Update: 20 years of HOCD

Hey folks,

I don't visit this site as much, however I still provide updates. HOCD hit me like a train in May 2006 upon completing my freshman year of university. I endured many mental blocks, but after seeking therapy I'm doing much better now than I was 10-20 years ago. I'm 39 and this type of OCD afflicted me at 19. I would avoid nice looking men and ruminate all day long if I was attracted to men and lost my attraction to women. Now, this has largely subsided with the occasional spike. It's a constant battle, but it's like my mind has gotten past this for the most part. Seek help and keep fighting.

Proud of you for diminishing your OCD! And also sorry it’s caused so much suffering for you over the years. Hope you can diminish it even further moving forward.

My experience has been largely the same, where over a very long period of time I was able to refuse to react to OCD spikes, which eventually lowered the fear response, and made the doubt & reassurance loops more rare.

Thank you both. I'm just now seeing this posts as I come on here every once in a while. I'll make a better effort of checking this forum. It's been a long 20 years, but I remained steadfast that HOCD was in my head. I should have consulted a therapist in 2006-2007, but I had limited funds and I was a hardheaded young man.

mc1 wrote:Thank you both. I'm just now seeing this posts as I come on here every once in a while. I'll make a better effort of checking this forum. It's been a long 20 years, but I remained steadfast that HOCD was in my head. I should have consulted a therapist in 2006-2007, but I had limited funds and I was a hardheaded young man.

We all wish to be recovered sooner and enjoy our youth again, that's relatable. I'm glad you've been doing better than before, I know OCD can be a pain in the a**, I've been there myself and I've also been doing greater than ever. Whatever happens, you have all the resources you can use to combat those symptoms.