http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories It's Time to Act. OCD Action provides support and information for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:58:52 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/search.php http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-66670 Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:26:31 +0000 bethany 66670@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you Wannabe and Tess. I do actually believe I have done the right thing. For twenty years, I’ve been instructed to battle on and face my fears. If anything I was worse at the end of this time. Sometimes I think we should follow our gut instincts and I truly wish I’d done so years ago. I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-66412 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:47:09 +0000 wannabefree 66412@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi BT, hopefully things will now improve for you now that you haven't got the stress of your old job anymore... A good break should see dividends... Take time for doing the things you enjoy...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-66411 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:44:21 +0000 Tess 66411@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi BT<br /> I don't know whether comiserations or congratulations are appropriate here but don't think of it as admitting defeat, it is just a new page in the chapter of your life. I did the same thing many years ago and exchanged money and stress for time and a better quality of life and I have never regretted it. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-66408 Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:26:36 +0000 bethany 66408@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>The OCD devil is indeed clever, inventive and damn <strong>persistent</strong>! I have just quit my job. I have been ‘exposing’ myself to my fears for so many years now, but I give up the battle and admit defeat. I’m taking the easy option and will report whether the symptoms improve (I don’t feel they could get much worse, but who knows?!). </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-66195 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:20:26 +0000 Wombat140 66195@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I know, sometimes it seems as if OCD fights back on purpose! I suppose in a way, according to some theories, it really does. If this is your brain's reaction to something it's become programmed to treat as a danger (which is what I've often seen suggested), then presumably getting off the subject, for any reason at all, would be slacking! So it would make sense for it to use any means, however devious, of keeping up the fight. If ONLY there was some way of just telling it it'd made a mistake! </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-66192 Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:38:38 +0000 enya 66192@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hey everyone it's Lavender &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Sorry I haven't been on in a while. I lost my old email address and had to re-register. I hope everyone's doing alright. I just wanted to say that yes, I do have problems cuddling children. Most of the time, I practice 'mindfulness' so I'm aware of what I'm doing [and what they're doing] the whole time we're cuddling...so I won't worry and obsess about it afterwards [although I sometimes still do]. </p> <p>I also obsess about things when I'm not cuddling...even teenage friends of my children. "Did I grab his bottom when he went through the door? Did I touch her boobs when she passed me just then?" You know, that sort of thing. Now this is ridiculous when you think about it, because if I did, they would SAY something...surely??? But then the OCD Devil becomes clever and inventive and says, "maybe they're too embarrased to say something, maybe they're frightened?"</p> <p>It ALWAYS has an answer......bloody thing. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-55908 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 11:27:14 +0000 bethany 55908@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Tess, thank you so much for your reply. I do think I have reached the stage now where I know I won't act on the thoughts, and that is a relief, because there was a time when I was sure that I would. I just feel so disgusted to think that a part of my brain might actually have these urges... </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/8#post-55847 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:34:31 +0000 Tess 55847@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi BT<br /> My interpretation of OCD is that the unwanted thoughts are a malfunction between the basal ganglia, the 'older' part of the brain which controls all the automatic functions which are necessary for our survival and the 'more evolved' frontal part which deals with things like conscience. I personally believe that fear drives our OCD, whilst we may feel disgusted by something like paedophilia that digust started out as a fear of terrible reprisals possibly fuelled by the media and it all gets messed up inside our heads. Whether the thoughts are 'real' is to my mind unimportant, they are not wanted, you are not responsible for them, you can't stop them happening by willpower and you will not act on them because they are alien to you.. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-55833 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:40:07 +0000 bethany 55833@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Has anyone recently read Lee Baer’s Imp of the Mind? I am getting myself in a right state over referrals to Freud’s id. I feel that Lee Baer is saying my sexual intrusive thoughts are real, and emanate from an ‘older’ part of my brain. He reassures us by quoting someone called Dr Carey Savage: “The very fact that they feel guilt and distress about having bad thoughts should reassure them that their orbital frontal cortex is doing its job. It is working properly to inhibit their thoughts and these urges, so they should have faith that they will not act on them.”</p> <p>I notice by reading this thread that I am not the only one distressed by the use of the word ‘urge’. Although Lee Baer and Dr Savage are assuring us that the more evolved part of our brains will act as a block on the thoughts, it alarms me to read that the thoughts are still real (if you know what I mean). I had been told that my thoughts began because they disgusted me, and that’s how OCD works. Lee Baer seems to have a different take on it, or am I (hopefully) just misreading all of this? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-54402 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:52:04 +0000 bethany 54402@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Tess, I am truly sorry for the way that came across. It makes no difference at all why you can't cuddle a child. In fact, I can possibly do more with my children than some with contamination fears can. It's just the secrecy, the utter disgust, and not being able to explain why I am the way I am. Again, not everyone (without OCD) would understand contamination fears either, I realise that. It's a hell of a condition whatever form it takes. </p> <p>By the way, the friend I mentioned on another thread who had to move house after facing quite extreme exposure therapy, had an abortion because she was too terrified of having a baby to care for. She remains childless because of her contamination fears. I do understand, truly, and I worded my message very badly. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-54384 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:09:45 +0000 Tess 54384@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi BT<br /> I sympathise but I don't believe it's any easier when you can't cuddle your own child because of contamination. And contamination can do equally terrible things to a parent/child relationship, there are some recent heartbreaking stories on this forum concerning restrictions imposed on children by a parent's contamination OCD. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-54370 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:46:43 +0000 bethany 54370@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I just wondered how many mothers or fathers are unable to cuddle their children because of fears and disgusting mental images. When you are afraid of contamination it is somehow easier to explain. How can I tell a small child why I can't touch him? I feel so sick and disgusted. In fact, how can I tell ANYONE why?! </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50930 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:17:59 +0000 Anonymous 50930@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Lavender, I think books and forums can be extremely helpful. In fact, far more helpful than a bad therapist! Of course, if we can find a good therapist so much the better.</p> <p>My son doesn’t fully understand all my OCD symptoms (my daughter does) but he is very much more tolerant than some of my friends’ children (I mean with their OCD, some of whom have disowned their mothers). My son’s wife is less sympathetic. But, the main reason for her attitude is my avoidance. I am so afraid of contaminating my grandchildren and, to some extent, I am afraid of a different contamination transferring from them to me. </p> <p>I would still prefer the obsessions I have now to the intrusive thoughts I had in the past. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50888 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:15:08 +0000 charleyfarley 50888@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Only self-help Tricia. Forums like this, youtube videos and books mainly. This is the only forum I have come across that has dealt with this particular area of OCD in such detail, where everything I've been [and currently am] suffering is shared so openly and honestly.</p> <p>I'm sorry to hear about your problems and I'm so sorry you're not in contact with your grandchildren. It's an evil thing and so debilitating in many areas of our lives. </p> <p>Do you not see your grandchildren through 'avoidance', or because your children don't understand your anxieties?</p> <p>No, nobody understands, so thank god for places like this where we can feel safe and not judged. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50881 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:48:13 +0000 Anonymous 50881@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I'm so very sorry to hear that, Lavender.</p> <p>The problem is, that if you had told your GP about your intrusive thoughts, years ago, or even a psychiatrist, it could have led to your children being taken from you (as you feared) because there was so little understanding about these OCD fears back then. Perhaps you did the right thing by keeping quiet. If only there had been online forums and the openness we have today, you would have at least realized you suffered from a very common condition and you were neither perverted nor cracking up.</p> <p>I wonder why you had an easier time with your fourth child and why it‘s reared its ugly head again? I also have grandchildren. I’ve not seen the eldest for eighteen months and the youngest (who is six months old) I’ve not seen at all. This is due to my OCD. People don’t realize what a wretched condition it is, do they? I managed to alienate my mother-in-law because of it and history is repeating itself with my daughter-in-law. </p> <p>Are you receiving any help now? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50879 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:25:55 +0000 charleyfarley 50879@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you Tricia. When my children were babies [I have 4 and my eldest daughter is 24 now] it was an absolute nightmare. I won't go into details, but let's just say I thought I was seriously cracking up....or some sort of weirdo. It was so bad, that I can't remember quite a lot of their childhood...although I know I was a good, loving mother. My mind seemed constantly to be in a whirl of obsessing, checking and ruminating...horrid, horrid, horrid.</p> <p>I was afraid to go to my doctor because I thought he wouldn't understand my symptoms and my children would be taken off me. Even I couldn't understand what was going on...so how the hell could he in my mind? I <em>did</em> confide in my husband once or twice [I couldn't tell him everything] and although he tried to assure me I was a good mother. It didn't help really.</p> <p>Funnily enough, I wasn't so bad on my fourth child, my son, and I was relatively 'Pure O' free for a number of years. However, it reared it's ugly head again when my grandchildren came along. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50878 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 15:07:32 +0000 Anonymous 50878@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Dear Lavender, I began this thread because I felt we needed to be far more open about this symptom. As you can see, there has been considerable response. However, the majority of people have actually chosen to send me PMs, so embarrassed are they by their symptoms, so the real number of sufferers, even on this forum, is far greater than indicated by the thread.</p> <p>I still believe that it is probably one of the most common forms of OCD. I have several friends with this awful symptom and only one has told her psychiatrist. I understand the reluctance people have and why they avoid confiding their obsessions, even in a psychiatrist. But, while we are so secretive about it, the true extent of the problem will remain hidden.</p> <p>I have encouraged people here to make contact with one another. Many have experienced enormous relief by doing so. </p> <p>Best wishes, Tricia. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50877 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:49:45 +0000 charleyfarley 50877@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi everyone &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>I'm so relieved I happened upon this thread/forum after googling a few key words. The subject matter is my very <strong>worst</strong> form of OCD...or 'Pure O' as I now understand it's called?</p> <p>My OCD centres around harming others [physically, emotionally, mentally and sexual inappropriateness] together wih an extreme sense of responsibility. I do the checking thing all the time; cookers, windows, doors, cards/letters [opening and re-opening], making sure my purse/passports are in my bag etc. It got so bad at one point, that I changed my gas cooker for an electric one and I no longer send Christmas cards. That has helped me tremendously...at least there's 2 things I no longer have to obsess about.</p> <p><strong>Lauren</strong> ~ I could have written your story myself. You and I sound as if we've come out of the same mould.</p> <p>My obsessions are so bad on ocassion, that I don't even have the intrusive 'thoughts' sometimes....I just get the unsettling 'feeling' that I've <strong>done</strong> something I shouldn't have [something sexually inappropriate usually]. I then invent things in my mind to correspond what that 'thing' could possibly be. I can't 'remember' these events, however, but when you're visualising an 'imagined' scenario 30 times a day, it's hard to differentiate between reality and fabrication.</p> <p>It worries me greatly how these unsettling 'feelings' will just crop up without the intrusive thoughts preceeding them. Then I realised something...'triggers'. A link/signal in my brain is warning 'danger' during certain situations: Being <em>alone</em> with a child and no 'witnesses' [sometimes an adult too], being drunk and not remembering everything, or nodding off to sleep unexpectedly in front of the TV, when there are children and/or people around...again not remembering everything and losing track of time.</p> <p>It's horrible. In the case of me falling asleep unexpectedly, I'll wake up with a start, shaking and not knowing where the hell I am, or what's happened. Sometimes when I fall asleep, I don't even <em>realise</em> I've fallen asleep and again wonder why the hell I can't remember the programme changing etc, etc.</p> <p>This thread has given me great comfort and reassurance...I thought it was only me that had these experiences. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50502 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:46:00 +0000 Anonymous 50502@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Giles, I wasn't either and others here have said they are the same. I have known you for some while and at no time did I ever think you fitted into the category you are referring to. It has always been obvious that you have OCD. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50487 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:11:29 +0000 Gigolo 50487@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hmmm, this thread has been a little odd for me, because of my problems, and makes me believe that I fall under the category under the television program, because I'm not attracted to men/women. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50481 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:05:52 +0000 Anonymous 50481@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Dear Saefran, Just to go straight to your last question. This is totally out of my league. I do know that it’s possible for a person with OCD to be a paedophile, but I‘ve never met anyone who has/is both. Some paedophiles have consciences and are aware that anything they did to a child would have devastating and long-term effects. What percentage of people who are attracted to young girls (or boys) can resist touching them all their lives, I truly don’t know. I would imagine being in close proximity must make it very difficult for them to resist touching the child. I would liken it to an alcoholic with a bottle of whisky in the house all the time, but I might be totally wrong. If your boyfriend has this attraction, I’m not sure there is any ‘cure’ for it. It is not regarded as an illness, but a sexual preference (albeit a deviant one in our modern society). </p> <p>If the hardcore stuff truly disgusts him, I wouldn’t think he is a sex addict. However, maybe he is disgusted because he feels attraction, and knows this is unacceptable. I watched a programme about paedophiles and was surprised that I actually liked some of them, they were nice people, fighting against their sexuality which they knew was totally inappropriate. They were the ones who felt disgust, but they also admitted to feeling attraction.</p> <p>You wrote that your boyfriend has said how pretty the young child was who stayed with him. I know many people who have passed similar remarks about young girls and no-one would think this worrying. Young children are very pretty. Times have changed, of course, and there is more concern now about innocent remarks and actions. I know my daughter (in her twenties) raised an eyebrow at the Maurice Chevalier song ‘Thank Heaven for Little Girls’. When I was her age I never thought anything of it!</p> <p>The problem is, OCD is one of the biggest liars on Earth. It convinced me I’d cheated on my husband, when I had been near no other man. It makes those with paedophilia symptoms really believe they feel attraction for children when they do not. Some are convinced they might commit a terrible sexual act on a child, others develop false memories and believe they already have. </p> <p>All I can say is that your boyfriend seems like a nice man. If he hasn’t received any counselling or therapy, this might help both of you to determine what is really going on. I think you also need to speak to a professional, because this really does need to be explored before you consider adopting a child. If you have serious doubts, then you’d never be comfortable leaving a young girl in his care. You would probably even worry about him bathing her or putting her to bed…</p> <p>I honestly know so little about men who are actually attracted to young girls (people on this thread just fear they are). I reason that many heterosexual men live celibate lives and are no risk to adult females alone in their company. I don’t see why a man who feels attraction for a girl cannot resist this. However, I would be greatly disturbed if I knew my husband had found my daughter sexually attractive when she was young, even if he had managed to resist touching her at all. What I am saying is, even if I trusted a man 100% not to touch a child, I could not be happy in a relationship knowing he had these desires. Do consider very carefully whether you could live like that. If you feel like me, and your love for this man is strong enough, it might be better not to adopt any children. If, on the other hand, he has OCD and is not actually attracted to girls at all, that is very different. This is where you both desperately need professional guidance (preferably with a psychologist who is knowledgeable about paedophilia OCD).</p> <p>As much as actual paedophiles are reviled by society (and quite rightly so when they so much as touch a child) I do have some sympathy with their sexuality. They did not choose to be the way they are. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50476 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:16:28 +0000 saefran 50476@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you for writing back. </p> <p>He looks at images on the internet of young girls. He says that he only looks at the no nude models and says that the hardcore stuff disgusts him. I do not know how frequently he does this, as we do not live together. He has actually had a young female child living with him and swears that he never touched her, but has told me numerous times how pretty she was. I do not know if he is OCD and/or a sex addict. I kinda believe that it is both. I have already told him that I would not allow the adoption of a girl for fear he may harm her. He does not get mad at me for saying this, but repeatedly tells me he would never do something like that. His rationalization is that it would hurt the child for her entire life and that he does not want to go to prison. Is it more likely that he might try something with a child that is living in his household or would she be safe? I realize that you can't know for sure since you do not know him, but in general and in your opinion?? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50455 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:12:07 +0000 Anonymous 50455@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hello Saefran, Of course you are not overstepping any boundaries, you are most welcome here!</p> <p>Can you elaborate on ‘He swears he would never harm a child, but does use the internet’?</p> <p>People with paedophilia OCD might be tempted to look at illegal images online, to try to convince themselves that they find such pictures disgusting. Do you mean your boyfriend is doing this?</p> <p>Not all actual paedophiles carry out sexual acts on children (some do have consciences) and this is something I reluctantly mention on this thread, because many with OCD feel all paedophiles act out their desires and this confirms that they themselves are not paedophiles, just OCD sufferers who obsess that they are.</p> <p>Sadly, even a few professionals make mistakes when diagnosing, because some are quite ignorant about paedophilia OCD. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50438 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:43:36 +0000 saefran 50438@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I am so happy to find this thread. I am not OCD and hope that I am not over-stepping any boundaries by posting here. I am dating a man that has told me that he has sexual thoughts about children and is very ashamed about it. He swears he would never harm a child, but does use the internet. I can't have babies and we have discussed adoption. I worry about having a little girl with him, but he says that boys drive him crazy and he wants a girl. I am sad that everyone on here struggles so much with their thoughts of sexual deviation, but am comforted to hear that you all also feel that you would never harm a child. I love him and want to be supportive. If anyone could talk to me about what is probably my irrational fears--I would soooooo appreciate it. I really, really love him and am not planning to leave him! I hope to marry him one day. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50155 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:01:50 +0000 Anonymous 50155@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Davy, Are you taking any medication?</p> <p>I also felt the hopelessness you describe, I think so many of us with intrusive thoughts do experience this. </p> <p>The guilt is common, too. I don’t want to repeat my past history with sexual intrusive thoughts, because I’ve written them down here and I will bore those who have read them before, but it is possible to come through this, even though it feels hopeless when we are overwhelmed by the OCD.</p> <p>Tricia x </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50154 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:47:39 +0000 davidd 50154@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thank you for your replies. I think of something and it can make me feel better for a short time, but then after a while, I go back to feeling how I did.</p> <p>I just feel like something I said to myself before, or a guilty feeling I had, is all linked to this and it is so difficult to move on. I feel like I'm bringing down the people close to me and my gf is due to do away in less than 2 weeks, but she is not feeling too excited about going, as she is worried about me. </p> <p>I find it really difficult when people say it's just your ocd, when I feel so much guilt and doubt. Do others feel like this.</p> <p>My mum says you cant change what's in your past and you should try and make new and better memories and try and move on, but I am finding this so difficult and all I feel like I want to do is confess. </p> <p>At the moment, I can't see any way out and this is worrying me, because all I see is greyness and I dread going to sleep at night, because I dread waking up in the morning.</p> <p>This is the worst I have ever felt and I just feel like there are no answers. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50088 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:01:01 +0000 eclipse 50088@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Davy,</p> <p>Yes it is possible to have thoughts and come back to them. I have had similar thoughts to you, which I know can absolutely destroy you, but the fact that you are worrying about it shows that you would NOT do it because people who do don't think like we do. And, you wouldn't be telling anybody about it on here I am sure. You can always PM me if you want to talk , as I suffer from the same symptoms and would be happy to talk. Take care &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50018 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:03:41 +0000 Anonymous 50018@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I’m not sure if we have spoken of this before on this thread. I know dreams have been mentioned in connection with other symptoms.</p> <p>OCD has always followed me in sleep and dreams have often been even more distressing than the waking obsessions. For anyone who worries that their dreams are a reflection of themselves, their real desires etc, please rest assured that is not the case.</p> <p>I dream of wallowing in ten feet high dung heaps (Not my favourite pastime, by the way). Previously, when my intrusive thoughts were of a very different nature, I dreamt of my husband with other women. The difference between my dreams and the dreams of someone with the kinds of sexual obsessions we are mainly talking about here, is that I know the manure disgusts me, likewise the images of other women. Had this not been the case, I am sure I would have believed my true self was taking over in sleep and that such images, however much my conscious mind felt revulsion, were somehow gratifying. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50012 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:28:03 +0000 truddles 50012@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi David,</p> <p>Welcome to the forum &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_biggrin.gif&quot; title=&quot;:D&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>I don't personally have this type of OCD so can't give much help but there are others that will be able to help as they have experience of this.<br /> Have you been to your GP to ask for help with this. He could refer you to an appropriate professional for an assessment so that you can access treatment.<br /> If you go to <a href="http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/resources/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-info/resources/</a> you will find more information on getting treatment.<br /> You can also click on <em>support and info</em> at the top of the page to find out more info on OCD.<br /> In the meantime you can use the forum to get help and support from others. We're a friendly bunch and do our best to help each other.</p> <p>Best wishes<br /> Trudy </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/intrusive-sexual-thoughts-and-false-memories/page/7#post-50011 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:26:34 +0000 Anonymous 50011@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Davy, It's more than possible, it happens frequently to so many of us. </p> <p>It's very good to hear how supportive your mum and girlfriend are, but are you getting any professional help?</p> <p>Would it help to talk about those past images which seem so real? I know the nature of this obsession makes it very hard to talk about. If you think it might help I'm quite prepared to listen.</p> <p>Confiding in another person made the world of difference to me. If you don't feel able to go into too much detail here, you can always send me a PM.</p> <p>Tricia x </p>