Do I have OCD or is this just a bad case of anxiety?

Hi all,

Here is my story and I was hoping some of you could give me some advice as to whether you think this might be a form of OCD or just a bad case of anxiety and worrying about nothing.

I'm a 30 year old male, no history or any previous obsessions. This particular concern flared up about 2 mths ago and really scared me.

I was looking at a bit too much porn and going to mass at the same time. Anyway it was hard to have all those graphic images in my head and at the same time looking at the virgin mary and I got really worried that I was doing something bad to her or that this was in some way a fantasy which of course it wasn't because the very thought was enough to put me off.

It's irrational and to be honest I had no clue at the time as to why or what was going on. However, as I was in such a panic about this it spread like wildfire through every possible aspect of my life, to my family, children and most recently I picked up something on the TV about beastality and even begun to worry about that.

I have been sick to the pit of my stomach by this stuff so much so that I have started anti-depressents and signed out of work for a week or two.

None of this stuff ever ever bothered me before so I know its not real but none the less it is very very unplesent stuff and nothing I want to be thinking about.

Can anyone tell me if I have just got myself into a right knot and its nothing or do you think its symptomatic of OCD. I dont have any compulsions at all, just the thoughts that have come and worried me.

Thanks,
Johnnylad

Hi Johnnylad,
I'm not a psychologist or doctor, but I don't think you have OCD, just a little axiety maybe over your conflicting morals. That sentence you wrote about "I was thinking about porn and going to mass at the same time" really gave me a chuckle (thanks). Porn is a tricky subject and stirs many opinions. Some will say it's sick and others think it's okay as long as you stick within reasonable boundaries. Meaning not viewing abhorant sites which feature children, animals or violence. Also one has to be careful not to become addicted or let it replace sex with your partner. I also think it always paints an unrealistic picture of what real loving sex is. Another thing that can happen is the person can become desensitized to regular sex, so when he goes to have it with his wife he may no longer find that level of sex appealing anymore.
If you are just viewing regular porn and it's not interfering with your relationship, then I don't see the harm. But you should stay away from those disgusting sites, because they can leave disturbing images in your mind. As far as the thoughts - try not to worry about them - if they come just let them and don't get upset. If you get upset, then your mind will just make them more intense. Try doing some deep breathing exercises and hopefully they'll slowly go away. Maybe you shouldn't view it until you feel better and stick with just the milder sites. I saw Oprah a couple weaks ago and it's disgusting to think some people are into the more sick behavior. I don't think you have OCD. Feel better soon.

Hi Lynn P,

Thanks a million for your reply. I'm happy to say the sites I was looking at were regular garden variety and I do agree with you that those other sites involving violance, animals and children are disturbing.

To be honest before this happened a few months ago its not something I ever worried about or thought about then all of a sudden I let one worry in and the whole lot came in after. I literally have been worried sick for 2 months about what was happening but I made a big issue I think where I probably did not need to. I'm just trying to relax now and realise I am none of those things.

Thanks again,
Johnnylad

Hi. I agree with Lynn. It sounds like alot of anxiety. Especailly with your conflicting morals