[Overcoming OCD]

TRIGGER WARNING.

Hello. I've been dealing with POCD for a while now, and was hospitalized three times over the summer. My therapist has told me repeatedly that I'm not a pedophile, and I've been told by multiple professionals that I'm not dangerous.

But I have a question... Is it normal to have thoughts about "just giving in to it"? I NEVER would. I would NEVER harm anyone especially a child. I get those sorts of "giving up" thoughts though, and sometimes I'm worried I'll just decide I'm okay with being a monster, and then it feels like it's starting to happen- I'll feel a moment of relief and a thought like, "I'm okay with this now" before catching myself and being like, NO, I am NOT OKAY with it. But the moments of "actual consideration" and/or relief really scare me. I'm worried some day my fear will come true.

Is it normal to have moments when you "consider" doing bad things/giving in? That doesn't mean you will, right? I NEVER want to!!!! EVER. Please help!

I think that you need to keep pushing on your docs to help you overcome and banish these intrusive thoughts that you have. While I am sure you know that you will never act, the thoughts cannot be pleasant. And no its not normal to have those thoughts. They are intrusive and compulsive thoughts and you need to work on finding a way to keep them out.

[Overcoming OCD]

Thanks Choas.

I know that my thoughts aren't normal, but I meant are they normal for severe cases of POCD?

[Overcoming OCD]

I'm freaking out- someone please respond?????

[Buffala]

I was Dx OCD in 2008 and with therapy and medication I'm in remission.

Your intrusive thoughts are just thoughts, even if they are alarming due to the content.

Are you asking if it's "normal" for someone with OCD to have thoughts similar to those which you mentioned in your post?

[Swaggyfishsticks]

I've gone through this. Right now I have thoughts of killing people, and the same doubts you do. See if you can do exposure and response prevention therapy. I wish I could try that, but I can't, so i can't tell you if it works or not.

[Overcoming OCD]

Thanks! I hope your situation gets better soon.

[freespirit37]

This might help: Pedophile OCD (POCD) | Louisville OCD Clinic

[crustypie]

Yes, it's normal to have worries about giving into the thing you worry about -- that's a central part of obsession. You're obsessing about obsessing.

I have had the same thoughts, but about hurting an animal. It's the worst thing possible, for me, so I will fear I will just compulsively do it. The thoughts are rare for me -- I'm lucky that way -- but for many people such things are intrusive and constant.

You're OK, friend. You'll be OK. If your best-self knows you won't hurt anyone, you won't. Listen to your best self.