What is the difference between HOCD and denial?
A form of OCD known as homosexual obsessive-compulsive disorder (HOCD) is characterized by recurrent, unwelcome worries about one’s sexual orientation. So it’s important to know the difference between HOCD and denial.
Even if they are straight and do not desire to be attracted to the same sex, people with HOCD may have obsessive thoughts about being gay or about being attracted to the same sex. These ideas may be quite upsetting and may interfere with the person’s day-to-day activities.
When something is too difficult to accept or goes against one’s ideas or ideals, denial is a coping method that entails rejecting or blotting it out. Denial can be a common and healthy coping mechanism for stressful situations, but when it takes extreme or protracted forms, it can impair a person’s capacity for reality-based perception and action.
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The difference between HOCD and denial
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. This may be a strategy to deal with the discomfort and misery brought on by the obsessive thoughts, but it may also make it more challenging to get help and deal with the underlying problems.
The difference between HOCD and denial or homosexuality must be made. Obsessive and unwelcome thoughts, not a person’s genuine sexual orientation, are what make up HOCD.
A mental health expert can support you and help you understand and control your thoughts and feelings if you are having persistent and unwelcome doubts about your sexual orientation.
How to get rid of HOCD permanently
HOCD or any other mental health issue cannot be “cured” entirely, in other words you can’t get rid of HOCD permanently. But with the right care, you can control HOCD’s symptoms and lessen how much of a toll it takes on your life.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the form of therapy that is most successful for treating HOCD (CBT). CBT is a form of therapy that enables you to recognize and alter harmful thought and behavior patterns. For those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders like HOCD, it can be especially beneficial. In CBT, you will collaborate with a therapist to pinpoint the unhelpful ideas and convictions that fuel your HOCD and challenge them, as well as to create coping mechanisms to deal with the intrusive thoughts and lessen anxiety.
The symptoms of HOCD may also be managed with the aid of medications. A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor is the sort of medicine used to treat OCD the most frequently (SSRI). Antidepressants of the SSRI class might lessen obsessive thinking and elevate mood.
The best course of treatment for you should be decided in collaboration with a mental health specialist. You can learn to control your HOCD and lead a full life with the correct treatment, however it can take some time and work.