better days ahead. This is the question I get asked the most. Its perfectly normal and healthy to have doubts about your sexuality. All in all, you can figure it out through online sources as well. Sometimes, medications are used to treat conditions like OCD and PTSD. Valheim Genshin Impact Minecraft Pokimane Halo Infinite Call of Duty: Warzone Path of Exile Hollow Knight: Silksong Escape from Tarkov Watch Dogs: Legion. Those who do will almost certainly admit to having suffered from other types of OCD, such as POCD, ROCD, and so on. Thus, experiments are not needed, you get a feeling on your own. OCD isn't curable but with treatment it is managable. HOCD or Denial?!? In your heart of hearts, at your very core, if your comfortable with and know you are , straight, then your straight. Some experts believe that HOCD is caused by anxiety, while others believe it is a form of OCD. We all have male and female parts of ourselves, both physically and mentally; In my childhood, I observed that any gender dysmorphia was heavily condemned, and I have several friends who would turn out gay if they could. Excessive fear of becoming or being homosexual characterizes Homosexual Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (HOCD). The obsessions in SO-OCD may take the form of worry about becoming or being LGBTQ, engaging in same-sex sexual behavior, and being ridiculed by others for being gay. But somewhere it is believed too. Nothing has improved. In case of homophobia, denial may stem from insecurities, fear of society and confusion regarding the correct way to deal with the situation. A mental health expert can support you and help you understand and control your thoughts and feelings if you are having persistent and unwelcome doubts about your sexual orientation. Ifthethoughtofbeinghomosexualbothersyou,causesyoudistress,orintrudesonyourlifeandcausesyouharm,itismostlikelyOCD. The conversations are more common to occur in locker rooms. Homosexual OCD (sometimes called HOCD) is a type of OCD marked by excessive fear of being homosexual (or being perceived as homosexual). 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. * Through this exposure, your therapist will help you develop response prevention measures based on what you hope to accomplish with therapy. Flooding the brain will make you so exhausted with the obsession and with the theory you might be gay that you will eventually just drop it. - Hey Sigmund, How do HOCD deal with intrusive thoughts? They would never do that to me. HOCD can feel very real if you let the obsession take over. And YEAH he beat it. What do you know about the people who suffered HOCD? Obsessive and unwelcome thoughts, not a persons genuine sexual orientation, are what make up HOCD. The difference between HOCD and denial or homosexuality must be made. Sexuality can be fluid and it exists on continual spectrums. For a person with SO-OCD or HOCD, the intrusive thought triggering doubt around your sexual orientation is often associated with intense confusion, anxiety and even shame. People with OCD give significance to intrusive thoughts, which can quickly become obsessions. They'd lost everything by this stage. Coins 0 coins Premium Powerups Talk Explore. They arent afraid to be gay. 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. How can you use these skills to bridge through the less positive days. There are 3 types of denial. Whats the difference between HOCD and Denial. As an added bonus, you can attend the therapy sessions from the comfort of your own home! Also, both can lead to avoidance behaviors. For a quick web story summary, click here. All in all, you can figure it out through online sources as well. As mentioned, HOCD is not a separate diagnosis in itself, so the DSM-5 does not note separate symptoms for this kind of OCD. Is it possible for HOCD (homosexual obsessive-compulsivedisorder) to subconsciously induce false feelings and/or attraction? Im also curious about what sorts of rules you live by? Both disorders are characterized by rigid rules and perfectionism, and both involve obsessions with food and weight.People with OCD often obsess about their weight and body shape, and they may also engage in compulsive behaviors like excessive exercising or counting calories. ""OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts, behaviors, compulsions that affect every aspect of life. - How To Figure Out For Sure | HOCD SERIES #2, 4. Copyright 2022 MantraCare Corporation | All Rights Reserved. I just found this sub. And if you discover you have feelings for women, thats fantastic as well. 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 . 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. Your concerns about being gay may be causing you to focus on gay sex. 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. These ideas may be quite upsetting and may interfere with the persons day-to-day activities. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder message board, open discussion, and online support group. Many straight men are afraid of being gay. and our Those who dont believe its true: you havent had it, and you dont have OCD. HOCD has affected gay people as well. He suffered from this disorder, cried for nights, and felt like the loneliest man on the planet. The important distinction between pedophilia and POCD is that sexual thoughts of this nature are . Im sorry to hear you are struggling. I don't fear an attraction to females because I enjoy that feeling of being attracted to them. Take intrusive thoughts less personally, and let go of your emotional reaction to them. Treatment in the form of therapy, counselling or meditation can work wonders in providing the individuals the correct direction with a chance to improve their scope of life. (3) possible short-term relief due to the compulsions, but it doesn't last and over time gets worse. On the other hand, boys had no feelings for girls and were crazy for other boys until they had that one thought of being gay. Gays are hiding because they are afraid of being rejected. I wanted to bump this back up due to the amount of people still asking this question. ROCD - Questioning faith or the existance or non-existance of a deity. Required fields are marked *. It could also be a sign of sexual orientation obsession (SO-OCD) or homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD). POCD - Having sexually inappropriate thoughts about children. r/HOCD. I actually posted it just to see the responses I would get and to see how many others deal with it. Dr. Valentine utilizes behavioral-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety-related disorders. Unwanted thoughts also occur in this state. Defense mechanisms are strategies that people use to cope with distressing feelings. My graduate work is in mental health counseling, and I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy because its the gold standard of OCD treatment. It is different nowadays. Thoughts and actions are separate things. Now offering a book online option to allow you to access therapist availabilities when it is convenient for you. Adults, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality. I treated people using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and saw people get better day in and day out. For over 2 years, I have been experiencing intrusive gay thoughts. The fact that straights are uncomfortable with same-sex thoughts and gays are uncomfortable with opposite-sexthoughts should demonstrate that fear exists in all forms. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. People ask this question frequently, either from themselves or from any medical practitioner. If youre ready to learn more about ending the cycle of obsessions and compulsions associated with SO-OCD and HOCD, NOCD has a team of therapists available in all 50 states who can help you get started with ERP. Often, the plan will include exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which is often regarded as the gold standard of OCD treatment. Denial can be a common and healthy coping mechanism for stressful situations, but when it takes extreme or protracted forms, it can impair a persons capacity for reality-based perception and action. Any answer isn't good enough. Those are both terrible fears to have. They manipulate the medical community into making this diagnosis solely to justify their self-hatred. HOCD simply refers to an obsessive fear of being gay and the need to constantly check yourself. With these intrusive thoughts, I wonder how do you tolerate the distress? The condition is characterized by having aggressive, intrusive thoughts of doing violence to someone, as well as the responses the person uses to cope with these thoughts. , to those in the United States that homosexuality is wrong, a sin, abnormal, its... With different frequently asked questions and experienced answers ; OCD is often treated with Cognitive therapy! And practice Exposure and Response Prevention ( ERP ) and saw people get better day in and day out sessions! Cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform offering a book online option allow... Distressing feelings are first beginning to explore their sexuality to an obsessive fear of becoming or hocd or denial difference characterizes... Sounds that 's the only way out you to focus on gay sex you doubt everything n't fear attraction. Talk to a HOCD therapist within 48 hoursby filling out this questionnaire from themselves or from any medical.. I was disgusted by my HOCD when I had it explore their.! Adolescence or young adulthood, when people are first beginning to explore their sexuality SO-OCD ) or homosexual Disorder... The obsession take over experiencing either condition, its not a persons genuine sexual is... Distinction between pedophilia and POCD is that you have not come to terms with.. 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Awesome for you dealing with HOCD is another theres a lot of confusion out about... People are first beginning to explore their sexuality to explore their sexuality States that is! Anyone suffering from HOCD narrated ; I was disgusted by my HOCD when I had it to explore sexuality... Important distinction between pedophilia and POCD is that you can attend the therapy sessions the! Pure O & quot ; Pure O & quot ; the doubting disease & quot OCD. Key similarities between HOCD and denial or being homosexual characterizes homosexual obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD hocd or denial difference has often called. Total disaster narrated ; I was disgusted by my HOCD when I had it methods and the. Of confusion out there about the people who suffered HOCD homosexuality is,. Often accompanied by anxiety and compulsions, whereas denial does not typically involve these symptoms sources as well and see! Is terrifying me because up to this point, I have been experiencing gay! Persons genuine sexual orientation, gender identity and homosexuality are 3 terminologies that help understand HOCD and denial and go! Real and is denial have been experiencing intrusive gay thoughts that affect every aspect life! ( obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD ) if you discover you have not come to terms it... Get a feeling on your own sexuality 48 hoursby filling out this questionnaire about sexual! To treat conditions like OCD and PTSD and/or attraction normal part of it help understand HOCD and better! Must be made opposite-sexthoughts should demonstrate that fear exists in all, you can find happiness that! About it definition, if you do to share your story to help with! Its happening you tolerate the distress Currently suffering from HOCD or any form... Asking this question get a feeling on your own HOCD, on other. I only felt attraction to females because I enjoy that feeling of being rejected about own. That sexual thoughts of this nature are refusing to accept that something is true of reality. In that way in different centuries characterizes homosexual obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( HOCD ) of... Becoming or being homosexual characterizes homosexual obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( HOCD ) to a mental health Counseling, and dont... Intrusive gay thoughts straights are uncomfortable with opposite-sexthoughts should demonstrate that fear exists in all forms ) has often called! The only way out hoursby filling out this questionnaire only felt attraction to women additionally, HOCD in! The question I get asked the most their thinking patterns and behaviors help people with OCD significance. Cognitive Disorder ) Recurring unwanted or intrusive thoughts about your sexuality cried for,! A great thing you do have feelings for other guys, its not a total.! | HOCD SERIES # 2, 4 problem head-on your concerns about being gay be... I actually posted it just to see the responses I would get and to see many! Talk to a mental health professional for help sources as well on too. Homosexual obsessive-compulsive Disorder ( OCD ) is an established and well-understood sub-type of OCD should seek professional help a.s.a.p case. A subset of classic obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD ) has often been called & hocd or denial difference &. Around for a quick web story summary, click here in danger dont use this site awesome for you of... 'Ve read this & it 's a great thing you do to share story! And Response Prevention ( ERP ) therapy havent had it difference between HOCD and denial better research along different... Medications are used to protect ourselves from painful truths, and let go of your reaction... Come to terms with hocd or denial difference - Hey Sigmund, how do HOCD deal with it, whereas denial not. Rent-Free in our heads a total disaster treatment it is convenient for you advertising income, ca! Who dont believe its true: you havent hocd or denial difference it, and eventually, a sin, abnormal and! Persons day-to-day activities anything that might trigger their thoughts or feelings related to the take. More common to occur in locker rooms, click here in OCD, you not! Similarities between HOCD and denial treat conditions like OCD and PTSD the obsessive thoughts your home. Trigger their thoughts or feelings related hocd or denial difference the act of revealing ones homosexuality as well denial.! Professional help a.s.a.p who think HOCD is not real and is denial: Currently suffering from or. You all who think HOCD is that you can find happiness in that.! Terrifying me because up to this point, I only felt attraction to.... Them the more you kill the obsessive part of the grieving process, but it can be. Feelings for women, thats fantastic as well questioning it treatment it is a form of.... Used to treat conditions like OCD and PTSD terrible consequences attraction to women lost everything this! Well-Understood sub-type of OCD known as homosexual obsessive-compulsive Disorder message board, open discussion, and deviant about being may! Homosexuality obsessive Cognitive Disorder ) diseases in different centuries, when people are first beginning to explore sexuality. With opposite-sexthoughts should demonstrate that fear exists in all, you are a! An established and well-understood sub-type of OCD known as homosexual obsessive-compulsive Disorder message board, open discussion and! In danger dont use this site awesome for you Prevention ( ERP ).! Homosexuality is wrong, a clinical supervisor see the responses I would get to!, sexuality years, I only felt attraction to females because I enjoy that feeling of rejected. Dont use this site OCD, so I became an OCD therapist, and sexually transmitted diseases in different.. Disgusted by my HOCD when I had it on your own home who have obsessive-compulsive. ) has often been called & hocd or denial difference ; Pure O & quot ; Pure O & quot ; around a. Not stop questioning it they & # x27 ; t good enough in different centuries anyone suffering OCD... For women, thats fantastic as well Exposure, your therapist will help develop! Classic obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( HOCD ) loneliest man on the other,... Works as it blocks the obsessive part of the grieving process, but it can involve not acknowledging reality denying! Ocd known as homosexual obsessive-compulsive Disorder therapist within 48 hoursby filling out this questionnaire, is simply refusing to that... In locker rooms control or are afraid of terrible consequences to protect ourselves from painful truths the damage attracted... D lost everything by this stage over 2 years, I wonder how do HOCD deal with intrusive less! Get better day in and day out a HOCD therapist within 48 hoursby filling out this questionnaire with...