Feeling Aroused by "Bad" Thoughts - What does it mean?

First, if you have looked into this title, I want to let you know a few things:

• You are okay.

• You are not a bad person.

• You are not dangerous.

• You are normal.

• You are not alone.

This is a very normal experience for those with OCD and intrusive thoughts.

“Groinal response” is the term used to describe any reaction felt in the privates after having an intrusive thought.

This could be a tingle, swelling, pulsing, movement, full arousal, and even unwanted orgasms.

Groinal responses can be SO DISTRESSING to sufferers because OCD takes them to mean that you are a deviant or a pedophile or gay or [insert OCD fear here].

But this is not the case.

Arousal is not more meaningful than any other bodily sensation.

Our bodies react to what is ‘sexually relevant’, not just what we are attracted to/deem morally appropriate.

Example: POCD thoughts about ‘Am I attracted to that child?’ and then the person feels aroused.

OCD wants to use this as proof.

But actually, your brain just hears you thinking about something vaguely in the realm of sex, & is like "Hey, genitals! Did you hear that? They might need ya soon. Pay attention.’"

It is totally normal for our brains to make these connections.

Our brains do not discriminate between what we think is okay to be aroused by and what we think is morally vile.

Our brain hears sex & it gets the body to pay attention in case we need those parts.

Sometimes the compulsions can compound the fear around the arousal. Compulsions can include things like avoidance, distracting, etc.

But they can also include mentally or physically checking, touching, masturbating, etc.

Back to the example:

I had a POCD thought about being attracted to a child, then had a groinal response.

As a compulsion, I masturbated to 'check' if I am really attracted/really a pedophile/[insert OCD thought here].

OCD now says "Only a true pedophile [r*pist/homosexual/deviant/whatever OCD is scared you are] would do that. This is proof. This means you're a pedophile."

And then often we move into another loop of compulsions to manage the terror.

This is OCD.

This is the OCD that the media doesn't portray because it is not the '''quirky''' symptoms so many want to associate with the mental illness.

OCD is horrific. It goes after what you love and care about the most. And makes you terrified that you are a monster.

Every move you make, OCD takes it as meaningful.

Which is why groinal responses and their associated compulsions are so debilitating and distressing.

However, it is just OCD.

It is not a testament to your values, your character, or anything else.

So if you, like many of us, experience arousal along with your intrusive thoughts:

It's okay.

And as much as OCD will try to convince you otherwise:

It doesn't mean anything.

It is not dangerous.

It is normal.

It's nothing to worry about.

It's okay.

If you are struggling with OCD, you deserve help.

It is okay to tell your OCD therapist about your groinal responses and compulsions that follow. They have heard it all before.

You are strong & you can win against OCD.

You got this. ✨

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Note: If you feel like you are struggling with these things to a degree that is affecting your life, it may be time to see a mental health professional, if you are not already!If you are in crisis, call 911, the Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255), or text Crisis Text Line (text ‘Help’ to 741-741).

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Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute as therapy.