What is Sexual Orientation OCD?
By : Katherine Pica LCSW
Have you ever questioned if you’re going for the right people or are in the right type of relationship? Maybe you’re entirely single and wondering if you’re going after the right person. Or maybe you’re in a committed relationship and want to make sure that your person is, in fact, your person.
Maybe you’ve watched a TV show or a movie and were surprised by the character you were attracted to. Or maybe you saw someone while you were walking around town or at your local gym that caught your eye. You liked their look and thought they were attractive. Now, you’re wondering if you’re still in love with your partner or if you like a different gender altogether.
If you find yourself contemplating or perseverating on trying to figure out who you are attracted to, you might be experiencing sexual orientation OCD.
What is Sexual Orientation OCD?
This is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that involves intrusive thoughts and compulsions around a person’s sexual orientation. Individuals struggling with sexual orientation OCD may have fears about their sexual orientation. They may constantly wonder if they have a different sexual orientation than they initially thought. For example, someone who is straight may question if they’re gay and vice versa.
Common Obsessions OCD
Sexual orientation plays a big role in someone’s life. Because of that, it can be an easy factor to stress over. Whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual, or queer, the obsessions will look similar across the board.
Straight people may wonder if they’re actually gay, and gay people may question if they’re straight. They may question if they’re a different sexual orientation and just don’t know it yet. If they watch a movie and think an actor or actress of the same sex is attractive, they may question why they think that way. Straight, religious individuals may start to think about their religious community and their thoughts and actions toward the news of them being gay.
Individuals in relationships may even question if they’re in love with their partner or are with the right person. They may even question if they’re lying to themselves and their partner.
Common Compulsions OCD
The compulsions of sexual orientation OCD are very similar to other types of obsessive-compulsive disorder. These are some of the most common compulsions of sexual orientation OCD:
Avoidance: A person experiencing sexual orientation OCD may try to actively avoid people or places that may trigger their intrusive thoughts. For example, they may avoid hanging out with their friends if they feel closer to their friends than their partner in their relationship. They also may avoid going to the gym if they think other gymgoers are attractive to them. They may even avoid watching certain television shows or movies for fear that they’ll think an actor or actress will trigger their intrusive thoughts.
Checking : Checking in with self or body part to see if they feel the person is attractive
Compulsive Dating: Someone dealing with this type of OCD may try to compulsively date as a way to reassure themselves. By going on dates, they’ll be able to calm their intrusive thoughts by forcing themselves to be with the “right” kind of person.
Mental Review: The mental review can cause individuals to spiral with reviewing and questioning their past actions and thoughts. They may think about people they liked in the past, like in high school or college. Replaying memories or moments are very common with sexual orientation OCD.
Repeating Statements: As a way to temporarily relieve their anxiety, statements may be repeated almost in a ritualistic way. For example, an individual who is gay may say “I am not straight” 20 times whenever they experience a thought that differs from their mantra.
Seeking Reassurance: Another compulsion of sexual orientation OCD is constantly seeking reassurance. For example, someone experiencing these intrusive thoughts may reach out to loved ones like family and friends to see what they think their sexual orientation is.
How to Get OCD Therapy in San Diego, C A
Just like any other type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, you aren’t alone, and help is available to you. No matter how you identify or what your sexual orientation is, everything will be okay.
Love is love. Start with loving yourself first. If you need help with any OCD symptoms you may be experiencing, reach out to us today to set up a consultation.
How to find an OCD Treatment
When working with an OCD therapist it’s important to ask them how they deal with your subtype. We have worked with and have specialized training for OCD and more specifically how to deal with so many different types of OCD including sexual orientation OCD. We have many overcome their struggle with sexual orientation OCD and we would love to help you too.
San Diego OCD treatment near me
As OCD therapists we teach people tools and skills to better mange their OCD symptoms. There is so much freedom in this! If you are looking for help with OCD we are here to help. We have helped many overcome OCD hold on their life. Contact us today!
About the Author: Katherine Pica OCD Therapist - San Diego, CA
Katherine Pica is the owner and director of Resilience Counseling. She supervises and trains all the therapists at Resilience Counseling. She has been practicing since 2007 for over 17 years! Trained in ERP and ACT for OCD and EMDR for Trauma. Katherine brings all her years of experience working with OCD to you. We are available in San Diego, CA in person and all over California for virtual therapy. Reach out today!
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Disclaimer : The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional and or medical advice, diagnosis, and or treatment. It is important to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health and/or medical condition. Never disregard any professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Resilience Counseling website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 or local emergency number immediately.
