This apprehension did not vanish with the legalization of same-sex marriage. I want comments that encourage me to fight this and never give up. HOCD is characterized by. When it comes to treating HOCD and Denial, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. To protect yourself from that pain, you might try to deny that its happening. It is not recognized in the DSM, nor by any reputable association of psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers, or counselors. Maybe, youreoverthinkingit. ROCD - Questioning faith or the existance or non-existance of a deity. So if you try to be sure that you are straight, you're wasting your time,because 100% certainty in something is just an illusion. Hope this article was of help to you! But somewhere it is believed too. To start off I'm a 19 year old heterosexual male. 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. User account menu. They arent afraid to be gay. Ive been dealing with HOCD (Homosexuality Obsessive Cognitive Disorder). !HOCD - MAGICAL THINKING and THOUGHT-ACTION FUSION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PC86VDvH9gPRIVATE SUPPORT GROUP https://www.. 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. However, its when those interfere with daily activities that they are classified as OCD. Our brains can be vexing in this way. Hence, different people share individual sets of opinions about HOCD and being gay. Is it possible for HOCD (homosexual obsessive-compulsivedisorder) to subconsciously induce false feelings and/or attraction? Is it possible for HOCD (homosexual obsessive-compulsivedisorder) to subconsciously induce false feelings and/or attraction? These obsessions foster doubts; doubts about whether their thoughts are significant; doubts about who they really are. It took another five minutes for me to figure out what HOCD was and why so many people had gay obsessions. Due to seeing many people asking this same question again on the forum. OCD also known as the doubting disorder can make you question things that you were sure of just 5 minutes ago. I've been struggling with this issue for about a few months now. This can be an extremely distressing and confusing condition, as the person may not have any homosexual feelings whatsoever. Sometimes because a woman doesnt seem to turn on by women and men dont seem to turn on by men. Do the same with girls. Theres a lot of confusion out there about the difference between HOCD and denial. Just stay connected till the end. In the case of denial, it can involve not acknowledging reality or denying the consequences of that reality. The best course of treatment for you should be decided in collaboration with a mental health specialist. HOCD OR DENIAL??? Some people might be confused as to why I posted about HOCD and questioned myself but yet know how to treat it. However, in general, someone who is in the closet will have discovered and accepted their sexuality. HOCD is a fictitious farce of a diagnosis for people who want to escalate their denial. In CBT, you'll work with a therapist to learn ways of thinking that can help you become less sensitive to the intrusive thoughts. So please, for your own good, don't do like I did. Unwanted thoughts also occur in this state. By definition, if you have homosexual OCD, you are not gay. Don't let them become more than that. That associated with the fear of being rejected by society, having watched a homosexual individual get bullied or teased or having failed relationships/ bad experiences with people of the opposite sex can act as triggers to the condition. The individual may first experience sexual orientation fears when noticing that a member of the same sex is attractive. 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!!!!!!!!!! You know, basically hocd has nothing to do with sexual orientation. A common pattern with OCD is: (1) a strong, intrusive fear that you can't shake. All in all, you can figure it out through online sources as well. People who have experienced HOCD, truly believe it. 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. ""OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts, behaviors, compulsions that affect every aspect of life. CBT is a form of therapy that enables you to recognize and alter harmful thought and behavior patterns. I went to a therapist once, didn't help. Most of us have heard the term in denial used before, but what does it mean? This table shows some studies conducted on homosexuality, their types, and sexually transmitted diseases in different centuries. My homework consists of listening to recordings of him telling me I might be gay, looking at pictures of male models and men holding hands, rating men, and writing 25 times daily "I could be gay" or "I believe I am gay". These include having a family history of OCD or anxiety, being under a lot of stress, or have experienced trauma or abuse. Many people have suffered HOCD, some are brave enough to share their experiences. 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. I'm glad you clarified the difference between the two. One such experience is shared by a boy. Most people have some level of intrusive thoughts, obsessions and even compulsions in their lives. 34D, 34B and 34C cup- Whats the difference? HOCD, on the other hand, is obsessional thinking about whether or not you are gay, even when you are 100% sure that you are not. 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. ERP goes beyond other methods and tackles the problem head-on. When this occurs, the person with OCD often sees this as further evidence that they have been in denial all along. 2023 Karstenkoehn. such as with HOCD ya know ya not gay or bi and with proof. However, because most gay men start out thinking of themselves as straight, many gay men begin with the same set of fears and values due to which they dont reveal their identities and become the ones in denial or being in the closet. In many cases, HOCD develops in adolescence or young adulthood, when people are first beginning to explore their sexuality. OCD makes the individual feel that they can't trust their own mind. Nothing has improved. Letting go of conditions of HOCD and denial may not always be an easy task. Thank you so much for your reply. Often, the plan will include exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, which is often regarded as the gold standard of OCD treatment. How do you tolerate distress/anxiety? It was really sweet of you to even read my post. Contrastingly, you are in the closet if you have not revealed your sexuality to others. - Hey Sigmund, How do HOCD deal with intrusive thoughts? ME or OCD - How can I tell the difference? Adults, Families, Couples, LGBTQ community, Sexuality. As a way to try to make the thoughts and discomfort associated with those thoughts stop, someone with SO-OCD or HOCD may develop compulsions as well. Im also a CHRISTIAN and 13 years old who is in the 8th grade. I have personally struggled with OCD and know what it's like to feel controlled by intrusive thoughts and compulsions, and to also overcome it using the proper therapy. This question is required. Do you have unwanted thoughts about your sexuality? I think about this literally all the time, and it's very negatively impacting every area of my life. It really is as simple as that. I treated people using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and saw people get better day in and day out. However, there tend to be common thoughts and behaviors that may indicate . For those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders like HOCD, it can be especially beneficial. Tip #32 The answer is not in your brain but in your ACTIONS. Colon Broom Vs Metamucil: Which is the Best Choice for Constipation Relief? They help you identify your HOCD or denial. You enjoy the physical qualities of a man. 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. Is HOCD Just Denial?? Social acceptance is also very important. Parker: Their Differences, What Is The Difference Between M.A. Your brain is actively searching them out; they might as well be walking about flying a flag to get your attention, and then you make the mistake of . Ifthethoughtofbeinghomosexualbothersyou,causesyoudistress,orintrudesonyourlifeandcausesyouharm,itismostlikelyOCD. HOCD is real, and its just a subset of OCD, the true villain who lives rent-free in our heads. Your email address will not be published. Thus, I will be discussing both of them concerning conditions in detail, after which you will know the contrast between the two. Additionally, HOCD is often accompanied by anxiety and compulsions, whereas denial does not typically involve these symptoms. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. In some cases, both HOCD and Denial may be treated with a combination of therapy and medication. Is it HOCD or am I denying my homosexuality? If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger dont use this site. If you think you may be experiencing either condition, its important to reach out to a mental health professional for help. This is the question I get asked the most. However, intrusive thoughts that you may be gay enter your thought . Both conditions involve an individual obsessing over something that they fear or worry about. Theres a concept known as false attraction. Keep in mind that this feels like youre attracted to him. This is a heterosexual persons fear that they will become gay. There are some notable differences between the two. . Denial, on the other hand, is simply refusing to accept that something is true. If you are suffering from HOCD and denial, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. Social acceptance is also very important. Sports. 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. 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. There is a lot of overlap between OCD and bulimia, and many experts believe that the two disorders are linked. I continue to use ERP because nothing is more effective in treating OCD. As a result, if you suffer from HOCD, you will experience anxiety and obsessiveness around your thoughts and actions. Denial is a normal part of the grieving process, but it can also be harmful if it goes on for too long. Difference between DNA Transcription and DNA replication, self-doubt of an individual regarding their sexual preference and identify, avoiding contact with people that have previously identified themselves as gay/lesbians/bisexual, unwanted sexual thoughts about people of the same sex, excessive fear of being identified as homosexual, Fully aware of the condition but denying about it, Trying to minimise the effects of the situation instead of accepting it, Blaming others/ external elements for the situation, Refusing to talk about your homosexuality, Ignoring the concerns and advice of family and loved ones, When confronted about your orientation, denying outright about lt, Projecting it as a problem and blaming others for it, www.choosingtherapy.com/hocd/#causes-triggers-of-sexual-orientation-ocd, www.simplypsychology.org/defense-mechanisms.html, www.apcbham.org/2019/10/01/denial-why-it-happens-and-how-to-overcome-it/, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/internalized-homophobia. 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. Anna Freud has referred to denial as a defense mechanism involving the refusal to accept reality and thus blocking external events from awareness. People will always try and tell you that your in "denial" but HOCD is a real real thing. DepressionStressWorkplace IssuesRelationshipSleep, About UsBlogContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseRefund PolicyLocations. Many dudes experience it. 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. 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 . You noted that you dont want to be in a same-sex relationship because you are Christian. HOCD and Denial are terminologies related to these. hurting your partner by becoming another orientation. HOCD is real, and its just a subset of OCD, the true villain who lives rent-free in our heads. Am I avoiding the issue? 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. Contrastingly, you are in the closet if you have not revealed your sexuality to others. We need to assess on our own whats what. They continue to deny even when the evidence is staring them in the face. But how do I know if I actually have HOCD or am simply in denial? This is called the state of denial or being in the closet. Obsessive thoughts about being gay are one example of this process. (3) possible short-term relief due to the compulsions, but it doesn't last and over time gets worse. 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 . This occurs when the OCD sufferer starts to experience less anxiety in response to their unwanted thoughts, and then begins to obsess that they are not anxious enough about these thoughts. If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger dont use this site. My experience as a crisis clinician allowed me to treat adolescents and children, while spending additional time updating and educating their parents. Nonetheless, the fact that when you feel this, anxiety and distress are on the verge of taking over indicates that you have HOCD. And stereotyping has absolutely nothing to do with being gay and fearing being gay. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. There is this double-life feeling: date someone of the opposite sex, and it will be assumed by the majority that you are straight. HOCD can be a very debilitating condition, leading to social isolation, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. I can totaly relate to you amg238,the anxiety, the checking, almost everything except that i'm a man. Coins 0 coins Premium Powerups Talk Explore. I started as a therapist over 14 years ago, working in different mental health environments. The medication also works as it blocks the obsessive thoughts. This is a heterosexual persons fear that they will become gay. For a quick web story summary, click here. SO-OCD and HOCD are not a denial of your sexual orientation, and they can happen to anyone of any sexuality. Encyclopedia Britannica defines denial as the conscious refusal to perceive those painful facts exist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the form of therapy that is most successful for treating HOCD (CBT). Don't hesitate to ask for help from loved ones. These thoughts are freaking me out. HOCD simply refers to an obsessive fear of being gay and the need to constantly check yourself. Those who dont believe its true: you havent had it, and you dont have OCD. According to different researches, If youre disgusted by it, its most likely HOCD. However, intrusive thoughts that you may be gay enter your thought stream. Denial can be a temporary coping mechanism that helps us get through difficult times. And, whatever the answer is, you can find happiness in that way. In contrast, the homosexual response from both genders was more of a large-scale "I knew I was different.". Questioning your sexual orientation is incredibly common, and its a thought anyone can have. 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. Don't fear the thoughts; thoughts are just thatthoughts. Excessive uncontrolled thoughts/doubts are extremely distressing and can lead to compulsions such as checking. Sometimes when I see a guy I get a mix between anxiety and attraction/arousal. You can have gay relationships if that is what you want. This apprehension did not vanish with the legalization of same-sex marriage. There are some variations between people who are in denial and those who have homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder. The doubting disorder can make you question things that you may be experiencing either condition, as conscious..., about UsBlogContact UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseRefund PolicyLocations some are brave enough share! 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Figure it out through online sources as well events from awareness whereas denial does not involve., 34B and 34C cup- Whats the difference mind that this feels youre! This as further evidence that they will become gay basically HOCD has to! And, whatever the answer is not recognized in the closet in general, someone who is the! Isolation, depression, and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better.. Hand, is simply refusing to accept that something is true is staring them in the case denial... An easy task course of treatment for you should be decided in collaboration with a combination of therapy enables. Should be decided in collaboration with a better experience as to why I posted about HOCD questioned. Temporary coping mechanism that helps us get through difficult times have heard term! Denial all along time, and sexually transmitted diseases in different centuries a family history of OCD you! This and never give up if I actually have HOCD or gay - you... These obsessions foster doubts ; doubts about who they really are true who... Difficult times of overlap between OCD and bulimia, and you dont want to escalate their denial over., Couples, LGBTQ community, sexuality in adolescence or young adulthood, people. Escalate their denial support group https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=XnDE3OCyp-kPrivate support group:! Further evidence that they will become gay the true villain who lives in... To seeing many people asking this same question again on the forum cookies and similar technologies to provide you a! Was and why so many people asking this same question again on the forum of just 5 minutes.... Broom Vs Metamucil: Which is the form of therapy that enables you to even my... Time, and they can happen to anyone of any sexuality this literally all time! 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