Are my repeated homosexual thoughts because of obsessive compulsive disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

In grade six, I started thinking about marriage and sex, and as the time passed, I started thinking about my mother's marriage with another person and them having sex as my father was a harmful person. As the time passed, I would perceive men by their physical appearance, like having a mustache or clean shaved, and would imagine myself seeing them having sex. I would masturbate during such thoughts. Men I perceived as my father would give me a feeling of happiness when they were around me. This continued for five years. I perceived around 300 to 400 men as my father all these years. Also, in a hostel, I had sex three times with one of my friends. I also felt like having sex with my friends of the same gender. Later, I learned it is a homosexual act, and I want to get out of all this.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I understand your concern. You have an obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it; you should follow few guidelines to deal with it. It will help you. You should exercise 30 to 45 minutes daily, like at least going for a walk. You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, sit at one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to control your thoughts; just let them be. It will help you relax. You should eat healthy home-cooked foods and avoid junk foods. You must drink enough water. You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family. It would help if you spent time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills, language, or musical instruments. You should get at least three to four hours of sleep daily. You must avoid tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse. Live your life, do not just spend it. Be bold and confident. Do not be afraid of anyone. Stop overthinking. If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for four to six weeks, you need to consult your nearest psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and management.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.